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Description

Unlock the full potential of your studio with the Avid Pro Tools HD Native Thunderbolt Core, designed to elevate your music and sound production to professional heights. This high-performance audio interface seamlessly integrates with your Thunderbolt-equipped Mac or PC, offering a pristine sound quality that captures every nuance of your audio. Whether you're laying down multiple tracks or mixing a complex session, you'll experience remarkably low latency and unwavering reliability that caters to the demands of your creative projects.

The Avid Pro Tools HD Native Thunderbolt Core is engineered to deliver state-of-the-art A/D and D/A conversion, ensuring that every recording and playback is executed with the highest level of audio fidelity. Its premium analog circuitry and low-noise I/O make it an essential tool for capturing the full, natural sound of your source material. With 32-bit, 192 kHz audio resolution and 64-bit floating-point processing, you'll find more headroom and clarity in your mixes, letting you experiment with plug-ins and effects without compromising on sound quality.

Designed for versatility, this interface allows you to expand your setup effortlessly. Connect with up to 64 channels of I/O, sync with video for multimedia projects, and take control with Avid's range of mixing consoles and control surfaces. Plus, with a wide array of AAX and RTAS/AudioSuite plug-ins at your disposal, both from Avid and third-party developers, you're equipped to push your creative boundaries further than ever before.

Key Features:

  • High-performance Thunderbolt interface for Mac or PC
  • State-of-the-art A/D and D/A conversion
  • 32-bit, 192 kHz audio resolution
  • 64-bit floating-point processing for more headroom
  • Ultra-low latency for seamless recording and playback
  • Expandable up to 64 channels of I/O
  • Compatible with AAX and RTAS/AudioSuite plug-ins

Product specs

Brand Avid
Model Pro Tools HD Native Thunderbolt Core
Year 2010s
Categories Audio Interfaces

FAQs

What type of connectivity does the Avid Pro Tools HD Native Thunderbolt Core offer?

The Avid Pro Tools HD Native Thunderbolt Core provides high-speed Thunderbolt connectivity, allowing for nearly zero latency and supporting up to 64 channels of simultaneous I/O at 24-bit / 192 kHz.

Can the Avid Pro Tools HD Native Thunderbolt Core be used with both Mac and Windows systems?

Yes, the Avid Pro Tools HD Native Thunderbolt Core offers total flexibility and can be used with both Mac and Windows operating systems.

Does the Avid Pro Tools HD Native Thunderbolt Core require an external power supply?

The Avid Pro Tools HD Native Thunderbolt Core can run on Thunderbolt bus power, but it also has a power supply connector if you prefer to use an external power source.

Is the Avid Pro Tools HD Native Thunderbolt Core compatible with third-party DAW software?

Yes, the Avid Pro Tools HD Native Thunderbolt Core is compatible with Pro Tools HD as well as third-party DAW software, offering flexibility for various studio setups.

How many audio tracks can the Avid Pro Tools HD Native Thunderbolt Core handle?

The Avid Pro Tools HD Native Thunderbolt Core supports creating sessions with up to 256 audio tracks and up to 64 channels of I/O, providing ample capacity for complex projects.

Production Expert

Production Expert

Unboxing Of The Avid HD Native Thunderbolt Interface for Pro Tools - Review Part 1

Video thumbnail for Unboxing Of The Avid HD Native Thunderbolt Interface for Pro Tools - Review Part 1 by Production Expert

Unboxing Of The Avid HD Native Thunderbolt Interface for Pro Tools - Review Part 1

Production Expert

Production Expert

Video thumbnail for Test Of Pro Tools HD Thunderbolt Native With A Hackintosh by Production Expert

Test Of Pro Tools HD Thunderbolt Native With A Hackintosh

Production Expert

Production Expert

Video thumbnail for Pro Tools HD Native Thunderbolt running on MacBook Air by S

Pro Tools HD Native Thunderbolt running on MacBook Air

S

S

Video thumbnail for Avid Hd Native Core Thunderbolt & Pro Tools Ultimate 2019.10 by Micky Starts

