Pro Tools Purchase, Beginner Options

[flobiej]

I have some basic questions for any Pro Tools user.

First of all, I'm a songwriter in Nashville and I'm curious about upgrading to a protools setup.

1. Why choose a Mac instead of a PC?

2. Besides the Protools software, can someone list what all I need? I can't seem to find any complete information on what to buy. And some general price estimates would be great. I'm interested in the HD recording and not simply recording it to the computer's drive

I probably sound like an idiot, thats because im pretty new to this. Anyone that could help and be a reference or a guide would be greatly appreciated

[Mr.T]

Welcome aboard sailor ! Here we go:

'1. Why choose a Mac instead of a PC? '

PC are harder to set up, it's as simple as that... If you don't want to lose time looking for that *$%@#&!?°° .exe extension that's freezing up your whole comp., go for a Mac. Now, if you're already a confirmed PC user, stick with it.

'2. Besides the Protools software, can someone list what all I need?  I can't seem to find any complete information on what to buy.  And some general price estimates would be great. I'm interested in the HD recording and not simply recording it to the computer's drive'

You'll need Digidesign hardware unless you want to use Pro Tools Free which is limited in tracks count (8 max) and is not as well built as the 'real thing' (PTLE or PT TDM). If you wish to go with PTLE (light version), you'll have to buy the hardware: DIGI001 (around 1000$), MBox (not sure of the price, but less than a thousand for sure) or used Audiomedia III. If you've got big,big money, you can go for the TDM gear (now called HD); we're talking thousands $ here...
You're saying: ' I'm interested in the HD recording and not simply recording it to the computer's drive '...you'd better be !...Recording to the system drive is highly not recommended (fragmentation). You'll have to get one (or more) IDE or SCSI drives. I would personnaly recommend IDE (7200 rounds) which are way cheaper and work perfectly with PTLE.
If you intend to record accoustic instruments (guitar, voice...), you'll need at least one mic, maybe a preamp (if you can afford it; otherwise the 001 and the MBox have built in preamp that are said to be OK), and a mixer could also be usefull but not mandatory. You'll also need some cables (that can quickly add some bucks to the final bill!...).

'I probably sound like an idiot'

Sure you do !! But don't we all from time to time?... I certainly do !

For more technical infos on Pro Tools, go there: http://www.digidesign.com
For prices: check your local dealer (I'm french, so what the hell do I know about prices in the US?...) or US Websites.
Keep us posted if you need more infos ... I'm pretty sure you will (-;
See ya.