Pro Tools Perpetual Licenses ARE Back - But It's Confusing!

Perpetual Licenses for Pro Tools are back - but it's a bit confusing on how to actually get one! Let's discover how to get yourself a Pro Tools Perpetual License - either as an existing user looking to upgrade your version of Pro Tools, or as a new user just getting into Pro Tools as a DAW!
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[@alanmclean2713]

Hi Malcom. Finally a clear explanation of how to aquire a perpertual licence for Pro Tools. Like you I stopped my subscription after PT12 as I am a home studio hobbyist who uses DAWs for my own pleasure and education and does not make any money from this. Two years ago I opted for the Artist version and was happy to pay $99 per annum which expires in June 2023. I was thinking of renewing my perpetual licence from PT12 to the Studio version but I couldn't figure out how to do it. Now I can thanks to you. I bought Logic with the money I saved years ago when i cancelled my subscription to Avid. but now i can renew my perpetual licence for Pro Tools Studio thanks to your tutorial. Thanks again Malcom.

[@RabonaTV]

You're the man Malcom, thank you for all of your help!

[@malcomowenflood]

Cheers man!

[@malcomowenflood]

For anyone wanting to the see the video about AVID / Pro Tools recent perpetual license changes, here is a link to that! kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6KTd3p5oLZso7M ALSO: Pro Tools Upgrades are only eligible if you own V9 or newer (so V8 and previous are out of luck). Thanks for watching eh!

[@desguitaresetduson]

Well done ! Thanks for clarifying and hello from France...

[@malcomowenflood]

My pleasure!

[@alpineaudiovisualstream]

Totally agree. It is confusing.

[@gatosoul]

Great video, thank you for sharing, Still too expensive !! same prices as last year. They still don't get it.

[@malcomowenflood]

Thanks!

[@lamlo]

Great Video! I'm like you and have been updating the perpetual license for a few years now and just when I finally decided to stop the updates, they introduce the dolby engine in 2023.12 ....

[@malcomowenflood]

Thanks! And ya the Dolby engine is a cool feature, you’re right! I figure I can just subscribe for a month of the most recent Pro Tools if I need it for a mix though - we will see what new features are coming down the line though, a future update to my perpetual license could be in my future eventually!

[@DJBennyswift]

I had a perpetual license but somehow ended up in the monthly subscription which I don’t want anymore. I just want to have it and not pay monthly anymore. I’m going to watch the video again and try getting it soon. Thank you for the videos you post!

[@malcomowenflood]

You should be able to ditch the subscription now! Just check your products page in you avid account and as long as you see your old perpetual license there you should be good to grab an upgrade. Could always reach out to them if there is any uncertainty too!

[@DJBennyswift]

@@malcomowenflood will do that and change over asap!

[@malcomowenflood]

Just did some reading and only Pro Tools v9 and above are eligible for upgrade pricing (which to be fair is pretty long ago) - just wanted to share that!

[@DJBennyswift]

@@malcomowenflood oh ok, I had v11 and went to v12 and then it jumped to the 2020 versions and subscriptions…thank you so much!!!!

[@trakliteproductions]

yes me too Avid tricked me out of my perpetual and I left them at 2018

[@mannylocomeng]

I'm on that boat right now. I'm waiting for my license.

[@malcomowenflood]

Do you mean you're waiting for the Perpetual Licenses to be available on Pro Tools website, rather than a 3rd party website?

[@nygaardstudios]

Thanks for the info! Looks like they've already changed the payment options on their website - I see an option to buy a new perpetual license but no option to upgrade what I got... :(

[@nygaardstudios]

Well I just found a "Protools upgrade chart" at the perpetual license product page on Sweet Water... (Why am I finding answers to Avid products on a reseller site??) it's the same price for a new one as an upgrade!😭

[@BigHomieDJ]

I can’t even get it the student discount for full version because they mad it hard.

