New Home Studio – What specs for Mbox2?

[ChristopherJoel]

I'm wondering what music software package to use I've heard that Mbox2 is good, then I've heard that Digital Performer is the way to go...I've got about $3500 to work with...and I just purchased a Yamaha S90ES Keyboard...which was $2000.00. If I go with Mbox2, what should my computer specs be...I've heard soooo much, but I need to hear from someone who has it and knows...please help...this is a life dream of mine and spending this kind of money is making me ill

Chris

 

[LfO]

Congrats on the synth - I got an S80 just before the S90 came out (so I guess I've got your synths grandma), and its been a peach.

This could easily degenerate, but I'd personally avoid Digidesign products (MBox and/or Pro Tools) - if you're going to Digital Performer (don't use Mac, so I don't have any reason to think badly of it), you might consider going with a MOTU interface. They are on the high end price-wise, though, and may be more than you need. What about the Presonus products - Firebox or Firepod - I think you'd get more bang for your buck and a less pushy company for the same price range. Depending on what your going to record, you may not need to spend as much on an interface anyway.



EDIT: By the way, if you're shopping for the whole studio, be sure to get good monitors, with at least 8" woofers (I learned that the hardway - bass is notably lacking on my event TR5s). Also read up on all aspects of this process at http://www.tweakheadz.com/guide.htm before buying anything.

 

[ChristopherJoel]

That's good to hear on the S90...however, I feel like I am having buyers remorse...I am considering the Triton....I don't know...

 

[LfO]

If you're happy with the physical action on the S90, I wouldn't worry about it, for one reason: softsynths. If you've got a decent computer, and you run software that can host a popular plugin format, you have access to a world of virtual synthesizers, free and otherwise. This should factor into your decision of software to use.

 

[ChristopherJoel]

So you don't think I should use Mbox2? What do you use...and what should my minimum requirements be on my computer.....

Chris

 

[LfO]

I use the Lexicon Omega, and am soon migrating to an M-Audio PCI interface - but, I'm a PC user, and don't know jack about Macs, requirements or otherwise. Hopefully some others will chip in with more knowledgable suggestions.

 

[giraffe]

both protools and dp are good
probably the interface that comes with dp is better?
usb is kinda slow (m-box2 still uses usb right, if not i'm sorry). so i'd try for something with a fire-wire interface, or pci.

i personally use and love protools but have heard many good things about DP
one of the biggest advantages of protools is going to be compatibility with other people who use protools.

mac/pc=whatever you're currently more comfortable with.
i like mac.

 

[Saxiety]

For about $2700, I bought the:
MBox 2
iMac G5
Lacie 250 GB external HD
Yamaha MG 10/2 Mixer
2 SM 58 SURE Mics
Marshal 603S mic
Various other necessities such as mic stands and cables

(m-box2 still uses usb right, if not i'm sorry)

Yes, unfortunately

 

[TuoKaerf]

If you are going to be doing mostly MIDI work and not much audio editing, I would avoid Pro Tools. Pro Tools is one of the best audio editors out there and does have ok MIDI features, but a program like Logic or DP is a little more MIDI intuative.

 

[ssscientist]

a program like Logic or DP is a little more MIDI intuative.

A LITTLE more? I would say 'a WHOLE BIG BUNCH more'.

Midi was not even available on protools until one of the 6.X revisions and the mbox v. 1 had no midi ports as a double whammy, meaning it's users had no access to midi even if they wanted it.

Using protools and it's incubatory midi functionality may be fine for beginners who want to stay beginners. But for those who want to take their music and recording skills to the next level, midi is a must.

 

[TuoKaerf]

The MIDI features work just fine on Pro Tools. Pro Tools' strength is the audio. DP is terrible for audio editing (But then again I've had some major issues with MOTU, so I personally hate their products).

 

[ssscientist]

The MIDI features work just fine on Pro Tools.

You must not demand too much from your midi 'features'.

I can't think of a program - unless it's something like 'Band in a Box' - that has a less friendly midi interface. Lost notes, difficult quantizing, having to use workarounds to do the simplest things --- these are a few of my least favorite things. And you can find them all in your local pro tools le - but not if it's a version before six point something!

I don't agree that pro tools is any stronger in the audio category than Logic or Logic Express on the Mac or Sonar in it's many forms on the PC or even a cross-platform program like Tracktion. It's a closed and costly system that got where it is today by being closed and costly so gullible chumps who equate cost with quality - most of our fellow American citizens - would take it to be the industry standard. Being called 'pro tools' probably didn't hurt either.

 

[TuoKaerf]

Obviously you don't like Pro Tools, and that's cool. I really don't like DP or a few other programs. I really don't like to scroll through a billion windows to be able to do what I need to do. Your stuff works for you, mine works for me.

Remember, DP and Logic used to have very crappy audio (or none at all) capabilities. Pro Tools is adding more and more MIDI functions also.

I use Pro Tools because I'm comfortable with it, and I don't have to think about what I'm doing in the software. Personal preference.
Trying to edit a lot of audio in DP or Logic is clunky and time consuming. I can be way more accurate with Pro Tools, and it just works better for me. I coulden't care less if it was the "standard" or not.

If you look at what the hardware is designed for, it'll make a lot more sense bud. An MBox isn't designed for tracking drums with 10 mics. A Digi 002 is geared more towards a project musican or something to mix on. I'll agree that the TDM systems are ungodly expensive for those stupid cards though.