Skip to main content

Hello all,

I am torn as to which system to go with.
I like to record live audio with a lot of outboard gear and do Midi sequencing/ sampling/ programming as well.

I'd like to setup the best possible system on my budget and from asking around it comes down to Pro Tools LE 6.9 with the Digi 002 Rack, or Cubase SX 3 with the MOTU 828 Firewire.

What do you all recommend and why?

thanks,
John

Topic Tags

Comments

anonymous Fri, 06/17/2005 - 12:32

I believe there are programs that can recognize another programs material and feed it into pt.

Digidesign has a program for transferring different file formats into a file that Pro Tools can open called Digitranslater. I think it's pretty expensive (around $400 USD). However a lot of DAW programs can export and import a file format called OMF. OMF files will keep all your tracks lined up and in most cases your fades, panning etc. I don't know if Cubase SX3 supports OMF files though.

KurtFoster Fri, 06/17/2005 - 13:09

A few things to think about.

File transfer. If this is important to you then you want PT. Le can be transferred to HD with no problems. Stop for a second and consider, will you really be taking your projects to other studios? If not, then Cubase is probably a better alternative.

Automation. Does SX have it? PTLe does.

Up to 72 tracks? Cubase does, Le only offers 32.

Plug ins. I'm not sure about Le but TDM plugs usually cost twice as much as VST plugs. If you want to get a load of add on plugs, then Cubase will be more cost efficient in the long run.

PT is a standard and most likely will be for some time into the future. I hate Avid / Digi and PT, but you gotta read the writing on the walls. A good grounding in PT (which you can pick up using the Le software) will make you a more viable engineer in the Pro end of the business.

This from a dedicated Cubase user.

I hope it helps :!:

anonymous Sun, 06/19/2005 - 09:43

I had Cubase SX and the Motu 828. I sold it for Pro-tools LE and the Digi 002. One of the main reasons was I was doing film work and it was easier at the time for clients to give me projects.

After using both extensively, I prefer pro-tools. I can walk into a studio anywhere and know how to use it easily. It is a standard in the industry.

As far as quality etc.. They all do the same things. I found Pro-tools a little easier to use, but you may find the opposite. Either way you can't go wrong.