[@GatoPaint]

can I upgrade my Pro Tools Artist Perpetual license to a Studio Perpetual License? or I'd have to buy it all over again :( ?

[@malcomowenflood]

This is a great question and one that I actually couldn't seem to find an answer for. You may have to reach out directly to Avid Pro Tools sales support to see if there is anything they can do for you.

[@GatoPaint]

@@malcomowenfloodso basically there’s no upgrade path for perpetual license users… yikes 😂

[@lollipopidi9566]

Hey guys, Luna from UAD is totally free, why not use those money to buy some high-quality plugins or more ram in your macintosh???

[@blissfulhumanoid9536]

Great video! I just purchased a Protools Artist Perpetual License. I am wondering if I will get to keep my inner circle rewards, forever. Or, do I only get to use all of these rewards for one year until they expire. Thanks.

[@malcomowenflood]

Thanks! To try and answer your question about the Pro Tools Inner Circle perks - to the best of my knowledge they are only available during your Avid Annual Upgrade Plans lifespan - so unless you keep your upgrade plan active I believe the Pro Tools Inner Circle rewards will expire. Could be worth reaching out to Avid/Pro Tools user support for clarification though! Cheers!

[@blissfulhumanoid9536]

Thank you! I think you’re 100% correct. It is quite confusing as you pointed out. Should I assume the same is applicable with Melodyne essential? It too will expire within a year unless I renew the upgrade subscription?

[@malcomowenflood]

@@blissfulhumanoid9536 I believe that is also correct! But, (and this may have changed), I believe you can purchase an upgrade license from Melodyne from your included essentials subscription (they run great upgrade deals a few times a year) and then you will be perpetually set up with that license. Of course double check, before doing so, but if you're making good use of Melodyne it's definitely worth the upgrade!

[@blissfulhumanoid9536]

Got it thanks!

[@voteforprezii]

Thanks!

[@malcomowenflood]

You bet!

[@BrianStephensOfficial]

Buying a first time perpetual license through a retailer is one of those confusing things that has less to do with Avid and more to do with retailers that sell other Avid products (and of course, same goes for any music product manufacturer). Has to do with the contracts they have with retailers that carry their products and not having to compete with the manufacturer online for sales. Many of the music product companies have the same sort of deal with physical products (where sales of physical products on a manufacturer's website actually get routed through a regional dealer close to the buyer for the sale, distribution, and shipment of the product). What retailers ultimately don't want is for manufactures to ruin the B2B model that they've all operated under for decades and splinter off their on competing B2C pipeline, selling directly to consumers & circumventing the retailers. Doing this would allow a manufacturer to keep that extra profit over dealer cost for themselves or change their direct-to-customer pricing to undercut retailers' MAP, or minimum advertised price. (Eventually, that second thing would put every retailer out of business.) It's been a hot button topic for more than 15 years in the music merchant side of the industry.

[@malcomowenflood]

You obviously have a retail background! (I used to manage a Music Store way back myself). I think your theory makes a lot of sense, but it wasn’t that long ago that Pro Tools was offering perpetual licenses on their own website so I’m hopeful that they will update their website soon. If we don’t see Pro Tools Perpetuals available direct from Avid by the end of the year I’m gonna assume that you’re correct and that we should assume that they will continue to be pushing subscriptions only via their website. We will see!

[@themusicalmachine9413]

Just subscribed. I need to reset my Mac to factory settings. I have an ilok with protools. After resetting the Mac can I plug in the ilok and use protools again.?

[@malcomowenflood]

Appreciate that! Short answer is yes, you should have no problem continuing to use Pro Tools after you reset your Mac - but there could be some things to consider, so here is the long answer: So your Pro Tools Licenses (both perpetual and subscription) are stored either on your iLok or on your iLok Cloud (meaning you can open it on your device without an iLok, provided you're signed in with a iLok Cloud Session. So once you reset your Mac (and then of course reinstall Pro Tools via the Avid website), you should have no issue running Pro Tools at all. The only complication I could foresee is if you are updating your Mac at the same time, and if the computers OS is updated to something that isn't compatible with your version of Pro Tools, you may need to get current with Pro Tools to solve that. I don't really foresee this being an issue, but thought it was worth mentioning! So in summary, you should be all good - but you'll definitely end up spending some serious time reinstalling Pro Tools, iLok, all your plugins, and etc!

