Does Pro Tools Work with Big Sur? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’re a music producer or audio engineer, you’re likely familiar with Pro Tools, one of the most popular digital audio workstations (DAWs) in the industry. However, if you’ve recently upgraded to the latest version of macOS, Big Sur, you may be wondering if Pro Tools is compatible with this operating system.
The good news is that Pro Tools is compatible with Big Sur, but it’s important to note that not all versions of Pro Tools are compatible. Before you upgrade your operating system, it’s essential to check which version of Pro Tools you’re using and if it’s compatible with Big Sur. In this article, we’ll explore the compatibility of Pro Tools with Big Sur and provide you with the information you need to ensure a seamless transition.
Compatibility of Pro Tools with Big Sur
Pro Tools is a popular digital audio workstation used by music producers, sound engineers, and other professionals in the music industry. With the release of macOS Big Sur, many users have been wondering if Pro Tools is compatible with the new operating system.
According to the official Pro Tools compatibility chart, Pro Tools 2021.12 is compatible with both macOS Big Sur and macOS Monterey. However, it is important to note that not all versions of Pro Tools are compatible with all versions of macOS.
Before upgrading to Big Sur, it is recommended that you check the compatibility of your specific version of Pro Tools with the new operating system. You should also verify the compatibility of any plugins, apps, audio interfaces, MIDI controllers, and device drivers that you use with Pro Tools.
It is also worth noting that some users have reported issues with Pro Tools on Big Sur, such as crashes and audio glitches. If you experience any issues, you should contact Avid support for assistance.
Pro Tools 2021.12 is compatible with macOS Big Sur, but it is important to verify the compatibility of your specific version of Pro Tools and any associated hardware and software before upgrading.
Installation Process
System Requirements
Before installing Pro Tools on your Mac running Big Sur, ensure that your system meets the following requirements:
- Intel Mac with a multi-core processor
- macOS Big Sur (11.0 or later)
- 16GB RAM (32GB or more recommended)
- Internet connection for software download and activation
- 15GB free disk space for installation
- USB-port for iLok authorization (iLok 2 or iLok 3 required)
Installation Guide
To install Pro Tools on your Mac running Big Sur, follow these steps:
- Go to the Avid website and log in to your account.
- Download the latest version of Pro Tools compatible with Big Sur.
- Double-click the downloaded file to start the installation process.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
- When prompted, enter your iLok account information to activate your license.
Note that Pro Tools requires an iLok authorization to run. If you don’t have an iLok account, create one and purchase an iLok key before installing Pro Tools.
In case you encounter any issues during the installation process, refer to the Pro Tools documentation or contact Avid support for assistance.
That’s it! You’re now ready to start using Pro Tools on your Mac running Big Sur.
Known Issues and Fixes
Common Problems
If you are using Pro Tools on Big Sur, you may encounter some common issues. Some users have reported that Pro Tools crashes or freezes during use. Others have reported that their audio interface is not recognized by the software. Additionally, some users have experienced issues with plugins not loading properly or causing crashes.
Solutions
Fortunately, there are some solutions available to address these issues. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can take:
- Make sure that you are using the latest version of Pro Tools that is compatible with Big Sur. Check the Avid website for compatibility information.
- Check that your audio interface is compatible with Big Sur and that you have installed the latest drivers.
- Try disabling any plugins that may be causing issues and see if the problem persists.
- Clear your Pro Tools preferences by holding down the ‘N’ key while launching the software. This will reset your preferences to their default settings.
- If Pro Tools continues to crash or freeze, try uninstalling and reinstalling the software.
while there are some known issues with using Pro Tools on Big Sur, there are also solutions available to address these problems. By following these troubleshooting steps, you can help ensure that your Pro Tools software runs smoothly on your Big Sur system.
User Experiences
Many Pro Tools users have been wondering whether the software works with the latest macOS Big Sur. To help answer this question, we’ve compiled some user experiences below.
Positive Experiences
Several users have reported that Pro Tools works perfectly fine on Big Sur. One user on Reddit mentioned that they had “no issues whatsoever” with Pro Tools 2020.11 on their MacBook Pro running Big Sur. Another user mentioned that they had “no problems” with Pro Tools 2021.3 on their iMac running Big Sur.
Negative Experiences
Unfortunately, some users have reported issues with Pro Tools on Big Sur. One user mentioned that they experienced “lots of crashes” with Pro Tools 2020.11 on their MacBook Pro running Big Sur. Another user reported that they had issues with Pro Tools 2021.3 crashing on their iMac running Big Sur.
Workarounds
If you’re experiencing issues with Pro Tools on Big Sur, there are a few workarounds you can try. One user recommended disabling “App Nap” for Pro Tools in the “Get Info” menu. Another user mentioned that they were able to get Pro Tools working by reinstalling the software and deleting all preferences and databases.
Conclusion
it seems that Pro Tools works for most users on Big Sur, but there are some who have experienced issues. If you’re planning to upgrade to Big Sur, it’s a good idea to make sure you have the latest version of Pro Tools installed and to back up your projects before upgrading.
Conclusion
Pro Tools users can rest assured that the latest version of the software, 2021.12, is compatible with both macOS Big Sur and macOS Monterey. However, it is important to note that some users have reported issues with previous versions of Pro Tools on Big Sur. Therefore, it is recommended to update to the latest version of Pro Tools and ensure that all music production devices and software are officially deemed compatible by their respective manufacturers before upgrading to Big Sur.
it is encouraging to see that Avid is actively working to ensure compatibility with the latest operating systems. It is also worth noting that Avid’s support page provides a chart that outlines which versions of Pro Tools are compatible with which operating systems.
Additionally, users should keep in mind that a perpetual license will allow them to update for one year. Therefore, it is important to stay up to date with the latest version of Pro Tools to ensure optimal performance and compatibility.
while there have been some reported issues with Pro Tools on Big Sur in the past, the latest version of the software is now fully compatible. By staying up to date with the latest version of Pro Tools and ensuring compatibility with all music production devices and software, users can continue to enjoy a stable and reliable audio production experience on macOS Big Sur.






