Switch Kit › Guides › Switching to SoundCraft
Switch Kit guide 15 · 15-page PDF
A free alternative to Pro Tools: switching to SoundCraft
SoundCraft is a free, open-source audio workstation from the ArtCraft team, designed to feel familiar to people who use Avid Pro Tools software. This page sums up what you should know before switching; the guide takes you through a safe test with your own files.
Short answer
SoundCraft is a free, open-source audio workstation that records and edits WAV, AIFF and FLAC and hosts VST3, CLAP and AU plug-ins (not AAX). Audio-interface selection, MIDI recording from a controller and Pro Tools session import are missing. It is pre-alpha: suitable for experiments, not studio sessions.
Pro Tools vs SoundCraft at a glance
| Pro Tools | SoundCraft | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Artist US$99/year, Studio US$299/year, Ultimate US$599/year (US) | Free |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Plug-ins | AAX | VST3, CLAP, AU (no AAX) |
| Audio interface | ASIO and Core Audio, full control | Windows WASAPI only; no interface selection yet |
| Sessions | Native .ptx, AAF/OMF | No Pro Tools session import |
| Maturity | Industry standard | Pre-alpha, about 40% of the way to real work |
Prices are US or Spanish list prices checked on 31 October 2026 and vary by country. Maturity figures for ArtCraft apps are the developers' own estimates.
What to know before you switch
- WAV, BWF, RF64, AIFF and FLAC read and write; MP3, AAC and other formats import.
- VST3, CLAP and AU plug-ins; no AAX.
- Missing: audio-interface and buffer selection, MIDI recording, AAF/OMF, Pro Tools session import.
- Windows: WASAPI only, no ASIO.
- Avid states subscriptions are non-cancellable and non-returnable; turn off auto-renew in your Avid account.
Facts checked on 31 October 2026. Prices and versions change; check the official sites.
Is it right for you?
A good fit if…
- You edit podcasts or simple recordings.
- You want to experiment with a free DAW.
- Your Pro Tools plan is close to renewal and you are reconsidering.
Better to wait if…
- You record with an audio interface on Windows (ASIO).
- You exchange Pro Tools sessions with studios.
How to switch from Pro Tools to SoundCraft in five steps
- Check the fitRead what is ready and what is missing, and decide whether SoundCraft suits your work today.
- Install from the official sourceDownload SoundCraft only from the official site and verify the checksum. Keep Pro Tools installed for now.
- Run a five-file testOpen five real files from your own work, edit and export them, and note what changes.
- Use both for two weeksDo new, low-risk work in SoundCraft while keeping Pro Tools for anything urgent.
- Time your subscriptionIf you decide to leave, cancel at the cheapest moment and download everything first.
The guide expands each step with checklists, a test sheet and a two-week plan.
Other free options worth knowing
This guide focuses on one alternative, but it is not the only one. These well-known options may suit you better depending on your work.
Audacity
Free, open-source audio editor, ideal for podcasts.
Ardour
Open-source digital audio workstation.
Pro Tools Intro
Avid's own free, limited edition.
Inside the guide
The two tools at a glance · a self-assessment (good fit or better to wait) · what feels familiar and what is still in progress · a five-file compatibility test · plug-ins, AI and workflow notes · timing your exit from your subscription without surprise fees · protecting your work before you leave · safe installation · a gentle two-week migration plan · a printable checklist.
Printable A4 PDF in English · instant download · checklists you can tick · written by Julian Beaumont, 20 years of hands-on experience with creative and digital tools.
€7PDF, VAT included
Get the guide · €7Frequently asked questions
Is there a free alternative to Pro Tools?
Yes, several. SoundCraft is a new open-source option, still pre-alpha. The guide explains what works today.
Can I cancel a Pro Tools subscription?
Avid's terms say subscriptions are non-cancellable and non-returnable; you can turn off auto-renewal before the next term.
Does SoundCraft support VST plug-ins?
Yes, VST3, CLAP and AU. AAX plug-ins are not supported.
Does SoundCraft work on Mac and Linux?
Yes. SoundCraft has builds for Windows, macOS and Linux, from getartcraft.com or the project's GitHub.
Is SoundCraft safe to download?
Download it only from the official sources. Each release ships with SHA-256 checksums so you can verify the file; look-alike download sites exist.
Can I keep Pro Tools while I test SoundCraft?
Yes, and the guide recommends it. Both can be installed side by side, so you test with real files before changing anything.