[@themusicalmachine9413]

@@malcomowenflood using ‘time machine’ with external hard drive to back up the laptop. Then I reset the laptop. Then I update the Mac to ‘Mac os Pierre 10.13 & up,’ so I can use trigger 2 with my drums!!!!aaahhhh!!!! The horror of this maze😂🤣😂🤣… I called apple and needed an upgrade from ‘Pierre 10.8ish, but ‘trigger 2 NEEDS HIGH PIERRE 10.13 AND UP!!! 😭the agony😱… He convinces me to get the max upgrade-which made protools not work. Now to down grade “we have to reset the laptop.” The pain is serious….Sooo, I’m checking my ilok stuff and backing this up to prepare for the BIG ERASE.😳. Then , again , only update to “High Pierre 10.13……” After all that-I can use protools with trigger 2. That’s what led me to you. You were chosen to help me here. IM DROWNIN!!! (Let me know if you take calls or something) let me know what you think of that 😂

[@malcomowenflood]

There might be an easier solution - as I’m running Trigger 2 on Pro Tools 2023 with Ventura 13.4 as my OS. You may just need to download an updated version of Trigger 2 to get it to work with your system!

[@alanmclean2713]

Hi again Malcom. "Pro Tools Studio Perpetual Annual - UPGRADE", This is the message i am getting at the checkout and I'm not sure if I'm getting the perpetual licence or just anothe subscription so I'm relectant to agree to the terms and conditions and make the purchase. The whole procedure is still so frustrating.. I still don't know what i'm paying for .

[@malcomowenflood]

That sounds like the correct version of pro tools perpetual to me Alan! It is a little confusing because of the word “annual” but that simply means that it comes with one year of free upgrades and their support program. After that year, you’d have to pay to upgrade to any of the future versions that come after that time (but via the same upgrade price, not the full perpetual price). I hope that helps! I do encourage you to try and reach out to Avids pre sale chat support (or Sweetwater’s! They have been very helpful for me in the past) to make absolutely sure! I hope this helps!

[@alanmclean2713]

Hi Malcom. You are completely correct. I have ticked the check box to authorise my credit card payment as you suggest and now my new software is available on my account page. I started using Pro tools 7 a long time ago when I bought the Digi 003 Interface which came with the Factory package but I have always found the whole experience intimidating and frustrating with all the hoops one has to jump through just to make and record some simple music. However ,as you say the software is great once you get it working. Many thanks again Malcom for all your help. Regards, Alan.@@malcomowenflood

[@malcomowenflood]

Super glad you got the Pro Tools website figured out Alan! Happy recording and mixing eh!

[@ZacharyKibbeeofficial]

Hi Malcom. I appreciate the help on this, but I'm still having an issue. Maybe you have some insight? What happens when you click on the Upgrade Now" button? for me, it just takes me to My Products page and then whenever I click to Renew Now or Buy Now it just reloads that same page. I had a Perpetual, switched to Studio subscription (against my will) and now I'd like to either get my Perpetual back or be done with Avid and PT forever! Thanks!

[@malcomowenflood]

Hey Zach, I'll do my best! What version of Pro Tools do you own a perpetual license for (should show in your Avid account under "My Products". Make sure you find the perpetual license, not the most recent subscription license in the My Products page.

[@ZacharyKibbeeofficial]

Hey man thanks for getting back to me. I had Pro Tools 2018.12.

[@ZacharyKibbeeofficial]

Hey man thanks for getting back to me. I had Pro Tools 2018.12.

[@ZacharyKibbeeofficial]

When I click the Buy Now button next to it for Studio, it just reloads that page.

