Pro Tools, ..motu, ..or Logic?, What to buy and what all do I need? Options

[Nels]

Well, I've read and then read some more, but I'm still a bit in the dark. Currently I own a modeling synth(Technics WAS1), digital multitracker(Fostex DMT 8vL), DBX 160SL Stereo Compressor, effects proccesors, etc. I want to get into the world of computer sequencing, recording, editing, mixing and hopefully mastering and I'll be laying down guitar & Bass tracks as well, but I'm wary as to what to get in the way of software/hardware.. Now, I'm aware that Pro Tools is the most widely used for it's ease of use, but it doesn't offer a suround application right out of the box as I've read, Logic does. And if I'm not mistaken, Motu also offers a surround apllication. So the question that I have is, ..Pro Tools 002, Logic 6.2.2, or Motu 828mkll & DP4 Machfive? And I'm not certain exactly all that I'll need, specifically. The only thing I've been confident in buying so far was the new Mac G4 Laptop w/ Superdrive. ...If anyone can help me with specifics on any or all of the platforms mentioned, as to what all I'll need to get to have a complete system set up and running, Id so appreciate it. For example, when Digidesign 002 says to just plug in the firewire cable, install the software and your ready to record, is that really all there is to it? Asside from having a monitor source(speakers), good mics, etc,. of course. Also, can I and if so, should I make use of my beautiful DBX 160SL, which I paid big big bucks for or should I sell it along with my outboard digital multitracker? ....Any specific help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Miles

[Nels]

Thanks guys!... Yes, helpful, but I'm still in the dark as to what to get. For example, if I dicide on Digi 002, would it be better to get the Digi 002 rack and use a different outboard controller? Or is the Digi 002 w/controller the way to go? And I know it's best to have a seperate harddrive(audio file storage) which I would get, but is that then all I would need, besides, of course, monitors,(powered?) mics(which I have all ready), etc., with Digi 002 as one choice? Now, how about for Motu? It seems from what I've read(confusing) that for each brand/platform, different things are needed and so, what would I need for Motu 828/896/Dp4? And how about Logic? Is it as invovled/hard to learn as stated in many articlces that I've read? Would Logic be better, since it's owned by Mac? And what all would I need for Logic? Interface this and interface that....all so confusing. Sure would be great if, like with guitars,amps and such, there were places where one could try out/work with these platforms to better understand before buying. Guitar Center, Sam Ash, etc. would probably make more sales and more importantly, make the buyer feel a lot more secure on what ever they decide to get. Are there such places, with different set ups, to try that I'm not aware of? (Chicgoland)
By the way, I'm a guitar player/songwriter. I usually sequence the drum parts, piano, strings, etc. and sometimes the bass parts as well. ....I'm glad to hear that my Blue series dbx 160sl compresssor will still be useful ........Well, thanks so so much for the input thus far. Hopefully, with a bit more I'll be able to figue this puppy out in order to make an inteligent decision.