PT8 Virgin wanting to pop cherry
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Posted on Oct 28, 2009 08:04 pm
bassettpaul1
Member Since: Oct 28, 2009
HELP!
I want to move forward with my purchase of PT8 M-Pwrd.
I have less than $2k to work with, and I want a computer (Dell XPS 8000 Studio XPS 8000, Intel® Core™ i5-750 processor(8MB Cache, 2.66GHz), Pro tools 8 M-Powered software , Axiom 49 Advanced Semi-Weighted USB MIDI Controller, Fast Track Pro USB Audio/MIDI Interface with Preamps (I need to buy all this thru Dell website to take advantage of coupons, no interest, and credit).
The PT wesite is very confusing as to what is compliant/required to run all this properly…my head is about to explode. I just want to write original material at home on this rig by myself. I have questions about processors, video cards, audio cards, multi or single hard drive set ups…arggggh.. HELP!
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Quincysanhttp://www.unitedmusicians.infoContributor
Since: Nov 11, 2007
Oct 29, 2009 11:50 am Firstly...ew.
Second...you'll need an M-audio device for your interface or you won't be able to run M-powered. You might consider PT LE instead if you can find a Dell audio interface that is worth purchasing (which I doubt). Check out the M-audio 1010lt or PreSonus Firestudio for use with PT LE. I'm one of very few people here that use PT...most will recommend a product from a company less evil. I hate Digidesign so much that I complained until they gave me all my money back for PT...but I still use it because it works and its a name people associate with professional quality; which is stupid...but that's how wannabe studio buffs see things. This type of person is unfortunately common. I'm a little slutty like that. I hope you never have to call Avid support (M-audio or Digidesign)...because you won't get any useful info without shelling out cash. I use PT8 m-powered with the M-audio ProjectMix and calling support has been worse than any other company I've ever dealt with...and I am in the "calling companies for technical support" industry.
You can easily fit this studio under your budget if you don't need to record live drums. Look for firewire audio interfaces vs usb interfaces. Build your own computer or get a friend to do it for you. Don't bother purchasing a processor with > 2 cores for a PT rig. PT 8 mpowered/le won't utilize more than 2 cores anyway. Better to spend $150 on a 3.6 Ghz dual core than spending $200 on a 2.6 Ghz quad. You're REALLY overshooting your budget with that Dell XPS. USB emulated MIDI controller sounds fine to me....whatever you think you'll use. Good call on getting weighted keys.
I might suggest spending the money you save on the computer on plugins/drum loops or samples. The computer is not likely to be a bottleneck starting out. Some of the best engineers on this forum use computers with fairly humble components.
Oct 29, 2009 12:01 pm I've heard less than impressive things about the M-Powered versions of PT...they may have improved since then, however...just sayin.
Quincysanhttp://www.unitedmusicians.infoContributor
Since: Nov 11, 2007
Oct 29, 2009 01:40 pm I've heard some talk on this forum that m-powered is somehow less desirable than LE. While I don't doubt that is a possibility, I am curious to know why.
Obviously the limited track count is a stupid limitation of both LE and M-Powered.
I imagine that M-powered is LE repackaged with additional M-audio device features that would otherwise go unsupported...not sure what else would be different?
I have had problems with my ProjectMix in Protools...but those issues are likely due to my friend who shipped the Pmix to me in an oversized box with less than 3 handfuls of packing nuts in it. I've told this to M-Audio support in addition to the symptoms I'm having and they say...
A-hole: "sounds like a software problem".
Me: "The driver won't fully install"
A-Hole: "Sounds like a firewire chipset problem, buy this expensive one that won't ship for 3 weeks so we can avoid your problem for a little while"
Me: [buys $80 2 port firewire card, installs, same problem]
"It still doesn't work"
***Your support account has been disabled, call cust support***
Three calls later I finally get my account unlocked...submitted that the issue is not resolved...it's been three weeks and I haven't heard anything.
I'm livid just thinking about it. HOWEVER...I still don't see how M-Powered could be less functional than LE when all devices are working.
TadpuiI am not a crook's headMember
Since: Mar 14, 2003
Oct 29, 2009 02:21 pm To quote myself from the other thread where you posted the same question:
Quote:
With less than $2000 to work with, I'd avoid Pro Tools altogether. Try Sonar, Cubase, Reaper, pretty much anything but Pro Tools or else you're going to paint yourself into a corner with your budget.
Trying to get a computer, plus a PT interface, plus software, plus all of the other stuff you'll need (mics, stands, cables, effects, acoustical treatment, etc.) all for $2k is a tall order.
Dell has some good machines for great prices, and it sounds like you have a coupon that'll help with the cost there. But there isn't going to be an interface that Dell sells that's going to be worth anything when it comes to audio recording. Either select "nothing" for the audio card, or go with whatever cheapo integrated thing they have included in the base price. Either way, you won't be using Dell's sound card for recording. You're free to use it for playback for games and movies, but when it comes to recording, nothing that Dell offers is going to do the job.
So you'll have to find an audio interface. Start shopping brands like M-Audio, PreSonus, Line6, MOTU, ESI, Echo, Lexicon. They all have entry-level interfaces of various prices and quality, also with varying degrees of stability depending on your computer's specs. But in general, any of those brands will offer something of good quality for a fair price.
Oct 30, 2009 12:03 am why pro tools? and don't gimme "industry standard" bs....unless you're taking your mix from studio to studio, you need not worry.
are you already familiar with the software? if so cool...
otherwise i'd open up to other software/interface combo's and save money for other things.
PT is EXPENSIVE....and there are PLENTY of other apps out there that can record/edit/mix audio just fine.
Quincysanhttp://www.unitedmusicians.infoContributor
Since: Nov 11, 2007
Oct 30, 2009 09:53 am Scenario: A moron has $5000. He is deciding where to record an album. He visits a studio with PT and one without; he picks between the two.