[@malcomowenflood]

@@ZacharyKibbeeofficial This sounds like a technical website issue to me unfortunately Zachary! I think you will have to contact their sales support team! Sorry I couldn't be of more help!

[@catalaxiaxxi9227]

If i buy the last perpetual protools, do i lose my protools 10?

[@malcomowenflood]

Nope! I've got all my previous versions of Pro Tools still available for download if I want them! So if you buy a perpetual license of Pro Tools 2024.3 today, you'll of course get that, but you could always go back to Pro Tools 10 - provided it is compatible with your studios computer!

[@catalaxiaxxi9227]

@@malcomowenflood it would be great if i could use my protools 10 with this last M1 and dont know what OS is the last one.

[@DezzyYBR]

Is it possible to just buy Pro Tools Artist and then upgrade to Studio/Ultimate and it’ll be cheaper?

[@malcomowenflood]

Great question! I haven't been able to find any real information about Pro Tools perpetual cross grade licenses, and so far I'm left believing that Avid isn't offering cross grade licenses for perpetual licenses at this time. I did find some Perpetual to 2 Year Subscription cross grade offers, but they seemed like an older offering to me. So to answer your question, at this time - no, I don' think so. But I'm hopeful that a Pro Tools crossgrade upgrade plan will be implemented eventually for Pro Tools users!

[@tonyvalenti6614]

Hmm … So years ago I bought a bundle that included the MBox 2, ProTools 8LE, Monitors, a Mic & Stand from Guitar Center. Recently I bought the new Avid MBox Studio and got a year subscription to the current ProTools. My question is, can I upgrade my ProTools 8LE to a current Perpetual License?

[@malcomowenflood]

Unfortunately, I think not. It seems like version 9 of pro tools is as far back as they are honoring. I’d reach out to double check though!

[@tonyvalenti6614]

@@malcomowenflood Ah! Thank you Malcom! 👍🏻

[@SteelCityProductions]

Would it be better to get a perpetual license through avid or a company like say sweetwater?

[@malcomowenflood]

Shouldn't make a difference where you buy your Pro Tools licence (just be sure you're buying a full license and not just an upgrade or update if this is your first time!) The products should still show in your Avid account after you follow the instructions Sweetwater provides you! They will essentially provide an activation/license code that you will redeem with Avid through your Avid Pro Tools account on their website. Hope this helps!

[@SteelCityProductions]

@malcomowenflood yes sure.did help thanks bro!

[@YFEmaxi]

tried and didn't know how to make it

[@denisrojriv4906]

HI Malcom!!! I have a perpetual license purchased in 2020...''Use a Perpetual Upgrade to renew and receive 1 year of product updates, support, Inner Circle rewards, Sonic Drop content, and more''... This is the message i am getting and I'm not sure if I'm getting the perpetual licence or just anothe subscription... If I pay for this would I lose my perpetual license?

[@malcomowenflood]

Yes! The Pro Tools language is a bit confusing since they use the word "renew" in there, but here's a breakdown that I think will help clarify it for you: "Perpetual License Upgrade" = New Perpetual License for the current version of Pro Tools. "Renew" = 1 year of their support plan, which includes free license upgrades within that period (so if Pro Tools 2024 comes out within that 12 month period, you'd be able to upgrade to it free of charge). So with your message from them: .''Use a Perpetual Upgrade to renew and receive 1 year of product updates, support, Inner Circle rewards, Sonic Drop content, and more'' - you are purchasing a perpetual license upgrade to the latest version of Pro Tools, but also getting the 12 month support plan. After that 12 months is up you will have to either keep your support plan active or purchase the upgrade again to keep current (but thankfully the pricing for waiting and doing this is now much better then it used to be!) Let me know if this helped!

[@denisrojriv4906]

@@malcomowenflood Thank you Malcom!

