DAW choices

[dirty]

I UTFSF, but I didn't find exactly what I was looking for.

I'm thinking of upgrading from Cubase SX 1.5 to a new DAW and I can't decide which one to save for. Since I have time to decide while I raise $$, I was curious what peoples' opinions were of which programs are best keeping in mind the following:

I'd love to be able to use it for video post-production as well as music. I'm on a Powerbook G4 running Final Cut Pro HD. (With a MOTU 828mkII and a couple terrible preamps.)

I primarily record myself playing guitars, percussion, etc...

I'd probably be willing to spend more dough to get higher sound quality, but I'm not totally convinced there will be much of a difference at 24/96.

So... Logic? Cubase 3? Nuendo? Pro Tools? (which would make my 828 useless, right?)

Thanks in advance...

[high tek]

a DAW is actually the entire environment of your computer-based digital studio.

logic, cubase, DP ... are sequencers...and PART of your DAW.

if u have a powerbook + 828, id suggest logic or DP (although i use cubase sx) because cubase/nuendo isnt all that stable on osx just yet.(although im sure it will be in time)

the 828 is killer, and only would be useless if you go PT
btw, dont go PT, youll regret it (too much money for less options)

the main thing is:
try these programs FIRST, then YOU decide
asking people what sequencer you should get is like asking what you should have for lunch.........point being YOU decide WHAT YOU LIKE

[linus]

Are you going to stick with your G4 or is getting a different computer altogether part of your plan? If you might get a new computer (and are willing to entertain going PC) then check out the "ultimate DAW" thread (you'll find it on page 2 or 3 it's not very far down) it has several pages of messages about the Dell 400SC server that is a great setup for a DAW. It's since been discontinued but new in the box ones can still be commonly found in EBAY for cheap.

[junior]

no stability problems with sx here... live 4 is pretty cool too...

[Tim Casey]

Digital Performer was made by God, and he wants you to be happy....

[Tim Casey]

...and ProTools was made by Satan. He wants all your money forever....

[Fieryjack]

I'm a Logic user w/an 828.....here's a quidk summary of Logic pros and Cons

Pros:
- Works pretty damn good with the 828
- Amazing selection of included plug-ins
- Comprehensive, high quality midi/audio manipulation capabilities
- Great for a composer or an arranger

Cons:
- Made by develper happy Germans who made EVERYTHING in the program too deep for its own good (takes weeks to learn a given plug-in)
- Steep learning curve (this is more of a problem in Jan 2005 than it was in December 2004 because Apple now charges a $125 "incident" fee whereas Emagic's phone support was free
- Basic tasks can be incredibly fiddly and complicated

That said, I'm a pretty happy Logic user, though I'd take a damn close look at DP if I were in your shoes. my .02.

[macr0w]

Say what you will but I like my 002R setup it has been very stable. I don't do alot of midi mainly I do audio(live mics). It works well for my home studio.

[EoiNius]

Check out Soundscapes SSHDR1+! They're about $300-$400 per unit now-very cheap since Sydec brought out the SS32 and new Mixtreme cards!

Brilliant DAW's even now!

You could even say that they're vintage digital

Heres a review from 1997....

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/1997_ar ... 9d7630e32a

And Sydecs website...

http://www.sydec.be/Support/Forum/Defau ... Id=4&Mn=56

[theistheman]

I don't know why everyone thinks that Logic is so difficult.

I, for one, think it's pretty intuitive....

And I've never had to call support, that's for sure.

[mattb]

So... Logic? Cubase 3? Nuendo? Pro Tools? (which would make my 828 useless, right?)

DP, Logic , Cubase and Pro Tools (Not made by Satan) all have their pros and cons as well as their own fan base that will defend them to the end.

My suggestion is to find a pro audio dealer in your area that can answer your questions , show you the different choices and who will be around to answer your questions after you buy from them. (NOT GUITAR CENTER)

Many of these products have been around for sometime so I don't know if there really is a bad choice. Depends on your style of working and how much you can afford.

My biased 2 cents, I've been using Pro Tools for a little over 7 years. Each year the software gets better and better. For me it makes the most sense and seems the most intuitive. But that's my opinion based on how I work.

Good luck!

-Matt B.

[syrupcore]

Pro Tools? (which would make my 828 useless, right?)

Thanks in advance...

I think you could use the 828's lightpipe out to add 8 more inputs to PT.

[kittonian]

I'd feel comfortable recommending Nuendo 3 to you all day long. You can do recording/mixing as well as full post production work with full latency compensation and the ability to record at 32-bit float in a bunch of different formats.

The editing is quick and ProTools'ish, there are lots of way you can customize the working environment, etc.

I also have no problem recommending DP 4.5 although I have both and I must say it's nowhere near the power of N3. But in it's defense it's also less than half the price.