[Shooter]

Hey. I was just wondering what the advantages of Pro Tools would be over, say, Acid 5.0 (what I'm using now). I like Acid, but the effects are very limited, and it always comes out sounding really bassy. So, I was just wondering if Pro Tools would be better, and what I'd have to buy in order to run Pro Tools. I was hearing a lot about having to buy extra hardware and stuff. So could I buy this:

Buy Digidesign Pro Tools M-Powered 7.3 DAW Software online at Musician's Friend

and run my Line 6 Toneport right into it, or would I have to buy an M-Audio interface or something? If that's the case, is there some other software that would be better than the Acid but work with my Toneport? I'm really not good with computers, and I really just want the freedom of more post-recording effects, and some better filters/EQ's/mastering options, etc. with improved sound quality.

Thanks!

[eleven59]

Mixes coming out bassy is not likely caused by the software itself, but the mix.

For Pro Tools, you have two options: Digidesign hardware, or M-Audio hardware.

Is their hardware the best? No. But I love the software. Actually, more correctly, I'm addicted to the software and don't like working in anything else anymore. Is it necessarily better than other software? No. Software's just like guitars and amps, there's no "best", just lots of excellent options, and whatever you personally prefer to work with.

[muffgoat]

Yeah the program would have nothing to do with a bassy mix, what do you want from the prgram and the main thing is are you planning on using midi or vst's?

[shadowgenesis]

well I'm not too familiar with a ton of other programs but I can say that investing in some kind of a pro tools system is just that - an investment. Pro Tools is the industry standard for recording and mixing (not generally mastering though it can be done) and having it at your disposal means you have a lot of room to build up from ground zero. You could buy it now for relatively minimal purposes, but as time goes by and you develop more skills and knowledge, you will be able to use that to a greater effect.

pro tools requires compatible hardware to operate. I.E. you have to buy some kind of physical interface and you need it hooked up to your computer to run it. I haven't tried the m-audio stuff, but it looks a bit nicer than the m-box (the most basic digidesign unit) and the actual digidesign hardware usually gets a big "meh" as far as likability and quality with everyone i know.
if you have any interest in live recording and moving on to bigger productions in the future, i think it'd be a worthwhile investment if you can afford it.

[cadenhead]

I have a Digi 002 with Pro Tools. Best thing I could have bought personally. It's nice to have faders and knobs to use rather than just point and click adjusting along with all the other things you can do with it. The 002 unit can also be used as a stand alone device and doesn't really need to be connected to Pro Tools or a computer. I got mine at a killer price, but they are a little expensive at retail (ie guitar center).

If you just want better effects and the like, there are plenty of good free VST plug-ins available out there. There are also some killer ones available at a reasonable price.

[Roundhouse_Kick]

I've spent the last 10 minutes trying to write a good intelligent response but I'm just going to say - get pro tools!! IMO it is the best, most stable, easiest to use audio DAW out there. To be fair if you are planning on using mainly software instruments then others might be better suited (logic/cubase) but for recording audio tracks it is awesome.

I have an Mbox 2 running pro tools LE and now that my protools skills have sharpened a little I'm so happy with this setup its untrue! Plus there are a ton of good books and articles on the internet that will show you how to make the most of the software.

Go for it!

[cadenhead]

I just remembered about this, hope it helps.

Any body hear of Kjaerhus Audio?

[Diggers]

What computer do you use, specs?

[Uber Mega]

I'll echo what others have said and try to add a little.

Like others had said, Pro Tools is currently the industry standard piece of recording software, and it will stay that way for the foreseeable future. Your creative output is pretty-much unhindered by it, it's fantastic.

Although MIDI sequencing isn't ProTools' strong point, it works brilliantly with Reason's Re-Wire application and sends/receives MIDI through various means, so using voices from other hardware/software (such as a stage piano) is doable.

There are cons however:
- You MUST use a piece of Digidesign hardware with ProTools (Digi002, Mbox). Digidesign do not make the best hardware, the pre-amps being notoriously sub-standard compared to other high-end pieces of gear.
- Pro Tools uses RTAS plugins, which aren't the most common format (VST, VSTi, AU plugins etc. that you may have used with Cubase, Acid, Logic or whatever are a no-go without conversion wrappers)
- ProTools updates are regular, with new versions costing money. Also Digidesign are starting to make their hardware obsolete with newer versions of PT.

I would say that, as far as recording and mixing audio goes, ProTools is a must have.

[stuh84]

Gonna have to agree with it all here too. Whenever I use another piece of software, I think why is this not ProTools, and in ProTools I feel at home. I used Cakewalk before I used ProTools, but ProTools is so far superior its scary as far as I'm concerned.