I have the 002 and use it everyday to make $$$. It has not failed me yet. I, unlike some people, have no problem at all with Protools.
I learned a long time ago that you never blame your tools.

With that said, You'll want to buy a really nice AD/DA converter to expand the light-pipe ins/outs.
I use a Steinberg 8 chan AD/DA. I can't think of the exact model # but I know that it is made by RME, who makes some of the best converters on the market.

Your best bet is to check out the ergonomics of PT and Cubase to see which one flows better for you. I personally can't stand Cubase. But that's just me. I think the PT interface in very natural and is well laid out. If you take the time to learn all the quick key short-cuts, you'll fly around quite nicely.

On the mixer question.
Without knowing your budget, it's hard to suggest something, although.. I would spend my money on PreAmps and compressors and get the best you can afford. If your mixing "in-the-box" then your "Front-End" is where your going to get your sound.
I
t looks like you have the right idea going for the Great River. I've sold many and get nothing but huge reviews on them.

Hope this helps,

Chris

LittleDogAudio wrote: I have the 002 and use it everyday to make $$$. It has not failed me yet. I, unlike some people, have no problem at all with Protools... I use a Steinberg 8 chan AD/DA. I can't think of the exact model # but I know that it is made by RME, who makes some of the best converters on the market.

well, as a person with the EXACT same AD signal chain as Chris (except I have a 002rack not a 002 but also have the steinberg RME converters), I can say that I'm quite happy with PT as well. Especially if you're an audio guy- recording bands and what not. But even if not, I find the MIDI functions very usable in Pro TOols. I've considered switching over to DP, Nuendo, or even going PC for sampltude, but all in all, I never stray far from PT because it is so intuitive when it comes to audio edits. Of course I engage in the occasional digi bashing thread, but I consider my complaints more "venting" than "preparing to jump ship". PLus PT 6.7 and eventually 7 will most likely include beat detective which is the one thing that REALLY sucks about PT LE- it doesn't currently have it.

BTW, you really have the right idea by going with the great river- get the mp2nv if you can in case you get into some stereo micing techniques- better to have two channels rather than one- also you may decide to run some keyboards or synths through it. I'm personally saving for this same piece of gear- it's my next purchase.

oh yeah, forgot one thing- I would personally recommend the 002rack over the 002, because the 002r and command 8 controller combo can be had for similar pricing to the 002 and is a much more versatile setup (002rack can be toted around independently of the command 8 in a small rack bag with a laptop, while the 002 is an all in one- you're stuck with it). Plus you may end up getting a better or bigger control surface.

My personal opinion is if you are primarily recording audio then pro tools has the easiest user interface, best editing tools and by far the best manuals of any of the major choices.

If MIDI or composition is your main thing then there are other choices that make more sense.

Another BIG advantage of PT is if you at some point come to your senses and realize your stuff might sound better mixed by a pro then you can bring your PT session to any studio anywhere and have a pro mix it in native format. You could also decide to go have vocals or drums recorded in a big studio then do the overdubs at home.

This can be done with cubase or any other DAW as well but its not as easy.

Steve

Yeah, I have the 002 Rack. Definetly a better choice that the 002 with mixer.
For me, mixing and editing with a mouse is 3 times faster than with a control surface.
Just my opinion.

Chris