Avid has announced the new Pro Tools|HD Native Thunderbolt interface, which it says delivers the lowest latency and the highest sound quality of any host based audio workstation for Thunderbolt technology equipped CPUs.

The Pro Tools|HD Native Thunderbolt interface brings the industry-standard Pro Tools HD toolset and premium conversion of Pro Tools HD Series interfaces to a broader group of customers who use a laptop or other computer with Thunderbolt technology, Pros now can choose from two Pro Tools|HD Native designs: the new Thunderbolt interface for Thunderbolt-equipped laptop and desktop computers, or the original PCIe card.”

Chris Gahagan, senior vice president of products at Avid, says that, with its elegantly implemented Thunderbolt connectivity, the Pro Tools|HD Native Thunderbolt interface gives producers, engineers, and mixers the sound quality, low latency, and sheer power of the Pro Tools|HD Native system in a mobile-based hardware solution, while connecting with Pro Tools HD Series interfaces (such as HD OMNI and HD I/O) for capturing and monitoring audio with pristine clarity. In addition, customers can conveniently monitor mixes using the interface’s built-in audiophile-grade headphone output, which is powerful enough to drive headphones with high impedance loads, he adds.

Pro Tools|HD Native is sold as a system that includes a choice of HD Native core — Thunderbolt interface or PCIe card — Pro Tools HD software, and a choice of Pro Tools HD Series audio interface. System prices are the same for both core systems. In addition, customers who own a Digi 002, 003, or Mbox Pro can trade in their hardware towards a new Pro Tools|HD Native system and save US$1,000 off GRP. System prices are as follows:

° Pro Tools|HD Native (Thunderbolt interface or PCIe card), Pro Tools HD software, and HD OMNI system: $4,999;

° Pro Tools|HD Native (Thunderbolt interface or PCIe card), Pro Tools HD software, and HD I/O system: starts at $5,999;

° Digi 002, Digi 003, or Mbox Pro exchange to Pro Tools|HD Native (Thunderbolt interface or PCIe card), Pro Tools HD software, and HD OMNI: $3,999.

For more info go to www.avid.com/US/products/Pro-Tools-HD-Native .