Avid Hd Native Core Thunderbolt & Pro Tools Ultimate 2019.10

Micky Starts

Micky Starts

Video thumbnail for IBC 2012: Introducing Pro Tools|HD Native Thunderbolt™ Interface by Avid

IBC 2012: Introducing Pro Tools|HD Native Thunderbolt™ Interface

Avid

Avid

Video thumbnail for Pro Tools HD Native Thunderbolt Set Up in a Small Room by S

Pro Tools HD Native Thunderbolt Set Up in a Small Room

S

S

Video thumbnail for Avid's New Thunderbolt HD Native for Pro Tools 10 by Mac Sound Solutions inc.

Avid's New Thunderbolt HD Native for Pro Tools 10

Mac Sound Solutions inc.

Mac Sound Solutions inc.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Avid Pro Tools HD Native Thunderbolt Core.

Software and compatibility

  • Using an Apple-certified TB3 to TB2 adapter is crucial for compatibility with the Avid HD Native Thunderbolt on newer Macs.

    Source
  • Running OSX Ventura requires version 22.12 of Pro Tools and the latest Avid HD Driver for optimal performance.

    Source
  • Disabling antivirus and firewall settings can help diagnose connectivity issues with the Avid HD Native Thunderbolt.

    Source
  • Despite lacking support, older Avid hardware can still function reliably with the correct drivers and setup adjustments.

    Source
  • Firmware updates might be necessary for the Avid HD Native Thunderbolt to ensure compatibility with modern systems.

    Source
  • The 'DigiDal.kext' extension must be allowed for the HD Native to be recognized on macOS, requiring multiple reboots during setup.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Apple silicon security kernel extensions may need adjustment to allow the system to recognize the HD Native Thunderbolt.

    Source

User experience

  • Users transitioning from Intel-Catalina to M1-Sequoia have found the process straightforward once security settings are correctly configured.

    Source
  • Despite being 7 years old, the HD I/Os continue to perform well, but some users express reluctance to purchase future Avid hardware due to software constraints.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The RME sound card is highlighted as superior for usability and low latency, compared to legacy Avid hardware, especially in multi-source audio setups.

    Source
  • The Symphony's Thunderbolt card offers latency as low as 1.35ms, which may not improve with a PTHD system versus staying with your current setup.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Switching to HD Native mainly increases input count from 16 to 32 via DigiLink, with no inherent latency benefits unless using an HDX card.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Users mention that integrating an HDX card with an M1 Mac and PT Ultimate significantly boosts processing power and efficiency, especially for complex sessions.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Avid HD Native Thunderbolt Review | Pro Tools - The leading website for Pro Tools users

production-expert.com

Avid's HD Native Thunderbolt Core breaks ground with its flexibility, offering Pro Tools HD power on Thunderbolt-equipped laptops and desktops. The unit impresses with its solid performance, akin to its PCIe counterpart, and a standout headphone amp that’s ideal for live sound engineers. However, the single Thunderbolt port limits chaining options, and the bundled purchase requirement may deter existing hardware owners. If Avid rethinks pricing and purchasing options, this could be a must-have for mobile audio professionals. Despite minor gripes, it's a powerful, portable solution for those venturing into Pro Tools HD.

positive

Avid HD Native Thunderbolt

soundonsound.com

Avid's Pro Tools HD Native Thunderbolt Core delivers impressive performance for those craving high track counts and low latency on the go. The ability to connect HD interfaces via Thunderbolt is a boon for Mac users, offering an alternative to traditional PCI setups. However, the system is notably expensive, only available in bundles, and may not appeal to users content with cheaper interfaces or Firewire adaptors. While it caters well to existing Pro Tools HD users, the inability to purchase the Thunderbolt adaptor separately is a glaring oversight. A solid choice for dedicated Pro Tools enthusiasts, but a steep investment for others.

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