Avid has announced the latest release of its Pro Tools industry-standard digital audio workstation (DAW). Pro Tools 2026.11 introduces some powerful new features, including the new Pro Tools Extensions plug-in format and AI-powered features.
Pro Tools Extensions
Pro Tools Extensions is a new plug-in format built for session-wide workflows. Traditional AAX plug-ins work on individual tracks. Extensions can handle processes that span multiple tracks or entire sessions. You open them right from the Edit window, so specialized tools from Avid and third parties stay a click away without breaking your creative flow.
Audio technology partners
The new Pro Tools Extensions format supports Extensions from leading audio technology partners. These include Pro Sound Effects and Soundly, so you have integrated access to sound effects libraries for faster audio post-production workflows. There is also an Extension for Forte, which streamlines track importing, organization, and delivery. In addition, the Pibox Extension supports collaboration and feedback throughout the audio production process. The existing Splice and SoundFlow integrations, introduced last year, will also be available as Extensions.
AI-powered stem separation
Pro Sound Effects and Soundly both ship Extensions that put their sound effects libraries inside Pro Tools for faster audio post workflows. Forte has one that streamlines track importing, organization and delivery. Pibox adds collaboration and feedback tools. The Splice and SoundFlow integrations introduced last year will arrive as Extensions too.
The new Stem Separator Extension targets music producers, remixers and audio post pros. It uses AI to split a recording into up to six stems: vocals, drums, bass, guitar, keys and other. Drag audio into the Extension, preview the separated parts, then bring the stems back into your session as individual tracks. Nothing gets exported to external apps or cloud services. Stem Separator comes with every version of Pro Tools, including the free Pro Tools Intro.
Pro Tools 2026.11 also adds MIDI Polyphonic Expression, or MPE. With conventional MIDI, a change such as pitch bend usually affects several notes at once. MPE lets each note respond on its own to gestures like pressure and pitch movement. Compatible controllers and virtual instruments can produce more expressive, nuanced performances. You can also use MPE for real-time sound design to shape timbre, filters and effects as you play.
Other new features
Windows users get a lot in this release. High DPI support sharpens visuals on 2K, 4K and 8K monitors. Per-monitor scaling helps if you work across displays with different resolutions. Enhanced compatibility scaling keeps the interface more consistent. Dark theme support now covers Windows title bars, menus and common dialogs. Playlist Clip Color Coding is new too. It gives tracks more consistent colors across tracks, which simplifies session organization.
What we think
Pro Tools Extensions is the headline feature. It puts new tools inside the DAW, so you can stay in your project instead of hopping to third-party apps. Because Extensions work across tracks or whole sessions, they can do things AAX plug-ins can’t. The Pro Sound Effects and Soundly Extensions also make it easier to find sound effects without leaving your session, which helps when you cut your own sound for video projects. Windows users will like the interface upgrades. It’s good to see Stem Separator on the free Pro Tools Intro, not only the paid versions. If you already use Pro Tools, upgrade now. If you’re weighing a switch, 2026.11 gives you a solid reason.
Pricing and availability
Pro Tools 2026.11 is out now for Pro Tools Artist, Studio and Ultimate subscribers. Perpetual license holders with an active upgrade plan get it too. Pro Tools Intro users can download it as well. All the major new features work across Pro Tools versions, including the 30-day trial. Check Avid’s site for current plan pricing.
