I just wrapped up production on my latest project (https://cosmicseam.bandcamp.com) and really noticed my trusty PT 8 wasn't cutting the mustard. The production sounded good, but I finally decided now was the time. I debated whether buying new hardware and interface would be the best solution, but it came with a price tag I just can't afford. I am after all just a 'kitchen studio' writing and recording songs for the pure love of it.
Free 99.99 was the goal and last night I succeeded! So the Achilles heal to this is the driver for the Mbox. If you're not careful you will BSOD your Windows 10. I'm currently on 2004. I did a scratch install of Protools First on a laptop with Windows 10 1903 and it worked and the Windows Update surprisingly found the driver. However on a anything newer than 1903 there's a major issue with the driver.
So "robertomurta" in the Avid forums found a work around to install a specific driver set with instructions here: https://duc.avid.com/showthread.php?p=2595552
Prior to finding this gem of a resource I managed to Blue Screen my newer PC 2x. Luckily I had created restore points prior to installing and was able to recover both times.
So a night of installing to my 'better' Windows 10 PC and I managed to fully jump from Protools 8 to Protools First. My first impressions on First is so far are really good. It's free 99.99! The new Expand 2 plugin samples are sounding awesome! I managed to get my old Radium 49 Keystation working flawlessly. The only thing missing from First is the Eleven Rack guitar amp simulators. But those weren't great in the old version, so using an Orange Micro with the headphone out seems to work nicely to give my guitar tracks a better sounding guitar amp.
