Completely Overwhelmed - Got A Min?, Overwhelmed and seeking advice Options

[damon]

I'm completely overwhelmed. I'd love some help.

I'm an ex-DJ (1994-1996) turned tech worker turned wannabe musician. I've been persuing this new life since July last year, and have more or less been reading constantly, learning theory basics, learning about synthesis (I've spend most of my time on synthesis, pretty good now actually) and am now getting ready to build a home project studio of significance.

I have been saving hard, so I've got a good amount of money to spend.

Right now, I'm trying to use Logic. I bought the big box, and have an EMI 2|6 (not 6|2) which is fed by my synths which are plugged into a Mackie 1202 VLZ.

Here's the thing: Yes, the environment makes sense, yes, I can make Logic work, but it just doesn't sit with me. I just don't *like* using it. I've messed with ProTools Free (I love the workflow... audio to the right, midi snips to the left, very fast for me) and DP 3 at a pal's studio, and they both feel so much more natural to me. However, I keep reading how incredible Logic is, how nice the plugins are, how great the sampler is, etc.

So, the big question is: How important is it for me to learn to love Logic? I'm overwhelmed with the options out there, and would like to settle, but I just can't seem to enjoy myself with it.

In building out the project studio, I'm about to invest in a control surface, a big audio interface, etc, and the sequencer I choose affects this. With PT, I'd get a 002 in a second. With Logic it's a HALO or a Firestation or the Hammerfall and the Logic Control. With DP, I have no idea since apparantly the MOTU 828 drivers choke serious goatbutt in OS X atm.

So, please, does anyone have some wisdom/guidence/grand words from a grand poobah to sprinkle down to this wee blind lost scared wounded limping potentially logic-allergic sheep?

Thank you kindly. ;-]

[damon]

opt for the Pro Tools route you're locked into an expensive upgrade path and any third-party plug-ins you want to buy ... are always way more expensive than their Audio Unit or VST equivalents ... is the 002 USB or FireWire?

Thanks for more input.

I've considered the cost, but I feel it's affordable for me, especially if it does for me what I feel it will. I still get 5x as much done in ProTools Free than I do in Logic just out of love for the way it works.

I understand the narrow upgrade path, but my needs really are pretty simple. I use primarily Native Instruments products, which are all going RTAS during this year, and until then DirectConnect works (sort of). I really am in the early stages too, so this is more than enough to play with.

The Digi 002 is FireWire. I wouldn't even think of trying to push 8 channels of 24/96 across an 11mbit pipe. I don't think Digi would either.

I get nervous when I'm running six outs at 16/48 via my EMI 2|6, which is USB. It just feels weird, like I'm teetering. Though, it hasn't let me down yet.

Thanks again for the feedback... You a bassist too? Guessing so from the nick and icon. I just grabbed that Fender Geddy Lee edition Jazz Bass, and it's nice. Someday I hope to get an early 70s somethingorother, but for now that money goes to Digidesign I suppose.

[rickenbacker]

Damon: "You a bassist too?"

Nah, 12-string 360 all the way, though I do have an Epiphone Viola bass that does the low-end work for me via a Bass Pod.

With the 002 being FireWire, that's one less headache to worry you. Nothing worse than being right in the creative flow and suddenly running up against a brick-wall of techonological breakdown - ie USB choking your audio signal.

Sounds like your mind is made up with the 002 and I'm sure it'll serve you well. Good luck with it all.

[damon]

Sounds like your mind is made up with the 002 and I'm sure it'll serve you well. Good luck with it all.

Thanks. I will let you know how it goes.

Maybe people here would enjoy a comprehensive in-depth user analysis of the thing. I wouldn't mind writing something up once I spend a couple weeks with it. Maybe I'll do that... I wasn't able to find tons of content on it here.

Great site, just noticed you moderate this forum. I'm glad to find another great community. *pulls up seat, kicks feet up*

[dixiechicken]

Damon!
Go with DP if you really feel more at home with the workflow in that program.

Sell the Logic Box if you already bought it get DP4/DP3 instead.
( yes you'd probably loose some money - that way )

I firmly beleive that workflow & creativity is much more important, in the long run. Cakewalk, Pro Tools, Cubase & Digital Performer are all complex programs with a fairly steep learning curve.

I happen to feel the same way you do - to me "pro tools" and "dp" feel much more natural. I'm sure others feel different.
( I'm waiting for my free DP4 upgrade )
Good Luck!

Cheers: Dixiechicken