pro tools

[wizard3739]

Does any one have enough experience with pro tools to pass on their thoughts about using it in a home studio?

wiz

[M-ster]

There are other options that may be less costly and/or less restrictive. (I'm thinking Reaper, for one.)

My own experience is with Sonar.

[scottwilson]

I'm a long time ProTools user. I'm a fan, primarily because of workflow. I'm not sure what restrictions the previous poster is referring to. Reaper is definitely an alternative. There are some others as well.

If you're looking for a scratchpad, Reaper will do great. If you're looking for something that you'll be using for more full featured production, then that's really where Pro Tools shines - my opinion of course. There's lots of ProTools hate out there, just take it all with a grain of salt. I feel as tho most of that are amateurs or semi-pros rooting for an underdog whereas you'll find most pros who use protools all day long understand that they are all just tools - a means to an end and you should use whichever you're most comfortable with.

Do you have any specifc questions or requirements you're looking to fill?

-s

[Dark Star]

I've been using a ProTools Digi001 setup for years. Pretty simple & straightforward, imo.

[Philco]

Been using ProTools for over 20 years now and still use it every day in my work. I run a PTools HD Accel Rig. I also have used Logic and Digital Performer.

It's a wonderful workhorse but I would say it depends on your requirements.
If you are a composer and want to get creative then it may not be my first choice. Probably Reaper or Logic. Logic has a steep learning curve but comes with a great set of instruments. A lot of composers and orchestrators use Logic.

Some composers and orchestrators use ProTools but you have to know your rig and be able to troubleshoot and incorporate other programs to run Virtual Instruments.

If your compositional needs are not to large then PTools can do the job.

I make my living as a composer and I use ProTools to do it but I use it in conjunction with other apps.
ProTools is capable of many things but its main strength is as an audio recorder. For that job I would argue that there is none better.

Performance will also vary on computer platform..... if you use Mac or PC. Most PT guys use Macs.
There are PC guys using PTools and claiming good performance and stability.

Perhaps you could experiment with Reaper and see what you think. Otherwise there seems to be some good deals going for ProTools and interface options.
Once you have learned one of these apps then it's easier to learn another one so you could move across to another app in the future.

If you are going to be recording bands or other artists and generally using lots of audio tracks then go with ProTools.
If you want to compose and create then perhaps Reaper or Logic.

[ronjazz]

Protools is a great "front end" for Logic and other more modern software. Protools still sounds best for audio recording, but is lacking in the MIDI department. I've also found that folks using PCs have far more trouble with Protools than Mac users. If you're using a Mac, I would highly recommend Logic, even the smaller version is quite extensive in its "extras".

[fep]

I used Protools on a Mac when taking a college recording class. At home I've used Sonar Producer and Reaper on a PC at home.

Protools seems to be the big boy on the block in that it seems to be the most used at professional recording studios. I didn't care for it as I had to use a separate software for midi work. And, it didn't have as many plug-ins and effects that came with the purchase compared to Sonar or Reaper, at least there were hardly any effects choices on the ProTools software at the college. This last issue may not be that important as there are so many free plug-ins on the internet.

I like Sonar and Reaper about equally as a product except... I prefer Reaper because it's less expensive, more efficient on computer use, you get a much longer free upgrade path, and you buy one license for multiple computers.

Recording quality wise for audio, I can't tell a difference between any of these three products. They all sound great to me.

One more thing... Howard, are you aware that you already have 'RealBand' recording software that came with BIAB? I haven't used it but a lot of the BIAB users are happy with it.

[wizard3739]

Yes, thanks for reminding me, Frank. I have never tried it but I will try just for the education.

wiz

[Space Pickle]

I have used Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, Audacity and Garageband on an amateur engineer level. IMO unless you're seriously interested in pro-level audio engineering, buying Pro Tools is massive overkill and a waste of money.

If you just want to have a DAW set up for home recording stuff I would go with free software, there's no need for the expense and complexity of Pro Tools.

[Kojo27]

Originally Posted by scottwilson

I'm a long time ProTools user.
Do you have any specifc questions or requirements you're looking to fill?

-s

Scott -

Maybe you can help me. I'm a first-rank newbie to ProTools, but LOVE what I can tell about it - think I'm gonna love it.

Problem is, when I record my acoustic guitar thru a condenser mic and then hit the Play arrow, I hear nothing. In fact, I can open any sound file on the PC and hear nothing, because apparently something's displacing my sound driver. I can reboot and I have sound again.

I'm recording through M-Audio's Fast Track standard, running Vista SP2, 2GB RAM in this laptop.

Any ideas what's going wrong?

Thanks in advance,

KJ