Help with studio set-up / software

Flynn

Hey guys posted this in the audio/video editing forum but got no replies... think this is the right place though!

Ive been traveling around for a couple of years now so i'm kind of out of the loop regarding audio-production. So if you could give me a few suggestions please? My set up at home was Pro-tools LE with a 002 Digi-rack. I was in a band and we did a lot of recordings. I'm now settled in Oz and just got my mikes sent over. I'm also buying a Mac Book Pro very soon, so my question is what software to get for audio-production.

I won't be recording any drums, just vocals, acoustic guitar, flutes percussion, nothing a large condenser mike or 57 can't handle, so i won't be needing a 002. So i was thinking Pro Tools with an Mbox. Or are there cheaper options out there? I also want to maybe throw in loops. Have never really used garage band but are those files compatible with Pro Tools? Also can the loops be edited? Have heard of other software too, Logic & Reason I hear are quite good. Is there anything that does it all? Say i record 2 tracks and want to add strings, Will i need a separate program (say garage band or fruity loops or something) and import my loops?

Sorry about all the questions... just want to get the right set-up!

dav nagle

Just stick with PT and away you go, your missing nothing with Reason and Logic especially if you are recording vocals, flute, strings and guitar. Some users here use free recording software which I cant remember the name of but stick to what you know. The mbox can only record at a standard sample rate so why get rid of your rack I think the rack can record at 96. I also know that the new pt is out and has plug in delay compensation and some nice features. PT 8 is nice so PT 9 can only get better.

Flynn

cheers for the reply but sorry forgot to mention i sold my rack before i left.. so i'm basically buying a new set-up... and the mbox seems pricey... i might just stick to some free ones for now.. any more suggestions?

madtheory

You don't need an audio interface for Pro Tools 9, or any software for that matter, because the audio on current Macs is excellent, and it's 24 bit. I'd recommend an ART Tube MP mic pre amp 9use two for stereo), it's a great sounding pre amp and can be used as a good sounding DI too. Use a jack to mini jack cable to connect that to the audio input of your mac. For software, take a look at Reaper.

Recording at higher sampling rates makes no sense, especially with a 57. But the Mac's input will run at 96kHz if you so wish.

Flynn

Is that you T mully???