Studio Start Up

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Lunar21

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We are building a studio from scratch, and I need advice on which daw-software to focus on. I have been briefly using both sonar, cubase and pro-tools, but I need to finally focus on one single software as the main recording software. For a professional studio, will cubase-sx3 be good enough as a recording-software? Client wise and within the "business" I mean?

Another issue is that most of the other studios(if not all) that I cooperate with ,use Pro Tools...

So basically, I am going back and forth between Pro Tools LE on Digi002, or Cubase SX, or even Sonar 4 PE. Any advice? Please keep in mind that we will be offering our services as a recording facility, not just a project based studio...
 
wow this is always a tough one.

I for one think pro tools is WAY overrated. I may get some flak for that, but hey it's just an opinion right? On the other hand, if most of the other studios/people you work with use pro tools you may have to dive in and go with it. I heard that pro tools works with some m-audio stuff now as well, so that would mean you wouldn't have to shell out a couple grand for their interface. Keep in mind also: most of the 'pro' studios you hear about use high end pro tools HD and TDM systems and not LE, these babies can cost you like 10 grand for the 'starter' kits.

If you're on a PC , I'd go with Sonar. God I love that program...wish it was made for macs :)

If you're on a mac, go with logic or digital performer. You can even start a new trend and go with ableton or traktion (love these programs too)

I think it's unfortunate that this pro-tools mindset has gone on this long. Not that pro-tools isn't a good program, it is. It's just that there are some other programs that will do just the same if not better at a more reasonable price. You want to be able to save that money to buy some good mics, monitors, cables etc.. you know what I mean?

oh, it won't be long before manning1 gets on here and starts peddling his crap called powertracks (i think that's what it's called) just a warning to ya, I think it's old, tired software

good luck, starting a studio nowadays is rough business.

Adam
 
Thanks for the reply. I have in fact been using sonar mostly, and have been rather happy with it. However, Ì understand that there are some limitations concerning plug-ins (like vst support etc.) ?

But in a studio situation, I would think that many clients would almost expect ProTools to be the studio software...But comparing to Pro Tools LE, I am thinking about Sonar 4 or Cubase SX3...

The M-Powered version of ProTools does not support more than one periperhal at a time, meaning that one would have to buy the flagship of M-audio soundcards if more inputs are needed. I want at least 16 ins...

A little con for Pro Tools LE is offcourse the need for a digidesign hardware, and both Sonar and Cubase are more flexible in this area. However, I dont want to dive far down into a program if a year or to down the road, I have to upgrade to Pro Tools anyway.
 
Logic

Maybe you have good reasons, but considered logic? - for me its the most professional package that really caters for audio and MIDI.
 
Offcourse, Logic has been considered, but mainly as a mix/remix tool...On the other hand, I am currently on pc, and want to stay on the pc platform. Allthough if the situation calls for it, I might make the transfer to a mac.
 
It sounds like you may have to bite the bullet and spring for Pro Tools HD. If you put out good work and have other solid equipment around, you don't NEED Pro Tools at all. Reputation is far more important in the recording industry than whether or not you do or don't have Pro Tools. People are finally becoming familiar with other DAW applications. Nuendo and Cubase especially have really started to become more of a presence in professional studios, but Pro Tools is and will be the defacto standard for quite some time.
 
Ok, so after hours and hours of searching and consulting....I will definitely go for a mac G5 with Logic Pro through a MOTU 828MK2 that i got a good deal on. Think this will be enough for a small studio? Havent encountered too many studios using Logic as their primary software.

Would you recommend getting the Digi002 to get PT LE as well, or perhaps cubase sx?
 
What kind of recording will you be doing? Are you recording bands, using multiple mics for live instruments and overheads? Are you recording/mixing samples and MIDI? What kind of clientele do you expect to see, any specific genres of music? I think questions like these should play a role in what software/hardware you will be purchasing. I also think what the software is optimized to do is more important than the brand name. I use a Mac G5 and an 828 as well.
 
I guess mostly band recordings. But as the studio will be available to anyone who gets in touch with us, I am pretty sure we will be working with a diverse group of clients...

I do agree with you, but in Oslo, where we are situated, the "studio-standard" (and yes, there IS such a thing), is definitely pro tools and logic.
 
Lunar21 said:
I do agree with you, but in Oslo, where we are situated, the "studio-standard" (and yes, there IS such a thing), is definitely pro tools and logic.
Click to expand...

Unfortunately, that is probably true. You'll still have a nice setup though with a Mac/Pro Tools or Mac/Logic setup that'll get the job done.
 
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