Avid doesn’t always update Pro Tools First when they release a Pro Tools update. However, after the dust has settled following the release on Pro Tools 2020.9 for Vanilla and Ultimate users, it transpires that Avid has also released Pro Tools First 2020.9 which adds macOS Catalina and Ableton Link support to the free version of Avid’s DAW software.

Pro Tools First 2020.9 New Features

Ableton Link Support

Ableton Link is a synchronisation tool from Ableton that keeps any Link-enabled applications in time over a local network. With Pro Tools 2020.9 Ableton Link is now supported.

In case you haven’t come across Ableton Link, it synchronises musical beat, tempo, and start/stop commands across multiple applications and multiple devices. Applications across a local network can discover each other automatically even on different devices. You can set up a musical session in which each musician can perform independently and together.

Back in 2016, we wrote in an article asking whether we would welcome Ableton Link in Pro Tools:

“If Audio over IP (AoIP) can change working practices and move multitrack audio onto IP networks as quickly as it has then moving MIDI beat clock onto WiFi networks seems trivially simple but so attractive”.

We’re now going to get the opportunity to try it for ourselves in Pro Tools.

macOS Catalina Support For Pro Tools First

With the release of Pro Tools First 2020.9 Avid’s free DAW software now supports macOS Catalina, the current version of Apple’s operating system.

Here are the complete System Requirements and Compatibility with Pro Tools First Software versions 2020.9

For optimal performance and reliability, Avid recommends that your computer or laptop meets the following system requirements.

Mac:

• Intel® Mac with macOS High Sierra (10.13.6), or macOS Mojave (10.14.5), or macOS Catalina (10.15.6).

• Note: OS X 10.15.4 is NOT qualified, find out more.

• Intel® i5 processor or higher

• 4GB RAM (8GB or more recommended)

• Minimum 1280 Horizontal Monitor Resolution

• Internet connection for installation

• Minimum of 15GB disk space for installation

• USB-port, FireWire-port or Thunderbolt-port for CoreAudio-supported audio device

• Supports Marketplace in-app purchased AAX plug-ins in Pro Tools | First

• PACE hard disk authorization (no iLok required)

Windows:

• Intel® PC with Windows 10 (build 1909 only)

• Note: Windows 8.1 and previous are no longer tested or supported with Pro Tools First

• Intel® i5 processor or higher

• 4GB RAM (8GB or more recommended)

• Minimum 1280 Horizontal Monitor Resolution

• Internet connection for installation

• Minimum of 15GB disk space for installation

• USB-port or FireWire-port for ASIO-supported audio device OR install ASIO4ALL to use Pro Tools First with your PC's built-in audio I/O

• Supports Marketplace in-app purchased AAX plug-ins in Pro Tools | First

• PACE hard disk authorization (no iLok required)

Windows 10 Only

For Windows users, it is also worth noting that Pro Tools First has only been supported for use on Windows 10 since the 2019.5 release back in May 2019. For Windows 8. support you have to go back to the 2018.7 release.

Pro Tools First Basics Free Tutorials