Pro Tools LE

[GroovyGroundhog]

So, I'm looking at the MBox which comes with Pro Tools LE. Is that good software? Should I look into something better?

 

[reshp1]

So, I'm looking at the MBox which comes with Pro Tools LE. Is that good software? Should I look into something better?

Look into the Mbox2, same software, but more functional interface for about the same price. The software works great for me, others here hate it (a lot for the way the company does business more than the way the software actually works). Be aware that to use the software, you have to use the hardware that came with it, so in a way you are locked into digidesign's stuff. Also, Protools uses a proprietary format for it's plugins called RTAS, and can't use VST which is probably the most common type, at least among freeware.

 

[modson]

God Kills a Kitten! LMAO!

Yeah, I'd get an Mbox 2. I currently run a DIGI002 Rack @home w/ Protools (obviously). depending on what your needs are. the Mbox might be USB powered as opposed to firewire (like the other LE systems) and therefore not as good!

Pro tools is cool, ive read online about peoples systems crashing but in my experience it seems to be people who dont know what they are doing. I had a few minor problems @ 1st but digidesign were more than helpful.

Plugins can be expensive but with my free upgrade to PT7 on friday I got £700 of plugins for £15. Also you can buy a converter for VST plugins so that they run as RTAS.

Hope this Helps

Chris

 

[reshp1]

Pro tools is cool, ive read online about peoples systems crashing but in my experience it seems to be people who dont know what they are doing.

Which reminds me, protools tends to be a little picky about the computer spec, so it'd be smart to make sure the computer you are planning to use with it is up to spec. Here's the link, it's worth the time to go over very carefully.
http://www.digidesign.com/compato/xp/mbox2/ (XP)
http://www.digidesign.com/compato/osx/mbox2/ (Mac)

 

[TuoKaerf]

The MBox will no longer be supported soon, so get the MBox 2.

 

[reshp1]

The MBox will no longer be supported soon, so get the MBox 2.

Define "soon." Digidesign has not mentioned discontinuing support for the mBox. The 001 was supported for several years after the introduction of the 002 and 002R

 

[jonnyc]

Just to clarify, its a common misconception that pro tools can ONLY use rtas, that isn't true, with a wrapper program thats about 80 bucks you can use vst's. Its a little cpu hoggish but for lighter track counts it shouldn't give you any fits. I use pro tools le everyday and IMO its a wonderful software and very easy to learn. Took me forever to get Cubase down(still don't totally have it down) but with ptle it was just a breeze. But that could just be me.

 

[modson]

Which reminds me, protools tends to be a little picky about the computer spec, so it'd be smart to make sure the computer you are planning to use with it is up to spec. Here's the link, it's worth the time to go over very carefully.
http://www.digidesign.com/compato/xp/mbox2/ (XP)
http://www.digidesign.com/compato/osx/mbox2/ (Mac)

Actually yeh, fair point. I was talking more about DAE and Buffer sizes actually but it is worth having a decent spec computer. Im running a mac mini w/ 1.42Ghz processor and 1GB Ram, but I would suggest you get a dual core system, I havent had too much trouble, only with a few plugins @ 96Khz/24Bit but if I had the Dosh, Id get a bigger mac.

Theres a decent write up on PT on SOS, BTW

www.soundonsound.com

Cheers
Chris