Pro Tools - First ? Or some other DAW?

[EskimoArapaho]

So, I continue to take my make-do lashed-together studio and update it with more compact and better quality stuff. Monitoring is sorted and the XR12 does all physical mixing and interface.

The next step is deciding how to record (PC laptop). I'm not doing 96-track symphonic compositions, but I like the flexibility that modern DAWs offer. I'll be recording guitar, bass, vocals, connecting an external MIDI synth, with some virtual instruments.

I get a free Tacktion licence with the XR12, but I tried that and the interface didn't really gel. Also tried Reaper - seems very powerful, but also not so easy to get to grips with quickly. Both are now uninstalled.

Mixcraft looked not at all bad - will spend a bit more time with that.

But now I've seen that Avid is doing Pro Tools First. For free. But with some cloud-related storage subscription, I think. It's more limited than the full version (which I can't justify even on the new annual plan), but I don't think I'd encounter those limits - see here: http://www.avid.com/US/products/pro-tools-software...

Main limit is no video. I don't really want that right now, but might one day want to do the inevitable YouTube clips.

In which case is Pro Tools Express (bundled with some equipment) a good bet?

[dojo]

I've always found Logic the best software option. Don't know if its still available for PC? I used to have a protools digi001 set up (With protools LE) but ended up running Logic front end with that.

[Alez]

Based on my own experience and also what I have read from others', Pro Tools' learning curve is steeper than Reaper's. I have also used Ardour (Linux), which I found similar to Pro Tools on that respect (and in general). I now use Reaper for all my projects, it just does the job with no messing around.

[DanoS4]

Logic hasn't been around on PC for many years now.

'Tools is great for audio (and by great, it does it well but it has just as many issues as the rest!)
Midi stuff and softsynths? MEH. 'Tools still doesn't edit Midi as well as it's competitors.

PC, I'd be looking at Reaper or Cubase. Yes, they're relatively similar, and personally I can't stand the cluttered workspace, but for PC they're very good.
There is also Sonar, FL Studio, Ableton, but each has their own good bits.

Purely depends on what your focus is tbh.

Dan

[Jazzy Jefferson]

Mac - Logic
PC - Cubase

Sorted.

[EskimoArapaho]

Thanks fellas, interesting that MIDI is something of an afterthought in Pro Tools. I'll check out Cubase next then.

Somehow I found Reaper a bit impenetrable, but there are so many positive reviews, I should perhaps persevere.

[Jazzy Jefferson]

EskimoArapaho said:

Thanks fellas, interesting that MIDI is something of an afterthought in Pro Tools. I'll check out Cubase next then.

Somehow I found Reaper a bit impenetrable, but there are so many positive reviews, I should perhaps persevere.

Indeed, I recently did a recording with a pro tools set up. We lost the MIDI files somehow and generally it was a pain in the arse.

Cubase is piss easy

[rich83]

Are you going to be recording 'live' if not then you only need an interface with a couple of inputs and you could get away with using audacity if you want to do it on the free.

[GCH]

Logic 5.5.1 on the PC is older but still very good, and just about any version of logic is superior to cubase, which I swore by for many years all the way from the atari days, so know it very well.
The well known oxygen crack version is floating around and it is very stable if you must stay with PC and want to try it.


I used to hate having sessions on pro-tools. The midi implementation was really bad too. For straight simple audio it works - although it is not hugely superior to other programs like it used to be- but beyond that i would suggest going elsewhere.

Edited by GCH on Friday 15th May 15:24

[slyelessar]

Logic for Mac, Cubase for PC.

[EskimoArapaho]

Thanks for all the input. Definitely seems that Cubase is the PC choice, although I did find some gripes about the 7.5 update. I will probably buy the Steinberg UR22 audio/MIDI interface, too, and that comes with a cut-down version.

But I do rather like Mixcraft, so will keep it on this machine for a while yet.

[GetCarter]

I actually do 96-track symphonic compositions, and use Digital Performer on the Mac. It's more aimed at TV and film, so probably not for you. Great prog mind. Used it for best part of 30 years.

[DanoS4]

Used DP for a while prior to settling on Logic & Tools. Great package.

