Cubase Sx Vs. Protools, Here's What I Got, Which Would be Best?? Options

[Lord Pasty]

Okay guys. Here's the deal... (Hear me out on this one, I need help!)


Here's what I got: iMac 1GHz with 512MB, a 5.1 surround stereo (used as my monitor), and a Korg Triton Le. A friend of mine also has (at my dipsosal), my old iMac G3 400MHz w/512MB and a PowerBook G3 333MHz w/128MB (important later).


Here's what I want to do: I want to be able to record (duh), but not just digital stuff... I have a lot of friends that write/play around with a lot of accoustic guitar and drum stuff. They aren't too serious, but they would be good practice... and they ARE my friends. I want to be able to write and record my artsy/fartsy digital stuff. As much as I love all the stuff my computer can do, though, I love outboard effects and would like to use a lot of those in the future. Right now I'm rebuilding on a budget after all my old stuff burned to the ground. Hopefully that paints a decent picture...

Here's what I need: Sequencing and Recording. It comes down to, for me anyway, Cubase SX or Pro Tools Digi02 Rack.

Here's what I know: Cubase has good Virtual Instruments, but is pretty pricy, as you have to buy something along the line of EMagic or M-Audio FireWire Hardware. Cubase also has "System Link" (Remember all the aforementioned older toys laying around? I can use something like Reason and sequence with those while recording with the newer iMac). ProTools is the industry standard and has a great repuatation, plus the 02 rack is pretty well priced (considering). In addition, Pro Tools is a little less of a strain on the processor, I've heard. Hell, they were running on my exact same computer at the local music store, and it was running like a champ.

I have friends that use both, so I get a learning curve, regardless.


I'll be having to make a decision in a couple of weeks. It would be great to see someone have a full on opinion on the matter. Cubase has recieved such respect these days that they seem to be a contender, so let your opinions fly! Look forward to the input.