Understanding Digital Production Basic, getting my head around digi-music produc Options

[drewott]

I have been vigorously researching digital music production on the internet. However, because of the myraid number of terms, software, hardware, and production philosophies I have had a hard time getting my hear around some of the basic stuff.

I want to create a studio that allows me to create pro-quality music (money isn't an option b/c this is a long term project), but am unaware of the exact equipment/software to get.

Can someone break down for me the types of software and/or hardware that I would need to get?

For instance does Logic Pro 7 do the same thing as Pro Tools?

Do I need a separate program for sampling?

Do I need a separate program for sequencing?

Do I need a separate program for drum machining?

If I get the Logic Pro and the Mbox 2 package do I really need anything else?

I know this is a lot of inquiry, but I am sure some of you know how it goes when you are starting: the more answers you get about stuff more questions you have! One of lifes little ironies.

[gdoubleyou]

1) It's better to start a thread for each question you have.

Logic is a more full featured program than PT, it's more a composers tool.

They have overlapping features.

Don't confuse the prosumer Pro Tools Le, with the industry standard PT|HD ($15,000 for basic sytem)

PTLE is limited to 32 tracks.

You can sample with a DAW, if you get Logic Pro it comes with a programable drum machine. Logic Express has several drum kits.

I would suggest something other than an Mbox2 with logic, Digidesign doest work hard to make their hardware work with other software.

[Luke Davison]

I saw, the other day, an operator of ProToolsHD, and it was brilliant....please respond.....

[coldharbour]

Logic Pro 7 is an audio sequencer, ProTools (software) is mainly an audio-editing, post production and mixing tool. The audio facilities in Logic Pro 7 allow you to do the same things as ProTools, but the approach is different.

Logic 7 Pro includes Ultrabeat, which is an analogue-modelling drum machine emulation that can also use samples. You can also use sampled drumkits with the included EXS24MkII -sampler, so you don't need a separate drum machine or sampler.

But of course there are separate sampling programs and drum tools around, some people prefer them but the tools that come with Logic Pro 7 are really excellent.

So basically, Logic Pro 7 and an audio-interface is all you need, whether it is MBox 2 or some other. If you don't need separate audio-inputs and outputs, you don't necessarily need an audio interface at all because Logic Pro 7 will do all the mixing etc. in the digital domain within your computer.

This post has been edited by coldharbour: Sat 5 Nov 2005, 11:01

[crvernon]

I saw, the other day, an operator of ProToolsHD, and it was brilliant....please respond.....

Yeah, but again, it's not ProTools LE. If you can afford $10,000 for the setup though... do the HD, man. I use LE and love it. But I don't use the MIDI features. If you are doing a lot of sequencing though, it may not work as slickly. I don't know.

[coldharbour]

Yeah, but again, it's not ProTools LE. If you can afford $10,000 for the setup though... do the HD, man.

I don't know if it's a good idea or not.

I've been using the top ProTools -setups since ProTools III was the hottest but now I've began to wonder if it's really worth the cash to upgrade to PT HD.

I mean, the reason why PT became THE de-facto standard in the beginning was that the computers in the early 90's really could not handle audio processing, thus the PT DSP chips were essential.

But now, just look at the dual (or quad) PowerMac G5 systems.. I bet their processing power matches my current PT 24 Mix system. So rather than burning 15k Euros (or more dollars) on a HD system you could get a top-notch G5 and really good converters and still run PT software. And Logic Pro 7.

The "thing" with a PT rig is that you don't need to convince your clients, just tell them you have PT and they all go "ahh.. ok!" but then again, the sound quality is exactly the same wheter the audio is processed on a G5 or Digi's DSP.

Makes you wonder.

[ed van otterdijk]

Sorry, but in my experience the Audio part of Logic is amateur gear in comparison with protools, also the LE.

[coldharbour]

Sorry, but in my experience the Audio part of Logic is amateur gear in comparison with protools, also the LE.

That's true, I'm not considering giving up PT software, but you can run it even if you don't have the most expensive PT hardware.

[drewott]

I want to say thank you to everybody who added their two cents.

I appreciate you taking the time to help me get my mind around recording etc.

I will post just one question next time, promise!

thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you

[B3 Basher]

Drewott,

Are you a musician already? If so, what do you play? The reason I ask is that when people ask me "Which platform - ProTools or Logic?" - I say, if you are a keyboard player, use Logic as it has every plug-in you need. If you aren't then go ProTools as it deals with audio files in a more intuitive way and it is the industry standard for file sharing when collaborating on mixes/mastering.

When you make the statement - "Money isn't an option" - Do you mean you have no budget constraints or the opposite?

If you have a lot of cash - A wise investment would be to consider WHERE you want to create the pro-audio. Consider the room you intend to use and research the acoustic treatment required. Don't skimp on the monitors.

I kind of get the impression you're someone who KNOWS analogue. If this is the case then ignore the last paragraph - You know already!

If you live in the UK I'd recommend KMR/Absolute - Avoid Turnkey - High Volume minimal knowledge.

If in mainland Europe I suggest Musikstore in Cologne - The biggest in Europe - 5 Floors - They have people who know their stuff and everything is in stock to demo.

http://www.apple.com/logicpro/quicktours/g...ngfamiliar.html - This sketches out LogicPro7

What do I use? I'm a keyboard player so LogicPro7 naturally!