VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

For my MacBook portable, I'm still trying out different softwares but haven't purchased one yet---have tried Twisted Wave, Amadeus, Adobe Soundbooth, Sound Studio, Bias Peak and of course Audacity and Garage Band.....for ease and price, I like Amadeus the best so far, but.....

Since I will be eventually transitioning my desktop to Mac as well, would it make sense to get Pro Tools, or Pro Tools LE? I occasionally need two or three-track capability for certain clients, but not much beyond that.

I know it so somewhat overkill for VO, but I have also heard that it has some nice features that make it appealing....thanks!

P.S.-desktop program is Adobe Audition

Monk · Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2009 11:47 am Post subject:

I've used ProTools for years, it's a good solid program, but comes pretty bare bones. None of the cool plug-ins like Digital Performer or Audition.

all that costs extra, and it ain't cheap. I've envy'd the cool little features of some programs that will automatically sample the room tone and remove it, I use sound soap for audio restoration projects that need that kind of fixing.

But. Buying an M-Box and having it bundled with ProTools LE is a pretty sweet little deal. Sure you only have two inputs at once, but for most project studios and singer songwriters, that's just fine.

My home studio? It's Digital Performer 5 with a MOTU 2408mk3, why? I needed multiple inputs for group recordings and the ability to mix in surround. And DP was doing that before PT, so I switched from eMagic Logic to DP. Someday I'm going to pop over to Pro-Tools at home and see if all my cool plug-ins will play.

so, summation of my opinion, Go with an M-box interface and the bundled Pro-Tools LE unless you need more inputs, ie recording drums with 5 mics, if you do need that many tracks, check out MOTU.

does that muddy it up enough?
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Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

Thanks Monk.

I already have MOTU Ultralite and Apogee Duet interfaces.
If they for some reason wouldn't work with Pro Tools, that would eliminate it from consideration pretty quickly. Good point about the lack of plug-ins too, I wasn't aware of that.

Ed Gambill · Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2009 2:36 pm Post subject:

Rob

A tail of two Fairchild’s.

One is from the Bomb Factory (Div of Digi) cost $600.00

The other is from UAD (div of UAD) cost $150 pulse the Board $200 = $350

Is there any wonder why I like VST plug-ins and the software that support it?

Wait, Cubase runs on Mac. VST plug-ins are cost effective (cheap)

Cubase5 $500.00 or less and has a boat load of high quality Plug-ins

UAD-1 Project Pack and Fairchild $350.00 Smile

I recoment the Cubase approach. What ever way you go Good Luck!
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bobsouer · Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2009 8:24 pm Post subject:

Frank F · Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2009 8:33 pm Post subject:

Run "Parallels" on your notebook, then run what you already know... AA. Sometimes it does not pay to change what you already know.

Remember the KISS system: "Keep It Simple Silly".

You already have interfaces which work for your needs and desires. Why change? Unless you WANT the learning curve and the associated problems with changing interfaces and such.

It is your choice.

Toodles

F2
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georgethetech · Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2009 11:54 am Post subject:

Perhaps you haven't heard my Podcast about this exact subject?

Check out Adobe Soundbooth. Has similarities to Audition but cheaper, with a simpler interface, some powerful features, and runs on Mac.
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Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

Frank F · Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2009 1:22 pm Post subject:

You are talking to a Mac geek, what do you expect?

The sales person is correct in regards to using some RAM, but 4 gig is a bit of overkill for audio editing.

Beyond that the guy is a salesman, what do you expect from a salesman who probably does not or has not ever worked with a PC.

Do you believe all sales people?

You will need to have XP or whatever and Parallels installed on your Macbook, but other than that what you have is fine and will work well for VO.

Toodles

Frank
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Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

Good points.

It made me just unsure enough to not go ahead and buy Parallel, which is okay since I'm not in a real hurry.

He would've made a slightly higher sale with Logic versus selling me Parallel, but not much (Parallel=$79, Logic Express=$199)...I don't know, maybe there's a commission structure or incentive to push the purely Mac products.

But in the end, Frank, I think yours sounds like the best suggestion.

I knew about Parallel before, but wasn't seriously considering that approach.

Monk · Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2009 2:18 pm Post subject:

I used Logic back when the manuals were still written in German...

I like the simple approach as well, why are you spending money, is it the late February-cabin fever-I need new toys itch?

I like the idea of Soundbooth, however it won't run on my G4, and so far that's not enough to get me to buy a new Mac just yet. I've configured Digital Performer to use the same quick keys and workflow as Pro-Tools, so when I go into the studio and come home, it's all the same.

Maybe you need to read some motorcycle magazines, dream about different toys? Wink

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Don G. · King's Row Joined: 11 Nov 2004 Posts: 1071 Location: MA

Rob, let me add another recommendation for Cubase. I was a big Pro Tools fan back when I could still run Pro Tools Free in OS 9. On two separate occasions I made the jump to Pro Tools LE by virtue of buying an MBox and a year or so later an MBox Mini, both of which were exercises in frustration for both me and Digidesign. Finally I gave up and just hoped I'd never need multitrack capabilities.

To make a long story short, I had occasion to see Cubase in action and just by observing its use, realized it might be worth looking into. The real appeal for me was that I could get the Cubase LE software free with hardware, so I bought a Lexicon Alpha interface for $100, just to get the Cubase LE software, and while I still rarely do any multitrack work, I’m pleased to know it's there. Might be the best $100 I've spent on studio "equipment".

And of course, now I see it's only $80. Better yet.

Deirdre · Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2009 7:00 pm Post subject:

I say go with what you know.

Everyone here knows I'm a PT fan, but it's what I learned on.
That seriously has had more impact than anything else on what I've chosen as an audio a Hobo Tounge

.

With my setup, and the stuff I use it for, it has been well worth the cost.
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dscott · Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2009 8:15 pm Post subject: Logic

I've been using logic express with great results on my powerbook G4 for a number of years. (8^]
Dave

P.S. Audacity is my favorite for transferring 78's - great speed adjustment, good click filters and some good eq tools.

Chuck Davis · Posted: Sun Mar 01, 2009 5:40 am Post subject:

Another vote for PT here. I've been using it for at least 10 years.
It's possibly a little more than most VO's need....but if you're producing.....

There is a reason why it's the industry standard.

That said, I am learning and enjoying the challenge of other editing apps.
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