[@malcomowenflood]

My pleasure! Out of curiosity - are there any specific features in the newer version of Pro Tools that you are upgrading to that you're particularly wanting or needing? (This is purely me being curious in what features people are most interested in between different versions of Pro Tools)

[@denisrojriv4906]

@@malcomowenflood I know it may seem silly, but I bought a Komplete Kontrol mk2 controller and it is not compatible with the version I have of ProTools. Actually, I am a student and I use it basicly but I am taking academic discount... it costs me $100 for the Protools Studio update. I think it's a good time to update.

[@malcomowenflood]

Oh definitely! Take advantage of that Pr Tools Education discount for sure! I am surprised that the Kontakt controller won’t work with older versions of pro tools though!

[@nltpjudahstudio7207]

I think they can change their mind in the future. Go back with get out then everyone will use Logic Pro and Studio one. 😂 Thank you 🙏 for the video.

[@HEDNOD-Official]

Such a frustrating company to deal with. I tried your instruction, the website pages are different., I saw no option to upgrade or even buy a perp license. I have PT's 11. My hunch is Im not eligible anyway which would be the usual gotcha from Avid in my experience. Its almost as if they dont want your business. Ill stick with Ableton Live.

[@HEDNOD-Official]

Ps MY PTs 11 is a perp license.

[@malcomowenflood]

Hey man! So I just took a look with my own Avid account and it does seem like you're right - they've made it trickier to find the buttons to upgrade your perpetual license. BUT - I was still able to find it, so I thought I'd share how with you and hope that it helps. However, it is possible that what works for me won't work for you due to different country versions of their website, or the difference in Pro Tools versions between us. I logged in to my Avid account, went to my products and found my Pro Tools perpetual license. I then clicked "See My Renewal Options", which brought up 3 options for me, but the one we want is "License Upgrade". Hopefully this works for ya! Cheers, Malcom

[@HEDNOD-Official]

@@malcomowenflood I found out I cant upgrade via the Avid website as I have PT11. I'm supposed to use a reseller for this,. looked in tihat to, also a joke. So nah, I was looking to check out PTs again, but Avids anti human policy gets in the way. I ditched Pt's because of the sub model and the general awfulness of dealing with the company on any level. I legit reckon they don't give a F about their PT's users or the software. I think they just feel obligated to continue with it. Cheers for replying anyway mate :)

[@MrJonparkermain]

Given restored! Do you know this will work for Student/Teacher Licenses?

[@malcomowenflood]

At this point I don’t know, will try to let you know if I find anything!

[@MrJonparkermain]

@@malcomowenflood Much appreciated!

[@jannybravo8429]

Wish they'd lower the prices a bit

[@malcomowenflood]

Which tier of Pro Tools are you considering? It definitely depends on where you’re at in your career, but I like to think of it as the cost vs my mix rate. I pretty much only need to mix 1 song to pay for a pro tools license - so when I think of it that way it’s easy to justify the value for the price!

[@jannybravo8429]

@@malcomowenflood it's for 599

[@malcomowenflood]

Yep, i charge $600 to mix a song, so it’s easy to justify a Pro Tools perpetual license for me (especially if I’m not planning to renew every year and can consider that cost to be spread across multiple years). If you’re not charging rates that high, I can totally see why it would seem too expensive though! The lower priced Pro Tools Artist could be worth considering too if you’re new to the game!

[@tomallonsmusicalcreation1111]

U mean pt studio not ultimate right ? U dont need ultimate ? Studio is enough ?

[@jannybravo8429]

@tomallonsmusicalcreation3944 ultimate is like 1499 with taxexes so it's around 1500+

[@shane_taylor]

So, you're saying that this attempt at a "u-turn" is only half-hearted. That's a shame. Are their cross-grade prices? I bet not. Seems they really don't want you, just to appease the old-timers so they quit complaining.

[@malcomowenflood]

I’m personally just under the impression that this “u-turn” is still in progress. I’d predict that perpetual will become available on their website soon enough! I could of course be wrong though!