Cubase SX3. It has more features than PTLE, especially in the MIDI department, and it has no max track limit.

If using a Pentium 4 PC, is there any difference in sound quality or the mix when recording and mixing audio on SX3 vs LE?

They both sound fine to my ears.

Even though I'm a pro tools man SX3 does have a lot more features and is way less limited. Although I never really got it to work right, but I blame that on my soundblaster card.

hmm, this is a tough decision. What about all that "industry standard" mumbo jumbo that people talk about. if I do a project in Cubase SX and the artist takes it to another studio running proTools, will they be able to open up the file in PT?

I believe there are programs that can recognize another programs material and feed it into pt. The "industry standard" protools you speak of is the tdm systems. The base price for a tdm system is over 20 grand, but thats what is used in a pro studio.

Cubase SX and Fireface 800.

Just a wonderful combo.

Guy Cefalu
Sonica Audio Labs

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.

SX3 does support OMF.

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 :!:

Automation. Does SX have it?

SX has automation for just about everything.

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.