But once the developers were given enough time to release updates, the hardware/software incompatibility nightmare mellowed and eventually disappeared. It was a little bit of a nightmare for the first year or two. I'm not sure how old you are, but a few years back we had a similar problem when CPU architecture was transitioning from 32-bit to 64-bit. Since many of these developers have only just received their development kits, it will take time for them to port their software suites over to this new environment. Logic can make use of the M1 environment since Apple has already ported to Big Sur, but they're going to encounter problems if they use any 3rd party plugins (which I'd bet they all do). Even if some 3rd party plugin developers have released a native version, they won't work with a DAW running with Rosetta2. Meaning: if you were to run your DAW (like Pro Tools) using Rosetta2, then all of your plugins must also be the Intel based versions running with Rosetta2.

But with DAW's, the CPU resource load is exceptionally intensive and many experts have expressed doubts that Rosetta2 will be able to keep up (especially with a beast like Pro Tools).Įventually most (if not all) software developers will port their products to run natively under Big Sur, BUT until then, you can't mix and match. The Rosetta2 software promises to be able to run Intel based software (like Pro Tools and 3rd party plug-ins) in the Big Sur environment during this transition. The new OS, Big Sur, is what M1 comes with and you cannot install a previous version of macOS (ie: Intel macOS won't be able to run on the M1 chip). Maybe in a couple years, the Silicon line will be better suited for pro audio uses. My suggestion, don't buy these M1 models. As of now, Avid has not released much info about compatibility other than some general comments that they are 'working on it.' We know enough without having to check with the vendor of Pro Tools to know that these new M1 models are entry level at best (very limited RAM, no upgradability).

Pro tools mac os incompatibility