What to replace ProTools with?

[workshed]

I'm selling the MBox and embracing the fact that I'm not tied to any one piece of software or hardware with my new/used MOTU 2408. Now I'm trying to decide which digital studio software to use. Since none of these companies seem to believe in releasing demo versions, it kind of sucks to make a decision without much hands-on knowledge. I've UTFSE and I think I've narrowed it down to Logic Express or Digital Performer.

I'm prone to Logic Express mostly because I can get an academic discount on it (half price) and I'm familiar with Garageband, which as I understand it, is a stunted version of Logic.

As for DP, I'm thinking of that one just due to the recommendations I've seen here and the fact that it's put out by MOTU who made my A/D convertor.

I've got Tracktion here and sort of feel indifferent towards it. I probably need to play around with it more.

Garageband 2 will be here tomorrow, but I think that once I start doing more, I will want more power.

I'm on a Mac, will mostly be recording myself and rock bands. I will point out that I love Garageband's software instruments.

I guess this is just a really long-winded way of asking: Do I really need all the fancy wizamajigs that DP provides, or will Logic Express keep me happy for awhile?

Or am I overlooking another option for the Mac?

[Slider]

I don't know how Nuendo is on a Mac, but I really love this program.
It makes so much sense to me.
I have a Dual Opteron PC setup and I am very happy.

[sonariste]

Another vote for nuendo.

[toastchee]

Hey man,

Traktion is really nice, and free.

[phill2796]

Nuendo is great but if you are tracking and mixing bands save yourself alot of cash and get Cubase.

[workshed]

Hey man,

Traktion is really nice, and free.

Yeah, I really should give it more of a chance -- I have it installed, but admittedly have not used it much. I will try it out.

[workshed]

Nuendo is great but if you are tracking and mixing bands save yourself alot of cash and get Cubase.

Yeah, I checked out Nuendo and the price tag was pretty high for me. I'm on a budget here. So I will check into Cubase. I do recall someone telling me that Cubase is easier to use than ProTools and I didn't have much of a problem learning ProTools basics.

Which version of Cubase would work best for just tracking bands?

Thanks for all the advice!

[syrupcore]

...snip... tracktion rocks and you already have tracktion!

will

edited out stupid PC suggestions.

[JohnDavisNYC]

Logic rules, and is only bound to get better and better in terms of integration thanks to apple owning it. and space designer is worth the price alone.

john

[Kilroy]

Sony Vegas is a great piece of software, really easy to learn how to use. The studio i used to intern at used vegas with a couple motu pieces. 2408 and the 1224 or whatever it is.

[workshed]

Logic rules, and is only bound to get better and better in terms of integration thanks to apple owning it. and space designer is worth the price alone.

john

That's totally cool to hear. I'm also impressed with all the features that seem to come with it, versus having to buy a ton of expensive plugins to make it work. I just installed GB2, so I will have to play with that soon and see how far it will get me.

[FormulaReed]

I am kind of in the same boat. I like PT but the studio that I am woking out of has DP and I am impressed. Great track count, stable. The quick keys are not as good as PT but the more that i work with it, the more I like it.

Reed

[theistheman]

logic. no contest. And logic express 7 is only like $150 with an academic discount.

And tracktion is poo poo.

[b3groover]

I use Cubase and I love it. Worth checking out.

[junior]

another vote for cubase/nuendo...