Adobe Audition 3 vs. Pro Tools 8... need some help.

[imakenoise]

I'm trying to decide what software to use as a multi-track/mixdown/master for my recordings.

I have been using a copy of Cool Edit Pro 2.0 to record on for about a decade now, and so I'm quite familiar with it's multitrack recording, mixing, etc. in a general sense. I have a computer that, in theory, should be able to run either Pro Tools or Audition just fine. I also have an M-Audio Fast Track Ultra and an Audigy Live Drive. So, basically, I have everything but the software itself to get started with a better (and more 'legitimate') set-up than I currently have.

I have done some research on both programs, and was initially leaning towards Audition, since it's kind of the 'upgrade' from Cool Edit, and would be familiar. But, I hear so much praise about Pro Tools, and have an M-Audio anyway, and at this point, I can find legal copies of Pro Tools M-Powered 8 that are comparable --- if not cheaper --- than Audition.

I make rock music, more or less. Drums, keys, guitars, bass, voice. Lots of effects pedals. I don't use MIDI or (generally) do any looping of beats. While it's nice in theory to have the option to manufacture beats, it's not something I rely on. It seems like every video I try to find about Pro Tools (or Audition, generally) emphasizes the looping and MIDI capabilities of the software, and all I'm really interested in (for now, at least) is recording and mixing down albums of my own which might be of a higher quality than what Cool Edit 2.0 is capable of. Obviously, 'quality' --- aside from being in the eye or ear of the beholder--- has more to do with the sounds that go into a mic, rather than how the software treats it. But is the whole process from recording to mixing/mastering really any easier/better with one software than another, or is it all just really personal opinion and hype? Does one software package have better filters/noise reduction/eq capabilities/compression/etc?

I've heard that there's a substantial learning curve to Pro Tools, and while that doesn't bother me at all, I worry that the free downloadable demos wouldn't give me enough time/options to actually sink my teeth into the software and make a real determination.So I could use some advice from someone with some familiarity to these programs, who has recorded and mixed down on them.

If there's no substantial difference, then I'll probably just get whatever is cheaper for. But either way, my baseline comparative model would be Cool Edit Pro 2.0 ... so, if you have any good advice, I could use it.

Thanks!

 

[Bobbsy]

Do you need really effective MIDI capabilities? If so, Audition is not for you. The MIDI in Audition 3 is pretty clunky compared to almost any other sequencer.

However, for recording, editing and mixing actual audio then I much prefer Audition.

Before retiring I worked in TV sound and, because it was the "industry standard" I used to have to use Pro Tools at work--we had to exchange lots of stuff with other production houses.

However, for my home DAW I chose Audition over Pro Tools. I didn't need MIDI functionality and I much preferred working on Audition.

If you're used to Cool Edit Pro 2, you'll find version 3 changed quite a lot. It makes good use of real time effects, has lots of automation tools and the workspace is very customisable. There are also some new things (like a very useful spectral editing screen) that you'll wonder how you lived without. It'll take a bit of learning to use all the features (though not as much as a move to Pro Tools) but once you get there it becomes a real workhorse.

My two cents worth anyhow...

 

[imakenoise]

Thanks! I appreciate the advice.