Mac OS Requirements — Pro Tools v5.1.1
Approved Mac Operating Systems
- Pro Tools 5.1.1 has been tested and approved on Mac OS 9.0.4, 9.1, and 9.2.2. (see Known Issues at the bottom of this page)
- For specific compatibility information, click on the links for a particular computer model and Pro Tools system.
- Newer G4 models (AGP graphics slot + 4 PCI slots = 5 slots total) require Mac OS 9.1 on the early addition 5 slot models or Mac OS 9.2/9.2.1/9.2.2 on the Quicksilver 5 slot models.
- To update from OS 9 to 9.1 or 9.2.1, go to www.info.apple.com/export
- To update from OS 9.2 to 9.2.2, go to www.info.apple.com/support/downloads.html or by using the Software Update Control Panel
Settings & Requirements
- Mac OS Base Extension set and Digi System extensions (See Pro Tools Mac FAQ #1 for more information)
- Set default cache (in the Memory Control Panel) to "Custom, 512k"
- Set Energy Saver Control Panel to "Never"
- In the Appearance Control Panel, disable "Smooth All Fonts On Screen" and change system font to other than "Charcoal"
- If Norton Utilities is used it must be Norton Utilities v4.0 or higher to ensure compatibility with HFS+
Special Notes for OS 9 users:
- Pro Tools 5.0 or higher and DAE/DSI 5.0 or higher are required with Mac OS 9.0 or higher.
- The Digidesign Control Panel requires OS 9.0 or higher
When using Digidesign Control Panel, turn off Platinum Sounds in the Appearance Control Panel - Firmware v1.1 required for Blue & White G3 computers running OS 9.0 or higher. Available from Apple at: http://www.info.apple.com/kbnum/n58374
Known Issues:
- The "Quicksilver" G4 models require OS 9.2, 9.2.1, or 9.2.2 to run Pro Tools. Users should not attempt to install OS 9.1, or run OSX, (including Classic mode), with Pro Tools on these machines. The Quicksilver G4 models have been tested with the Mac OS as shippped from Apple on these machines, with a dual boot system which includes both OS 9.2.x and OS X. It is absolutely necessary to boot from OS 9.2.x in order to run Pro Tools. Although you cannot use Pro Tools with OS X or in "Classic" mode under OS X, it is not necessary to remove OS X from these "Quicksilver" G4 computers.
- Additional Mac OS Notes: You should not install OS X on the same partition or hard drive with Mac OS 9.x that you use as your startup drive for Pro Tools on pre-Quicksilver G4 models.
- Pro Tools currently does not utilize the second processor in dual processor Power Mac G4 models. If problems (such as -6042 errors) occur when using Pro Tools on a Dual Processor CPU, Digidesign recommends the following: Download and install ApplePCI - Apple Multiprocessor and G4 PowerBook Expansion Chassis Fix
- On some G4 models running OS 9.2, 9.2.1 or 9.2.2, graphics in the Fades window may appear in the wrong color, or the fade lines may be invisible. Clicking outside the Fade window causes the window to redraw with the correct colors.
- When running DigiTest v5.1.1 on the 867 MHz and 800 MHz dual-processor models, DigiTest reports a configuration problem if the ATTO Express PCI DC is installed. An erroneous error occurs when it scans the ATTO Express PCI DC (SCSI HBA card), however the card passes if you continue the test. This problem does not occur when running DigiTest on the 733 MHz model.
See Apple's tech archive on how to differentiate between AGP Graphics and PCI Graphics G4 models at: www.info.apple.com/kbnum/n58418
Power Macintosh version history and specifications are available at www.everymac.com and www.applespec.com
Please Note: Pro Tools 5.x is not compatible with the Mac OS X operating system or "Classic" mode in OS X. In order to use Pro Tools 5.x software with the Mac OS, it is necessary to boot in OS 9 on Apple computers. Choose OS 9 in your Startup Disk control panel or hold down the Option key while booting, then choose OS 9.
In order to use Pro Tools on Mac OS X, you will need to have Pro Tools 6 for Mac OS X: