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crazy_knight
New member
hi im looking at setting up my first daw...is protools 9 worth it when its going to be mu first daw or should i just go for the tried and tested 8 for the moment?
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JB's Studio
New member
For your first DAW? why do you want Pro Tools? I've been swearing at it for 2 years.
Pro Tools 8 requires you use Avid (M-Audio or Avid or digidesign) interfaces depending upon which version M-Powered (M-Audio) or LE (digidesign). It is also one of the most finicky programs I've seen based upon my own experience. I'm running M-Powered 8.0.4 cs2 right now until I finish up my current three songs, then I'm moving over to Presonus Studio One Pro. I've already to S1 loaded and have worked with it and think it's a far easier program to use. The forum support is far better than DUC. My impression for the responses to version 8 of Pro Tools on DUC is that they're focusing on 9 and those with 8 are the left overs.
Check out Presonus Studio One Pro. Download the demo. It'll work for a month before you have to buy it. Plus you get the Jambalaya recipe. And like Pro Tools 9 it has Automatic Delay Compensation.
Pro Tools 8 requires you use Avid (M-Audio or Avid or digidesign) interfaces depending upon which version M-Powered (M-Audio) or LE (digidesign). It is also one of the most finicky programs I've seen based upon my own experience. I'm running M-Powered 8.0.4 cs2 right now until I finish up my current three songs, then I'm moving over to Presonus Studio One Pro. I've already to S1 loaded and have worked with it and think it's a far easier program to use. The forum support is far better than DUC. My impression for the responses to version 8 of Pro Tools on DUC is that they're focusing on 9 and those with 8 are the left overs.
Check out Presonus Studio One Pro. Download the demo. It'll work for a month before you have to buy it. Plus you get the Jambalaya recipe. And like Pro Tools 9 it has Automatic Delay Compensation.
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crazy_knight
New member
its the first one ive bought myself, ive been using protools for the past 3 years in college and feel confedent in using it and its what i know as well so i wanna use it rather than any other
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bdenton
New member
To answer the question you actually asked...
I would recommend going with PT 9. It adds several new features such as ADC, plus it can be used with a variety of third-party interfaces. Despite a few sour grapes on the DUC, it is a vary stable product with only a small number of (mostly minor) bugs.
In this case, the latest is definitely the greatest; there is really no good reason to go with the older version.
Just make sure that you carefully follow the installation instructions on the Avid website and you won't have any problems.
And JFTR...you can learn to lay down a couple of tracks just as easily in Pro Tools as you can in any other DAW. But to go beyond that, there is a pretty steep learning curve, no matter what DAW you use. If you are serious about recording, you are probably going to end up with Pro Tools, so why not just start with it instead of having to learn two DAWs...
I would recommend going with PT 9. It adds several new features such as ADC, plus it can be used with a variety of third-party interfaces. Despite a few sour grapes on the DUC, it is a vary stable product with only a small number of (mostly minor) bugs.
In this case, the latest is definitely the greatest; there is really no good reason to go with the older version.
Just make sure that you carefully follow the installation instructions on the Avid website and you won't have any problems.
And JFTR...you can learn to lay down a couple of tracks just as easily in Pro Tools as you can in any other DAW. But to go beyond that, there is a pretty steep learning curve, no matter what DAW you use. If you are serious about recording, you are probably going to end up with Pro Tools, so why not just start with it instead of having to learn two DAWs...
Chili
Site Moderator
It really comes down to price vs user interface features. Most DAW programs are going to yield the same quality, so the major differences are workflow and 'Feel' of the user interface. These are very subjective facets of a program. If you're just starting out, look for a daw that will have your minimum requirements and compare prices. Cubase, Sonar, Protools, all do the same thing except switches and knobs in different places and they are different colors or something trivial like that.
Also, not sure if it's true anymore, but Protools used to require RTAS plug-ins, so if you're shopping for third party plugs, you can expect to pay twice the amount over VST plugs. Maybe the newer versions have changed that and granted, Protool plugs are pretty good, so you may not need 3rd party plugs to begin. On the other hand, Cubase and Sonar plugs are very good, also.
have fun
Also, not sure if it's true anymore, but Protools used to require RTAS plug-ins, so if you're shopping for third party plugs, you can expect to pay twice the amount over VST plugs. Maybe the newer versions have changed that and granted, Protool plugs are pretty good, so you may not need 3rd party plugs to begin. On the other hand, Cubase and Sonar plugs are very good, also.
have fun
J
JB's Studio
New member
It still does require RTAS plugins, but you can get a VST-RTAS wrapper for $100 and use the VST stuff. All RTAS plugins (AFAIK) have a VST version, but not all VST plugs have RTAS versions.
I had to ask that other question because there are a lot of DAWs out there that are less finicky about system configuration. And yes there usually is a steep learning curve with all of them. I've been using Pro Tools 8 since the day it came out. PT8 didn't support Vista, so I stayed with XP, and then version 9 is Win 7 or Mac only. To upgrade from XP to 7 it gets a bit pricy.... $300 for the OS alone. IMO PT only if you've got a Mac, or one of those "supported PCs", and at the price of that you might as well get a Mac for your PT DAW.
Cubase 6 is also Win 7 or Mac only.