[minimalist]

I am in a similar position. I have various pieces of equipment all hooked up but am only recording to 2-Track.

I am looking at DAW and interface options and put my name down for ProTools First but haven't heard back yet. Ableton are doing 30% off deals but the offer expires tonight. I tried the Lite version but am not mad about it so am reluctant to shell out for the full version. I assume the offers is because a new version's arrival is imminent.

I have heard good things about Presonus Studio One. Might be worth a look.

[slyelessar]

minimalist said:

I am in a similar position. I have various pieces of equipment all hooked up but am only recording to 2-Track.

I am looking at DAW and interface options and put my name down for ProTools First but haven't heard back yet. Ableton are doing 30% off deals but the offer expires tonight. I tried the Lite version but am not mad about it so am reluctant to shell out for the full version. I assume the offers is because a new version's arrival is imminent.

I have heard good things about Presonus Studio One. Might be worth a look.

In terms of interface, you definitely want a 24 bit one. What is your budget?

Pro Tools tends to be what people think is best because it is pretty much industry standard, but if you are doing more midi/ sample type stuff, then something like Logic would be better. With that said, they are all fantastic quality, and all about personal taste really.

[minimalist]

slyelessar said:

minimalist said:

I am in a similar position. I have various pieces of equipment all hooked up but am only recording to 2-Track.

I am looking at DAW and interface options and put my name down for ProTools First but haven't heard back yet. Ableton are doing 30% off deals but the offer expires tonight. I tried the Lite version but am not mad about it so am reluctant to shell out for the full version. I assume the offers is because a new version's arrival is imminent.

I have heard good things about Presonus Studio One. Might be worth a look.

In terms of interface, you definitely want a 24 bit one. What is your budget?

Pro Tools tends to be what people think is best because it is pretty much industry standard, but if you are doing more midi/ sample type stuff, then something like Logic would be better. With that said, they are all fantastic quality, and all about personal taste really.

Not exact sure of budget. Don't want to "buy cheap - buy twice" but am cautious about spending too much, which I am occasionally prone to.

RME have an excellent reputation so I'm considering the Fireface UC & Fireface 802. These both work with USB which is important to me as I don't use a Mac. They are not cheap though.

The forthcoming Soundcraft Signature 22MTK mixer/interface can record 22 tracks simultaneously (14 + 4 stereo). The conversion won't be as good and I don't really want a largeish mixer but it appears to be the most cost efficient way to multi-track more than 8 tracks and not require constant re-patching.

A rack mount interface with 24/32 TRS inputs and c.8 outputs for under 1k would be perfect. I might end up with a cheaper interface such as the Focusrite 18i20 and a Behringer A/D converter to up the channel count without spending as much as the RMEs which leads me back to to the buying cheap - buying twice concern.

I hate this end of music tech. I have no real interest in it but it is too important to get wrong and my budget is not unlimited.

I still haven't even chosen a DAW.

Sorry for thread hi-jack!

[languagetimothy]

Thread resurrection for people who know about these things.

I have a Presonus Audiobox iTwo running into imac with Catalina 10.15.2.

I use GarageBand (mostly) and the Presonus used to work well with this IMac but now it doesn’t with the sound setup saying “this device has no input/output controls”.

Looked on the web and found other people had similar problems. Presonus produced a download “universal control” which they say will resolve. So far it hasn’t, the control boots up with the Mac.

Am I doing something wrong?

[suthol]

I a PC guy and started with Cubase and when I got a new mixer / interface it refused to recognise it so I went to Reaper in 2010 and haven't looked back.

I have also used/tried Cakewalk ( by Bandcamp ) and Mixbus, still have both of those but will stick with Reaper, the biggest mix I have done had just over 50 tracks with many layers of voices and strings, never again.

I have all of my workflows sorted now for Reaper and won't be changing any time soon, learn one and get comfortable.

Here's a couple that I have done in Reaper, a good friend did the video for Poppa Browne but played guitars and bass on both tracks as well as recording and mastering



The Big Dry

[Pieman2]

Depends what your future plans are for me - Pro Tools is defo harder to pick up than most of the other options, but if you're likely to be working a lot with other studios on projects in the future then it's worth the effort - it's still the default for the majority of good studios