I like bling. But I don't like non-functionality. I am flirting with getting pro-tools. I am looking at a lot of different set ups. Different pre-amps compressors and such. I am looking for a setup that will let my workflow flow.
My situation now is that I was/am using the VS2480CD. It was good until I found out about computer editing. Editing with the VS takes forever. The VS2480 doesn't work with the computer. I usually have to record tracks into the VS24 and then export those tracks and import them into the computer DAW. My CPU is always shutting down when I use too many plugins or VST's
Lets say, Omnisphere, Trilogy and a SSL Compressor running at the same time. The CPU shuts down at different times. Sometimes I can run 6 plug ins other times I can be running one, click a buttom and it just bottoms out.
I have a guy at the store that wants to put me in a Pro-Tools outfit. But the guy that teaches me to mix says its a waste if its not "I guess" Pro-Tools HD.
My studio is a project studio mostly for singer/songwriters and beat making. I need drum grooves/templates so I can focus on melody writing and lyrics. EZ Drummers works great for me... I love it.
I am going to keep my reference monitors, my Korg M3 and the Axiom as a controller.
Upgrading my microphone to:
Neumann 102
AKG 414 XLS
Shure KSM 44
unless you have a better mid-level idea for Soul/R&B style vocals.
Interface/Mixer
Mackie 840i or 1640i(works with Pro-Tools) heard its not great, but I haven't found another mixer/preamp/interface around that price.
Need more suggestions of interface with good pre-amps and firewire
Pre-amps
Haven't decided

Questions:
1. Whats the difference between HD and LE.
2. How would it compare to lets say logic 9
3. If I got a Pro-Tools set up with a Mac Pro or a Mac Book. To record myself and a few local artists what will my list of things to purchase look like.
4. If I went with Logic 9 and a Mac-Pro or Mac Book what would my list look like
5. I use a lot of VST's and Plugins. Does Pro-Tools come with as many plugins and VST's as Logic 9.
I don't mind the learning curve. I have learned my way around... Reason, Nuendo, Ableton, FLStudio. Thats probably why I am not great at any of them. Though I love Ableton... Love it... But like I said, too many plugins or the wrong combination of plugins and the CPU shuts down...