Whats your budget range T?

Get pro tools. If you can't afford a tdm system, go with the digi001. Resistance is futile.

Thanks for the replys. I've looked quite extensively at the Pro Tools systems.
They would seem to be what I want. The TDM just won't fit into my budget though and I'm just not sold onto the "home-y-ness" of the Digi. I'd also like more expandability than the Digi has to offer. So my budget would fall somewhere in-between.

T. Alan

...Maybe I'll wait for the Digi 002???

T,

You might want to also consider the Tascam MX2424. It gives you benefit of of very stable recorder with soon to be editing capabilities (MX-View which should be out in about 2-4 weeks). The support for the unit is excellent too. You could probably integrate that with the 001 bypassing the inherent "hominess" of 001, and still be able to use its RTAS plugs and then throw it back into MX-view for editing, automation, and management of virtual tracks(up to 975!!).

Now THAT sounds interesting!

Thanks Nathan!

T. Alan

I'd go for a PC running a hammerfall card (http://www.rme-audio.com) and whatever host-based programs suit your needs (nuendo, soundforge, etc.)

Avoid the 001, as a host based solution it can't compare to Nuendo and a Hammerfall.

Hope this helps.

Thanks Rog. I'll compare that set-up to the Tascam/Digi mentioned earlier.

T. Alan

Originally posted by Rog:
I'd go for a PC running a hammerfall card (http://www.rme-audio.com) and whatever host-based programs suit your needs (nuendo, soundforge, etc.)

Avoid the 001, as a host based solution it can't compare to Nuendo and a Hammerfall.

versatility, with bugs and no support or no versatility without bugs and lots of support. Hard decision...

But which is which, Nathan? :)

This is getting interesting. Why can't I get a versatile, bug-free system with lots of support?

T. Alan

I'm a newbie at PC based DAWs. I ran a Mac based MIDI studio for a couple years and have my Roland currently, so forgive my greeness. :roll:

Originally posted by T. Alan Smith:
This is getting interesting. Why can't I get a versatile, bug-free system with lots of support?

That is why I suggest the PT LE 001 with the Tascam MX2424. Both have great support, we all know both these companies. The German Companies that make DAW software, no support and it can be buggy. Why can't they fix the bugs? I can't answer that, but I for one don't have the patience for that smeg in a multitrack commercial setting. PT LE is not the ultimate DAW solution by any means, Nuendo is probably the best fully featured DAW software solution. Yes, PT LE needs more real and/or virtual tracks and yes VST support would be great. But if you want some decent plug ins and a simple integrated interface then go for it. Lots of home based musicians are running LE also, so that is something to think about also.

It is the MX2424 that is going to put it WAY over the top IMO. Like T said, he is just learning, and the 001/LE is simple as cake, for what $795 street now?? Nuendo with the full Hammerfall is going to cost him twice that, and believe me in the hands of a beginner this is not going to be a fun setup.

The MX2424 will allow him to go 24 tracks of D/A if he wants and be able to track with better conversion with many sources at once. He can use the computer as backup or SCSI out of the Tascam. That's part of the beauty of the MX2424's integration with PT. Even with a full TDM system, I would want the MX...there's nothing else out there like it and no other company is using their heads like Tascam is about the whole format compatibility issues.

What is the max amount of tracks that you will be recording at once T? Tell us more about your needs with the system.

Just to set the record straight on a few issues: The level of support from some host-based DAW companies can be questionable .. without naming names (OK ... Steinberg) Having said this, I've had only one or two instances were I've had to get in touch with them ever since using Nuendo. The web site also has a forum where you can ask questions. I'll make no other comment about that forum ;)

The latest releases are far from buggy for audio, in fact Nuendo is one of the most stable apps I've ever used. I'm skeptical about the quality of the Digi 001 converters, the Hammerfall is the best soundcard out there right now. However, it will need separate ADDA converters which can be expensive but are worth every penny IMHO.

It really comes down to money and how serious you are about sound quality at the end of it all. If you have a limited budget the Digi is the way to go, if you have a reasonable amount of money and are determined to stick with a DAW solution Nuendo is probably best. I'd try the PT free version and try and get a demo of Nuendo and make your mind up - don't buy anything without taking the time to see if it's what you really need.

PT free is not worth the effort IMO. I understand that the 001 A/D is not the best, again that is why the MX2424 solution. The A/D's on the MX are spectacular, especially considering the price point. One thing that I mentioned before, was that many musicians are running LE. There are 7 that I know of in my area, but only one running Nuendo. So that issue alone might bring you more business or at least Networking ability with other musicians...kind of like everyone has (or used to) have ADATs.

Gentlemen,

I appreciate very much all the insight. I will only be recording up to 8 track at once for now and possibly 16 in the future(but I won't hold my breath).
I use the virtual tracks to quite an extent with my Roland VS. I'm trying to get away from that and also remove myself from the audio compression that takes place.
I guess those are my two biggest concerns.
I will still check-out the Nuendo/Hammerfall option, but the PT/MX2424, so far, seems to be pretty straight-forward yet quite flexible.

Thanks again for all your help,

T. Smith