At the IBC trade show, Avid announced major changes that will make Pro Tools more affordable, and allow users more flexibility in configuring their systems and integrating third-party interfaces. You can now purchase Pro Tools HD software standalone, with no hardware. This gives you access to the full complement of Pro Tools HD features, even when running without Avid hardware. There is now an upgrade available for current owners of Pro Tools software to go to Pro Tools HD software, which adds the full complement of Pro Tools HD features. Avid’s cards, I/Os and software are now available separately, so you no longer have to purchase Pro Tools as a bundled system. This makes it much easier (and more affordable) to configure a Pro Tools system using compatible third-party audio interfaces connected to an Avid HD or HD Native card. Prices have dropped dramatically on Avid’s HDX and HD Native hardware, making it more affordable than ever to get into the Pro Tools system of your dreams! Avid also announced Pro Tools 12.6 at IBC; our own Mitch Gallagher posted a preview of the new features last week. http://www.sweetwater.com/insync/first-look-avid-pro-tools-12-6/