Logic Platinum 6 Vs Pro Tools Options

[trock]

could be a dumb question here but can i have recommendations as to what is a better application to use as your studio software on a MAC G5??

[Xajen]

I've been researching pro audio apps for the mac for about a year now and i can tell you, it gets complicated. Pros here, cons there features everywhere and oh yeah... the promises of quality.

I've been able to get "access" to a lot of apps, Deck, DP4 and a few others and was not really impressed. In the end it all seemed to boil down to PT and Logic which was extremly frustrating since you can't really access either software without some form of hardware (ie PT is their interface pieces and Logic is their USB thingie)

From what i've read it kinda boiled down to a few concepts for people checking into either.

Pro Tools

Pro:

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Good Entry level (Mbox, got your begining hardward and software for less then 500 bucks)

*
Can produce (assuming no user error, *cough* artistic ability required) amazing quality music

*
Good for just getting your feet wet and your don't want to worry about all the complicated stuff, good online tutorials, etc..

*
Industry Standards, yes i know logic likly has all the same abilities and more, but the "old schools" still tend to favor pro tools over any thing else (in the software world)

Cons:

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Gets expensive AFTER you start going up the scale. 002 Rack is 1200 bucks and it is still only 32 tracks (yes this may be enough for most, but compared to logic (128+) it kinda looks behind.

*
VERY VERY VERY restrictive hardware, ie, you HAVE to go through a Digidesign/TDM system to get into your computer. That sucks when there is other hardward just as nice with firewire/pci connection at a fraction of the cost (*cough* tascam or Motu 896HD is nice for 192)

*
Plugins will kill you!
Sure, you start out with some good ones, but you want surround sound track mixing, tack on 800 bucks, you want other unique stuff, keep tacking

Summery:
If your at your House and your not doing Drums (just doing 1 or 2 mics at a time and your output is stereo and you want something "welcome and friendly", go Mbox.

if you want to spend the bucks and get super nice crap with all the bells and whistles, go TDM.

if you still want Protools and you "need" 8 track inputs (ie, drums, etc) then find an old Digi001 (which Digi is phasing out it looks like) and get a Mixer board with 8 outs (mackie board is popular for this, i am sure there are others) so you can tweak the drums for clipping and such before they even hit your 001.

if you insist on newer stuff, the 002 rack is your next step and you will still need either a mixer (for mic 5-8) or a pre-amp for those since the 002 rack only has 4 XLR connections, man if they only went with 8... sheesh.

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Logic 6 Plat

Pro:

*
Multi-track nirvana (at a keynote it was mentioned a G5 handled 128 stereo tracks with all kinds of plugs with no problem)

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Midi Heaven, I personal don't do midi but from EVERYTHING i've read, logic is like THE midi pick hands down. IF software can do it, logic will be the one to have implimented it for midi.

*
Surround track Mixing Built in already, you don't have to spend MORE (ie, pro tools addon is like 800 bucks, same as Logic to begin with)

*
User Inferface is SUPER customizable, maybe to much so for a newbie, but this is still a perk in the end.

*
Massive Hardware Options, chances are - if it is new, it is likly supported, even if it is older, still a good chance. Look for your support formats, ie Core Audio, etc..

*
Special Plugs designed just for logic (atleast i think so, like the new Space Designer)

*
Owned by apple, now some of you would ask, how is that a perk, i would mention stability with "new" stuff. Ie, Logic is ready for G5 already, it is (i think) ready for panther and it will likly always be ready for anything new apple produces on the Hardware or software side of things.

Cons:

*
Expensive to get "started" in (if you have no equipment)
Logic 6 plat cost 800 out the door and the CHEAPEST decent hardware interface (tascam's little portie) is 200 bucks. So the starting cost is like twice that of a Mbox, but you do get much wider range of software features.

*
Complex user interface, because it is so customizable it can confuse and intimidate just about anyone who doesn't have previous experience with the software.

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With all these "plethra (sp) of software features and interface designs, it can make a high learning curve.

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Not a one stop shop kinda of company, sorry but this does make a difference in my opinion and with dealing with computers users in general over the years. People for the most part like simplicity as long as it works for their needs. Emagic SUCKS when it comes to their OWN hardward interfaces. So it requires you to do a wide range of research and produces a wide range of post just like this one asking which is better. Just being an apple user alone helps point out that you like things to be "together" and this design/approach can help produce a more user friendly buying experience in the end. (btw, i am harping this point in case a apple/emagic rep is reading this, the 6/2 2/6 or whatever you want to call them are a waste compared to the mbox or the u-122)

Summery:
You better be ready to drop a grand, but if your serious and want to get "started" i would suggest getting that little portie tascam device u122 i think it is, very good quality and lowers the "entry price" and even if you upgrade to a higher input/output device you still have a portable solution.

More I/O, i would suggest the Tascam FW-1884 (for up to 8 tracks), that thing is just hard to beat for the price for a 1-8 track (mic) recording device.

if you want MORE then 8 tracks I/O, then keep your eyes open for reviews on an upcoming device from Ego Systems, HEXA FIRE
16 I/O, 8 mics in the front, 8 more via D-25 in the back and 16 out. and the thing is diasy channable. I think 4 may be the limit.

Ego Systems also has a portie coming along too, QUATA FIRE 610
Not sure what the price will be so i can only suggest keeping an eye out for the reviews when it hits.


I hope this helps,
Xajen

This post has been edited by Xajen: Thu 23 Oct 2003, 07:55