Digital Performer or ProTools!?

[ernstinen]

Hi Techies,

I've posted this many times, but STILL don't have my studio working for 9 MONTHS!

Current problem: I need a new computer for PT8, and everything I've read says "Go Mac!"

Question: Since I've been using Performer for sequencing every since it came out, I know it like the back of my hand. I've spent years learning this program. --- Sooo do I buy a new Mac for DP, and buy ANOTHER 'puter for PT? All I want to do is sequence a large amount of tracks, and possibly record about 8 tracks of audio that will sync up with the sequences. PT would be used just for mastering, since I also know the program well for that purpose. I'd probably have to purchase another computer to deal with PT.

Current system: Mac G4 which worked for 5 years with my MOTU Midiexpress XT, then quit. Bought another MOTU interface, which also doesn't work. I've never changed anything in the Mac.

PT computer: P4, 2 MB RAM. Worked great, then stopped working except at 24/96. Have no idea why.

So, do I need TWO new computers! It just boggles my mind why BOTH would stop working.

Thanks in advance,

Ern

[Len911]

Go Mac as in ra ra, or go mac as in goodbye mac?lol!

I can't think of any good reasons why it would be necessary to buy two computers. I'm not really sure what advantage protools offers
as much of the software that uses protools also has a native version, unless the software you would be using is still a protools exclusive. It's probably more difficult than ever to choose a computer platform or software,imo, because I don't believe there is that much difference on an oranges to oranges comparison. It probably just boils down to price and the smaller things like how it feels to you.

[guscave]

Hi Ern,
I really don't see why you would need two computers. Any new Mac you buy today will easily be able to handle both programs (just use a separate drive for your audio). If DP is what you like to use then stick with it.

PT8 has some nice new features but personally I wouldn't buy it just to do mastering.

[Fullertime]

I use DP 7.12 as my main DAW and I use Protools 8LE for transfers of sessions if i need to but usually don't.

I love Performer mainly because of it's MIDI features but when I get a ProTools Session from a client, i just open it up and export it.

Both programs run flawlessly on my iMac in perfect co-existence. 1 computer is all you need!

Fuller

[ernstinen]

Thanks Len, Gus, & Fuller! You're right, two new computers makes no sense. I think it's going to be an iMac, or a MacPro if I win the lottery!

I was just looking in PC World, and they agree with the "bible" of computer technology, Consumer Reports that Mac is BY FAR #1, but surprisingly, for consumer PCs, Acer is #2. HP has dropped to the rock bottom. Of course, we're talking about home PCs and not specialized audio PCs --- But today, I saw a Fry's ad for an Acer desktop, AMD Phenom II X4 processor, 6GB DDR3 memory, I TB hard drive, 8 USB, Firewire etc. for $499. That's a lot of 'puter for that kind of $$! I looked at benchmarks for the Phenom Quad, and they don't quite match the Intel i7, but it's very comparable to the less than top-of-the-line Intels.

But if it doesn't work for my purposes, what's the point? I'll bet it would, but if it has to totally be ripped apart and modified for either DP or PT, it really doesn't make any sense, right? Might make a nice $500 boat anchor!

Best Regards,

Ern

[mojobone]

You can do a lot with either ProTools or Performer, with either a Mac or a PC, but given that you're something of a technophobe (and not without good reasons, heh) I think the Mac/Performer would suit you better and let you get on with your writing. PCs running P/T jes' need more care and feeding, and God knows many of us have a big enough job bending compressors to our will...my buck oh five.

[ernstinen]

given that you're something of a technophobe (and not without good reasons, heh) I think the Mac/Performer would suit you better and let you get on with your writing. PCs running P/T jes' need more care and feeding, and God knows many of us have a big enough job bending compressors to our will...my buck oh five.

Man, Reverend, you just NAILED it! I'm a "Technophobe," with good reason to be! I had everything NAILED, 5 computers, multi-interfaces, just humming along and things just STOPPED for no reason. I had probably 100 channels of Midi happening --- How do you think I wrote 10 pieces for full symphonic orchestra? I was in the captain's seat, and the ship went down to the bottom. So, no wonder I'm a "Technophobe!" My system that worked for so long, LET ME DOWN. And I am completely phobic what to do next. --- 10's of thousands of dollars down the drain, computers built for specific tasks --- all dead.

But, I DO have my $2000 VisionDAW for Gold which works, and my $1000 PC for GigaStudio, and my Emu6400 sampler that ALWAYS works. That's IT.

Sorry to weep on your shoulders, but it's a pretty bad situation for me, my studio, and my budget.

Things WILL get better --- I thank you all for your help!

Ern

[fusilierb]

If I had it all to do over again, I'd definitely stay with the mac, but I'd get up and running with Logic as the main DAW. I think Logic express is pretty cheap and it's becoming an industry standard and it's pretty easy to get your head around. Plus it's made by Apple, which means it's always gonna be the first daw on that platform to push the envelope between hardware and software and will continue to get easier to use. Sooooo, if I had it to do all over again...

[guscave]

I don't know how heavy your work flow is, but you might wanna check out the new Macmini: http://www.apple.com/macmini/. It's a pretty powerful little box for $700.