I had to ask that other question because there are a lot of DAWs out there that are less finicky about system configuration. And yes there usually is a steep learning curve with all of them. I've been using Pro Tools 8 since the day it came out. PT8 didn't support Vista, so I stayed with XP, and then version 9 is Win 7 or Mac only. To upgrade from XP to 7 it gets a bit pricy.... $300 for the OS alone. IMO PT only if you've got a Mac, or one of those "supported PCs", and at the price of that you might as well get a Mac for your PT DAW.
Cubase 6 is also Win 7 or Mac only.
Chili
Site Moderator
Nah, not $300. You can get the family 3-pack upgrade to Win 7 Home Premium for about $100. Search on Amazon.com.
And you're right, they all have a steep learning curve.
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sockswithshoes
New member
If you decide to go with protools 9 there is student pricing for $295 available from sweetwater. Just a heads up
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JB's Studio
New member
The Windows upgrade to Win 7 is available only if you have Vista. Otherwise you need the full version. Oh, and I did manage to snag a copy from a friend who has a friend who works at MS for $40. 
If you're a student take advantage of every single piece of academic version software you can find.
If you're a student take advantage of every single piece of academic version software you can find.
Chili
Site Moderator
No, that's not true. I upgraded from XP to Win7 last fall using the family 3-pack. Of course, the $40 price trumps!!
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benherron.rrr
New member
Lol soo true.
It kicks ass when it works. *the key word being when*
Hell I thank god when I turn on my computer after finishing a session the pervious day to find it works like it did when I turned it off.
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tonesponge
New member
If you are going to get pro tools, get 9. It is the firtst version to allow you to use any interface, instead of locking you into using Avid interfaces. An I hear the compatibility is greatly improved, but can't confirm on personal knowledge.
Seriously, I think the main choices now are pro tools 9, pro tools HD, and then the low budget option that is probably just as good, but not "industry standard," which is Reaper. The rest, like Logic, Sonar, and Cubase, seem more like DAWS for people to use who are already used to those DAWS, and don't want o have to learn a new one (which is understandable).
Seriously, I think the main choices now are pro tools 9, pro tools HD, and then the low budget option that is probably just as good, but not "industry standard," which is Reaper. The rest, like Logic, Sonar, and Cubase, seem more like DAWS for people to use who are already used to those DAWS, and don't want o have to learn a new one (which is understandable).
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crazy_knight
New member
yeh im going to get protools, i have been using it for the past two years. i say its m first i mean its the first one i have personally owned i like the fact that you can use any interface with it, now that ive got my daw sorted i just need to find in interface lol
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benherron.rrr
New member
Why not try one of the Mboxes, I really think that people hated the digidesign stuff cause thay hated being tied to it. Ive got the Avid Mbox pro and it really is top notch, plus if you get a burgerler you can throw it at him, knock him out cold and still not have a scratch.
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nathaneadam
New member
It's a tossup. If you're a student, you can get an mbox mini with 8 for around $200, and the PT 9 upgrade for $125, totalling $325 With an interface.
Otherwise, the student price for JUST 9 is $300. The extra $25 would be worth it to many to have an XlR & 1/4" interface.
If you can pick up a legit Mbox mini for significantly less, then I'd do 8, then the upgrade.
Otherwise, the student price for JUST 9 is $300. The extra $25 would be worth it to many to have an XlR & 1/4" interface.
If you can pick up a legit Mbox mini for significantly less, then I'd do 8, then the upgrade.
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geoffvernon
New member
I REALLY do think that Pro Tools 9 IS worth it! I mean people say pro tools isn't good and other softwar ebeats it but i don't think that is not true. Aside from being a little to high priced it is now easy and accessible to ANYBODY! All you need is the software and an iLok. you don't NEED an interface for starting out you can use core audio with mac and aiso with windows which is amazing! I have been using pro tools now for a litttl eover two year sand yes it has a steep learning curve but once youv'e got it you can fly. So go ahead get pro tools 9 use it for a bit without and interface then when you realize you need something better sounding there is literally almost thousands of interfaces to choose from! Atleast the software is open to anybody! Also to all the people saying pro tools sucks and has lOTS of bugs, maybe you should stop getting cheap "mickey mouse" computers and spend the extra money! Remember you have to spend money to make money 
Also to prove it works with ANY interface, I am currently using a cheap one channel in and one out Griffin iMic(with PERFECT quality audio)interface until i have the money for something better!!
My Computer:
Late 2010 21.5 iMac with OS X 10.6.6
4 gb's DDR3 Ram(upgrading to FULL 16 GB soon!)
500 GB Hard
3.06 GHz Intel core i3 Processor
Pro Tools HD 9
Also to prove it works with ANY interface, I am currently using a cheap one channel in and one out Griffin iMic(with PERFECT quality audio)interface until i have the money for something better!!My Computer:
Late 2010 21.5 iMac with OS X 10.6.6
4 gb's DDR3 Ram(upgrading to FULL 16 GB soon!)
500 GB Hard
3.06 GHz Intel core i3 Processor
Pro Tools HD 9
J
JB's Studio
New member
The ADC feature on PT 9 is worth the trouble if you're going that way. There were work arounds for PT8. However, ATM you don't need a ton of RAM but you do need Win 7. PT 9 is still only in 32 bit and thus can only access 4 GB ram. The downside of a 64 bit DAW is that all your plugins have to be 64 bit. And it now supports ASIO drivers!!!
What you end up using is going to depend upon what you're doing.
What you end up using is going to depend upon what you're doing.