which is better?

The eternal question… None, or both…

It's be easier if you were telling us what is the usual job you do or want to do…

Logic Express is better, considering how many high quality plug-ins you would have to buy or crack
Express 7 is mind blowing to a PT user.
http://www.macmusic.org/agora/forums/style...es/11/icon3.gif

Pro Tools LE is not available without specific hardware, so you would have to assess what you are trying to achieve, what equipment you have and what equipment you will need.

If you just want to 'tinker', try Garageband for a start, and then move on to its "big brother" Logic Express 7. I know that many Logic users will view my comment negatively, but whilst Logic is a well-established "Pro" application, its similarities with GB make for a plausible transition.

I personally use Pro Tools for most of the studio work, but often teach new trainees on Garageband or Logic Express (depending on their starting level). The basic principles are the same, regardless of the tools. For home use, I have a Powerbook with a 002 interface running ProTools LE (mostly for compatability with my Studio projects and familiarity with the interface and software) but often compose "quick ideas" on both Garageband & Logic.

In answer to your question "which one is best?", there is no "best solution" as such. You have to consider what your budget is, and what your interests are. Pro Tools is largely derived from a Pro Studio system, and even in its LE form offers a host of advanced features that serious hobbyists find useful. Logic Express, nevertheless, does come bundled with various "instant gratification" instruments & tools that will seem more appealing to the casual hobbyist, but with the new Digi bundles, I firmly believe that Digi are closing the gap when it comes to value for money.

In both cases, beware the various upgrade paths that plague all users. If it isn't a case of a new operating system, it's a case of manufacturer's greed, and before long you will find both companies charging for an upgrade fee to the "latest version"....


....so the choice is ultimately yours!

Is Logic compatible with Firepod by Presonus? how do you know what hardware will work with what software (excluding PT)?

Theoretically, every audio-interface that "supports" Mac OS X should work with any audio application besides Protools LE/TDM. So, the real question is which one works better? Presonus Firepod works pretty well. Since Presonus put absolutely no dsp into the thing, the drivers are just the MacOS built in drivers that gives you direct access to all the channels etc, there isn't much in terms of conflict. On the other hand, well crafted drivers from companies such as MOTU, RME, Metric Halo would give you much more options - flexibility - for more advanced usage. For me, the Firepod has been great so far

I have found that many times... the music apps that work best with the interfaces are the ones made by same company... for example... I had an Emagic interface that seemed to work better for recording into Logic than my Digi001 did with Logic. So I would say that if you had something such as a MOTU 828... then go with DP for the app for best results but... given that some good interfaces are made by companies who don't create DAW software... those interfaces are "supposed" to be compatible with most DAW software.

The price performance issue is not so easy to guage. If you consider Logic, yes it's great software, but you still have to purchase an interface. If you consider a Digidesign interface, you could almost say that the software is free. I have been a PT LE user for a few years, and yes, I was astounded at what you get with Logic. Now I am using both, since Logic seems to work well with my Digi002. For recording live instruments and simple MIDI tracks I like using PT. Logic's strength has always been that it is the best for serious MIDI work, and Logic 7 reinforces that. It's too bad that DigiTranslator costs $500 because having both work together seamlessly would be a killer setup. That said, it looks like the upcoming version of PT is mainly MIDI upgrades and should narrow the gap.