Is protools overrated?

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JiggSaw

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I just wanted to know everyone's opinion on this. What can Pro Tools do that other hardware/software can't?
 
Now a days nothing. In fact, I'd even say it's inferior to most sequencers because of it's lack of MIDI implementation.
 
I thought the latest versions had MIDI implementation?
 
All versions have MIDI, it's just that the flexibility isn't as flexible as other sequencers.
 
The quality of Pro Tools isn't really about the sequencer - - It is about the hardware (I'm talking about the full versions of ProTools. To be honest, I am not sure offhand if the Digi001 is of the same quality, although I am sure it is better than your average consumer soundcard and may in fact be of equal quality to regular ProTools just with less DSP power.)

You can use any sequencer you want with the ProTools hardware as your audio system.

I hear the TC Powercore card is supposed to be really good.


By the way, what is it you would like to do with MIDI that you think you cannot do with Pro Tools software? (I am not necessarily a fan of Pro Tools, just curious as to what you are trying to do with MIDI)
 
dvyce,
I actually have a TC Powercore, and it's probably the best $1200 I ever spent. It really doesn't save much processing power like it claims, but the quality of the effects are to die for. Especially the Finalizer. I think it has something to do with the way Digital Performer handles the effects shell. I think it might save more processor if you're using a VST compatible host as opposed to a MAS host.

In terms of Pro Tools hardware, I really don't think there is a need for it anymore. 5-10 years ago computers weren't fast enough and you had to farm out your DSP. Now a days however, computers are are more than capabable of handling all the processing needed for hard disk recording. In terms of their high end soundcards (Not the Digi 001). I don't think they have an advantage. Manufactures like Apogee, Hammerfall, and even the new HD192 from MOTU far surpass Digidesign.

Drew

P.S. By the way I'm a big fan of your music. I'm waiting for your release next month. By the way, where did you get the sample in "besides".
 
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Fumbling,

Thanks, I'm glad you like my music! The vocal (I am guessing that is what you are referring to) in Beside is actually from a real message that was left on an answering machine.
 
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dvyce,
I loved that vocal sample. It worked really well in the song. I tried DLing it from the site, but it wouldn't let me. Oh yeah, pro tools topic right. :) I wouldn't use pro tools but thats me.

d
 
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pro tools

I think because of the development of faster and faster processors, there isn't quite the need for dedicated DSP a la pro tools for everyone. But there are compatibility issues, when practically every major studio has pro tools, if you plan bringing work into or out of the studio,then pro tools is a huge plus.
Also there are plug ins that are only available on Pro Tools, and they are some of the best plug ins. Isn't the new Access Virus plu in Pro Tools only? Some of the real high end plug ins still need dedicated DSP. On the negative side proprietary systems like Pro Tools advance more slowly, technology wise, while computer processors and hard drives just get faster and faster.
Pro Tools is also pretty solid and dependable and when you buy Pro Tools hardware, you know it is going to work in your system.
And yes, the hardware sounds darn good. There are also a host of real time control surfaces that are made specifically for pro tools. Of course this is another thing that is becoming widely available for Logic, Sonar, DP, and Cubase.
Concerning MIDI sequencing, a lot of pro tools users utilize a dedicated sequencer like Logic in addition to Pro Tools. You will often see a dedicated machine with Logic synced to a Pro Tools system.
Overall, it's kind of like driving a Mercedes, you don't NEED it to get by, but it sure is nice to have. And once you are used to it, it is hard to go back to the perfectly functional Toyota.
 
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dsleep,
you make very good points. However, I must point out a few things.

1) There are a lot of programs that are completely compatible with pro-tools. In digital performer, I have the option to save my projects in Pro-Tools format.

2) Also regarding good plug-ins like the access virus. That plug-in I believe costs $700 for a TDM system. For the price of the software and the DSP to run it, you wind up paying more than an acutal Virus. Also, TC Electronics has announced that Access will be releasing a Virus Plug-in for the Powercore card. I have the Powercore, and as soon as that plug comes out, I'm all over it.

3) And as you pointed out earlier, a lot of manufacturers are building control surfaces for various sequencers.
 
So, fumbling, have we quelled your trepidations about the Xbase on the other thread? Once you have it, I know you will dig it. Fat! Fat! Fat!
 
I'm OK with my purchase now. It's suppose to be here tomorrow. The way I figure it, you can't lose with true analog.
 
So true, sir. I just got done fumbling with my Xbase, if you know what I mean.
 
"PRO"?

Pro tools is standard in alot of studios, but many pros dislike the sound of pro tools. Most "Big Timers" use SSL consoles, maybe pro tools, a couple people use logic audio (my favorite). I think its mostly because of the A/D converters with the Pro Tools hardware.. MANY pros use pro tools to EDIT, but not to mix or record.
 
Protools gets a thumbs up from me...

It's fairly ease to use and learn on and the hardware compatible with it is endless.

I remember bringing destiny's child into the studio i interned at for a while was only because we had a protools rig. They wouldn't record to anything else, and alot of artists and labels use that as a standard for people they work with. I guess they figure if you're using the industry standard then you must be performing up to industry standard. Which we were...
 
what makes pro-tools great is not the midi it's the audio.
i haven't seen a program that can edit audio as well as pro-tools
i own pro-tools and i can edit vowls breathes and other
subtlest things and you would never hear it was edited thanks to it's precision and crossfades. it's amazing. although the 001 is not %100 pro but if you use outside pre-amps, the converters are pretty good. but if you get the 001 it is all you need to start recording some quality work.
check it out i have some songs that were recorded on pro-tools.
www.mp3.com/gil_cohen

decide for your self.
the first tune was recorded in my house. the others in a dorm room.
 
I disagree

I use protools in the main room
And I LOVE IT!! In my opinion it is overpriced, but even still worth it..
We decided to purchase a MIX plus system a year ago and we bought an extra FARM card as we do a lot of mixing in this room and thus need lots of power....

There is not another platform that can be as powerful as pro tools (In my HUMBLE opinion)

When mixing I run 64 tracks (WITHOUT touching my CPU)
And run a compressor,eq,gate, and lots of times time based effects on every track and still have lots of room to go!!!

Even if you use up the dsp resources on the dsp cards you can instantiate RTAS plugins that run on the host... So you could run another 20 plugs!!! What other platform can do that.... and the system never slows down even when pushed to the limit...

That said I also use nuendo, cubase, and acid in our production room and I love those as well... Just different.
Pro tools and the pro tools hardware are great....
And the whole midi thing... I do lots of scoring and arranging and never have I felt like I was MISSING features... I am intersted in what features the MIDI implemetation lacks?
I have NI B4, Pro 52 and Access VIRUS for TDM. Plus the outboard modules and NEVER could it NOT perform what we needed....

Anyways maybe I should be a digidesign salesman!! hehehehe


Have A great day everbody!!!
Glenn
 
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