i know that protools is the industry standard for recording but , i wonder this. Its really just a computer, so why would i not be better of with the fastest G5 that is available and MOTU DP4 and apogee converters, which are better to begin with. The cost difference would be tremendous, and will i really be able to slow down the G5. iM only recording audio, very little MIDI . I want to hear both sides of this if possible, real reasons.

the only way you will slow a G5 down is dependent on how many plugins you use in a session for either app really. If you like to use plugins for sound shaping and manipulation... its easy to tax a CPU especially with reverbs. Being its a G5... it will probably handle most anything you throw at it but could still put a strain on it with too many plugs and automation use.

PT or DP?... well that is just more preference than anything. You may be able to create just as good recording from one to another really but it boils down to money, will you share sessions with big studio, and what do you prefer to use. If you plan to share work with a big studio... PT will most likely be used so its better choice but otherwise... just go with what you can afford.

The major difference between pro-tools and other computer based workstations is two-fold, as I understand it. Firstly, as you point out, A-D converters on Pro-tools hardware are renowned for their high quality. The pre-amps you get on pro-tools consoles are also worth a mention: I know, for example that focusrite designed the preamps for the M-box, which is as good a reccomendation as any. Secondly, and perhaps more relevant, is that on HD systems you get DSP farms, which allow you to run high-quality plug-ins without maxing out your processor. Some plug-ins, for example the Virus Indigo TDM, are only available for high-end Pro-tools systems. Do bear in mind that all Pro-tools systems require a host computer, and that the latest edition of Pro-tools needs at least a G4 800mhz Mac to run most efficiently. Hope that is helpful...

With DP4.1, that should have been out allready, you will be able to run
ProTools TDM/DAE systems.

The big difference with ProTools TDM systems is NOT quality, it is price.
( tdm systems are over-priced )

I recorded a couple of songs with my band in ProTools studio some years ( 4 ) back.
( the system ran on maxed out PC with ultra scsi-raid system on windows NT4 )

The whole setup unstable in the extreme, with lots of rebooting, defragmentation
and BSOD. ( i didnt pay for the extra time )

Cheers: Dixiechicken

dc... as soon as I seen they had PT on a PC... I would have been looking for another studio

tdm systems are quite expensive but when you consider most of the cost is the DSP cards which handle most of the processing and when you consider that... its not that bad when you consider almost everything else is based on CPU speed with exception of TC Electronic which has a card for dsp functions but is a bit pricey too.

there are many other apps that more than satisfactory for good recordings but... it you want the horsepower to run all the nice CPU intensive plugs plus mix more than 32 tracks then the tdm systems are hard to beat.

I use the Digi001 and if could afford it... would love to have the tdm system so I could more dsp power for plugs and not limited to 32 trackcs which taxes my system so heavily.