Avid released Pro Tools 2026.11 on November 3, 2026, adding AI-powered stem separation, a new Extensions framework, and native MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE) support to its digital audio workstation. The update also includes Windows display improvements and new playlist editing features.
The headline addition is Pro Tools Stem Separator, an AI-powered Extension that separates audio into as many as six stems. Avid includes it at no additional cost with every Pro Tools edition, including the free Pro Tools Intro.
AI Stem Separation in Pro Tools
The Stem Separator Extension splits audio into as many as six categories: vocals, drums, bass, guitar, keys, and other. Users can import an audio file, preview the separated stems, then drag them into a Pro Tools session or send them directly to new tracks.
The feature is useful for remixing, vocal extraction, editing, and sound design, particularly when working with stereo recordings without access to the original multitracks. It also gives engineers a way to extract individual parts without moving the audio into a separate stem-separation application.
Avid says the analysis and separation run locally on the user’s computer. The company states that audio is not uploaded to the cloud or shared with third parties, that an internet connection is not required for processing, and that user content is not used to train AI models.
Avid has not published detailed performance benchmarks or independent comparisons of separation quality. The results will depend on the source material and should be assessed in the context of each production workflow.
Pro Tools Extensions Expand Third-Party Integration
Pro Tools 2026.11 introduces Extensions, a framework for integrating tools and services that operate beyond the traditional track-insert plugin model. They can support workflows across multiple tracks or an entire session and are accessible through a dedicated interface.
The initial third-party Extensions include:
- Pro Sound Effects: sound effects library access.
- Soundly: sound effects search and library access.
- Forte: track importing, organization, and delivery.
- Pibox: collaboration and feedback.
Existing Splice and SoundFlow integrations are also being brought into the Extensions framework. Both services were already available in Pro Tools; the update adds them to the new interface for centralized access and management.
MPE Support and Windows Display Improvements
Pro Tools 2026.11 adds native MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE) support, allowing users to record, play back, edit, and automate MPE performances. Per-note pitch, timbre, and amplitude data can be edited through dedicated automation lanes in the Edit window and MIDI Editor. This gives users more detailed control when working with MPE-compatible instruments and controllers.
On Windows, the update adds native High DPI support for QHD, 4K, and 5K displays. Pro Tools also scales more consistently when moved between monitors with different resolutions and display scaling settings. Avid’s own plugins have been updated for HiDPI displays, but dynamic scaling in third-party AAX plugins depends on how each plugin is implemented.
Playlist Clip Color Coding assigns colors and take IDs to alternate takes. Tracks recorded simultaneously receive matching colors, making it easier to identify related takes during editing and comping.
Pricing and Availability
Pro Tools 2026.11 is available through Avid’s existing licensing plans. The update is available to subscribers, perpetual license holders with an active Upgrade Plan, and Pro Tools Intro users. Stem Separator is included in every edition at no additional cost.
Avid provides the full feature list, compatibility details, and installation information in its official Pro Tools 2026.11 documentation.
Built-in stem separation is the headline addition in this release, while the Extensions framework gives third-party tools a more integrated place in the Pro Tools environment. Native MPE support and Windows display improvements round out the update with changes relevant to MIDI production and everyday session work.
