Am I depriving myself if I would buy Digi 001?

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frank_1

frank_1

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I am asking for suggestions to get the BEST software on the market! I have ProTools FREE and I think it's pretty easy to use and I like the editing tools it provides. I wish I could buy a MAC, but a MAC is 2x more expensive then a PC; I think a PC will have to do.

So since I can not afford a Mac MOTU is out of the question. But What else is there. I tried Cakewalk (9.0 & Sonar) and I think it's the worst software to ever hit the market. I wanted to try the demo of n-track, but every time I would hit just 4 commands, my computer would CRASH on me; I wish I could see how it is. I also tried VEGAS and thought it sucked, worst then Cakewalk. Cubase was another. I tried it but couldn't even get it to record! Even though I used the demo, well it just didn't look like great software. Cool Edit was another program I used, but it was just an editor, no mix window for the demo! I think ProTools has better editing capabilities then Cool Edit.

What software do you recommend? I am thinking of mabe just sticking with ProTools FREE, then buy a better sound card; I don't have money to burn.


-One more question. Do you think it is a good idea to buy used software? I mean could there be problems with it since it's used?
 
Well,
If you like Pro Tools free, stick with it. I think it's limited to 8 tracks, but if that works for you, you've saved yourself some money.
As far as not liking some of the others, you'll find people who swear by them, and others who swear at them.
The digi 001 Pro Tools LE thing would probably be a good upgrade fro you. Instead of 8 tracks you'd be limited to 24, you still have a limited number of plug ins (RTAS only), and the Digi 001 turns into a stereo in and out card when used with any other recording software. I've also heard mixed reviews on the quality of the converters on it. On the plus side, the digi 001 can handle 16 inputs at a time (8 analog, 8 digital), and you could add high end converters to the digital inputs down the road.
I have heard there is a cracked version of PT free that allows more than 8 tacks, and doesn't require the digi interfrace, but I'm not sure if thats true.
 
Gotta ask - what are you depriving yourself of?

Your budget's limited and probably, bang for your buck, you can't get more to start out with than the DIgi. Two channels of pre-amp (neutrik connectors), 6 more channels of 1/4" in, 8 outs, digital ins and outs, A/D-D/A convertors, dynamics, EQ and editting plugs (they were doing a verb plug too a while back...) and midi (kind of). - it's a great package if you're on a budget. And, you get (most of) ProTools. If you like the workspace, stick with it.

Be aware - you're not going to get an SSL in a box- but a lot of people are doing decent recordings with just the 001.

I've had a Mac version since they came out and I've put together a pretty respectable songwriting rig around it. I found all of the parts of the 001 servicable. However, as I've gotten money to upgrade, I have. The good news is that the ProTools platform is so easy to create in, I could build a strong signal chain around it and not have to change software or platforms. OTOH - the mic pre's are thin, I got two channels of good out board. The Digi plug ins, while useable in a pinch aren't the qual;ity of McDSP or Waves - definite upgrade. I haven't been too unhappy with the convertors but then my signal chain into the ysytem is pretty good (good mics, cables, etc.).

All due respect, but I also have to disagree with a couple of previous statements. While it's true that not all 3d party software will route thru the interface, DirectConnect (also free) routes a lot of popular s/w synths, etc. into PT. Also, if you check out the Digi web site, I think you'll see that all but the most exotic TDM plug-ins are written for RTAS. TDM has even embraced RTAS as a format.

They've sold a mess of these things and a majority have been for serious/semipro hobbyists and quite a few run as a main system or at least a B room in a lot production houses and studios. Check out the user profiles on the DUC sometime.

Good luck

Cats
 
All due respect, but I also have to disagree with a couple of previous statements. While it's true that not all 3d party software will route thru the interface, DirectConnect (also free) routes a lot of popular s/w synths, etc. into PT. Also, if you check out the Digi web site, I think you'll see that all but the most exotic TDM plug-ins are written for RTAS. TDM has even embraced RTAS as a format.

My only point was that I see a lot of questions where people want to use the interface with a different program, like Cakewalk or Logic. I'm pretty sure the digi turns into a stereo in and out card in other software.

Bang for the buck, it really is a nice system.

Another thing to be aware of is that it is somewhat hardware picky. I've read a lot of angry posts from people with compatibility issues. I'm pretty sure it only runs on Windows 98 (no NT or 2000). It also doesn't play nice with the VIA chipset (no Athlon).
Check out their forum on the digidesign web page to get a good feel for user reaction.
I came very close to buying one, but I also use midi, so I stayed with Cakewalk.
 
Valid point with regards to CakeWalk. On the Mac side at least Logic and Digi seem to have ironed out their differences.

I would absolutely agree that if midi is the centerpoint of your studio, you can probably do better than ProTools in general. The strength has always been audio editting.

As afr as PCs go - I don't use 'em for audio so you probably know better than I.

Be careful reading the DUC, it's pretty notorious for trolls and whiners.

Cats
 
You can use the Athlon with the Digi 001. I do. But you need to choose a motherboard with either the VIA KT133a or the AMD 761/VIA686 chipset. Both of these have proved to be good performers, and very powerful!!. Go to the DUC and read the "PT Performance" thread, you will see performance differences between the Athlon, P3 and P4 systems.
 
You are depriving yourself if 1) you think you are getting
anything even close to Pro Tools TDM and 2) if you think you are
getting the most bang for your buck.

Lets break it down..

First of all, multitracking, audio editing,and midi sequencing
software can be and are very complex in so far as what
they can do. It is virtually impossible to sit down in a couple
of hours with demo versions without manuals and expect
to be fully proficient at any of them. I think you'd find that most
people that make a choice either way pretty much stick with
one that first gells with them and simply learn how to use it.
My point being ,that any of the above that you mentioned,
will be able to do anything that you can possibly want to do
and more although some may be more user friendly than
others. Better still than a lite version of Pro Tools.

For the price of the Digi 001, there are definitely better
hardware and software combinations.

Just of the hip..here are a few...
The Aaardvark Direct Pro 2496/includes a full version of Cakewalk
9.03 ( which means you can upgrade to Sonar if you want)
M-Audio Delta 1010/includes a full version of Vegas Audio

The Echo Card at the equilavent price range and i forget
which one at the moment Darla, Layla, Gina

All of which are 96k 24 bit capable ..with just as good or better
A/D converters..have solid reputations on the PC platform..
and are Direct X compatible..which means more selection
of plug ins for less money...than the RTAS..which are no
better but equal

If you add another 100$ ..you are at the Motu 2408MkII
which is a tremendous buy in terms of expandability, flexibility,
and functionality..the Motu can go either platform PC or Mac although there software, Audiodesk and the Digital Performer are Mac only, the hardware works with any of the PC software packages..
If you need alot of I/O's this is hands down the best there is...

Oh, you mentioned having problems with N-tracks, which
I have heard nothing but good things about...which means
you may need to check your PC out and upgrade wherever
possible to make full use on whichever you decide to go with..

Good Luck!
 
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