Pro Tools/digidesign question

[marcher5877]

Currently I am running ProTools LE with a digidesign 002. When I unplug the mixer ProTools will not open.

Is there anything I can do to open ProTools without the hardware?

If I buy an Mbox can I plug that in, and open ProTools files that were made with the Digidesign?

Is there a different ProTools that would allow me to open and listen/mix a ProTools session without the digidesing 002 hardware?

Thanks!

[Zero Point]

You cannot start ProTools LE without a Digidesign device connected to your computer. It's their copy protection scheme.

An MBox would allow you to do mixing however, you will be limited to I think it is is 48Khz in your project settings because the cheaper Mbox devices cannot play back 96Khz audio.

ProTools is a hardware solution that just so happens to have software :)

-Z

[Denyle_Guitars]

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Mbox2Micro/

[mccreadyisgod]

The MBox 2 Micro is a hardware piece specifically designed for this. It's basically a USB passkey with a headphone amp.

Then again, for a few more bux, you can get an MBox Mini with a few ins and outs.

But it is not possible to run ProTools LE without DigiDesign hardware. If it was, then people could just pirate the software and use any other (probably superior) hardware interface. I hate the complication, but I have to admit, it's a good business model for them. It's not too different from the early Mac OS vs. Windows debate... Mac kept their hardware and software as a package deal, where Microsoft did just the software and let everyone else do the hardware. You can use Cubase with a paperclip and chewing gum, but you need a $250 USB key for ProTools.

[Zero Point]

Also that MBox 2 Micro?

"High-quality sound up to 24-bit, 48 kHz (higher sample rates require pre-conversion)"

You won't be able to load your 24/96 projects with it.

-R

[Somniferous]

It would be nice of them to have them put a serial number on an iLok or something, but hey they want you to buy their gear. What really sucks is that I am so used to using PT, that everything else seems weird (granted I'm still getting used to v8)