You certainly don't need Pro Tools to have a Pro studio. If Cubase works for you why change? Does it do everything that you need?

That being said. I love Pro Tools.

I'm running Cubase 4 with a MOTU 2408. I use the DM-4800 as a front end via 24 channels of TDIF. It gives you a TON of routing options. However, the Tascam's transport functions arent 100% perfect when working with Cubase. Close but not quite. For instance, I cant seem to get the locate buttons to work. Just my 2 cents.

E

I'm using Cubase 4 with a Tascam Fw-1082 mainly for the transport controls. It works just fine for me. I also use a wireless keyboard and can use it as transport controls also.

I too have 3 Motu 2408s that I use for I/O to a Tascam analog console.

Of course, this is just for my personal use. I'm not trying to impress clients. From what I've read here, and on other forums, the main reasons for choosing to go with PT are the portability, plug-ins, and the "Oh, they must be a pro studio, they have Pro Tools" factor.

I use protools and it doesn't let me down. However I just moved to Tucson Arizona from L.A. and the majority of studios here use Cubase. In the end it's YOU that matters most. Pick the option that suites you best and allows you to make killer recordings.

Respectfully,
Christopher

I agree with Christopher. Whatever works for you, stick with it. If you're more comfortable with one over the other, who cares what other studios are using, unless you need to go back and forth constantly with them.

Having said that, though, I had Cubase with the FW-1884 and ditched it for the 003 Factory.

My main reason was because I found it seemingly pointless to have an interface/control surface where only 10% of its function was used. With the 003 everything maps out 100% (obviously).

The biggest influence on your decision will be your client base. In most of the major metro areas if you DO NOT have Pro Tools on your equipment list you will have a hard time getting work.

Here in the NY Metro area the big budget clients don't care what you use, as long as the final product is great, but the mid to low budget clowns only know the name Pro Tools and won't work with anything else (as if they would know the difference). A lot of studios often have some form of PTLE on the equipment list just so the potential clients see "PRO TOOLS" and then use their DAW of choice for the sessions, and the client almost never notices.

I have too agree with you UncleBob, The whole Pro tools marketing machine thing is getting out of hand. I use a DM4800 with Logic 9 and can safely say that the quality of my finished mixes is just as good as those done by bigger Pro tools equipped studios with high end converters and racks of high end gear. The key to getting professional results is simply using your bloody ears and being fussy! Don't cut corners with your studio acoustics, don't rush you mic placements, don't try and fix it in the mix, and above all listen to what your clients actually want! If something sounds less than ideal, record it again before using it in the mix. A twenty thousand dollar Pro tools HD system with all the best outboard gear won't make any difference if you don't do your job right. Chances are it's all going to be sold as 16Bit 44.1Khz CD dribble, converted to Mp3 an a $200 pc and then played on a $29.00 shelf stereo in some kids perfectly square bedroom.

Here in the NY Metro area the big budget clients don't care what you use, as long as the final product is great, but the mid to low budget clowns only know the name Pro Tools and won't work with anything else (as if they would know the difference).

+1 for Da Truth. I run Cubase and have done since I was a kiddy on an Atari ST. However we have a small Pro Tools 2 rig so that when the question is asked 'Do you have Pro Tools' we can say yes. Its used for live recording of demos and outboard recording as a remote studio. When everything comes home, it comes onto Cubase for mixing. And when I go out, I go out with a JLM TMP8 and an RME Fireface. Pro Tools be damned.

I also bought a U87 despite knowing I could get more bang for the buck for the dollar, that said, I wouldn't be without my U87 for both reasons - I get to answer 'Yes' when they ask, and its a great mic.

Pro Tools is fine, but its not that great. When you are on a budget I'd steer you towards Cubase if your bag is audio, and Logic if your bag is Macs and programming. You can make a great Cubase-based system with a ton more flavour for much less money.

Tom Fodor, post: 301103 wrote: A twenty thousand dollar Pro tools HD system with all the best outboard gear won't make any difference if you don't do your job right. Chances are it's all going to be sold as 16Bit 44.1Khz CD dribble, converted to Mp3 an a $200 pc and then played on a $29.00 shelf stereo in some kids perfectly square bedroom.

THAT is funny, but very, very true...!! Just look at "Crank-dat Soulja boy" or what ever that song is called... You Tube has destroyed Hi-Fi sound!