Pro Tools

[Dave G]

Is there a good reason to purchase this software over freeware? I've read online that Garageband is a "lightweight" compared with Pro Tools. Any advice?

[$cirisme]

Pro Tools is... for *pros*. Any reason you need the additional functionality?

[Dave G]

Well, I'm having trouble making custom loops. There is an edit window and for the life of me I can't figure it out. I'm also having problems getting my mac to recognize my guitar, keyboard, and mic. The only way I can record vocals is to use is to use the internal mic, and that is less than stellar. I probably have other issues, but that's all that is coming to mind at the moment. I previously started a thread on changing the file names (Garageband uses a file type ".band", ) and I don't know how to change it. Nobody responded to the thread, so I'm trying to see if another program does this more easily.

[Alucard]

My band is currently using ProTools to record our EP, and it really is good. I'd get it if i were you.

[Johnny MacManky]

Dave, as $cir says, you'll only need something like Pro Tools for 'Pro' level work. (I.e. recording stuff for 'release'.) GarageBand (or a similar level) 'freebie' is quite capable of doing the stuff you're working on just now.

The problem (as you're discovering) with any of these kinda programs is the learning curve. From what I've seen, GarageBand is one of the easier ones to use... "We often hear about how easy it is for the average user to dive into one of Apple’s applications. But that message never hit home more dramatically for me than when my nine-year-old son started to teach me how to build songs in GarageBand." http://www.macworld.com/article/4377...arageband.html

I did a quick google... there are loads of articles that should help yer out... e.g. this http://www.vimeo.com/2927169 online video on Creating Custom Loops in GarageBand '08.

Persevere with it Dave. If you buy Pro Tools (or something else) you'll be back at step one for learning.

[Jnthn]

I think I'm right in saying that ProTools, even the "lite" version, is only rated against specific audio interfaces and tends to get bundled in with the hardware.

I use Tracktion v2 with my Line6 UX2 interface.

J

[nomad]

i've never used pro tools, but from what I've heard people talk about its advantages (mostly on gearslutz), it's mostly about recording. Or being able to move things from studio to studio. Not things you'd probably be worried about. There are different requirements for songwriting vs. recording anyways.

In fact, a lot of guys are getting into reaper, which isn't as mature on the mac side, but is only $50. take a look through this thread:

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/low-e...vs-reaper.html

it's primarily cubase vs. reaper (like it says) but there's some pro tools stuff in there. They're good enough they compare it to pro tools at least.

I've tried cubase/sonar/ableton live/reaper in their 'lite' versions (they all came with my Emu 0404, except reaper which is 'free to try' off of their website), and ableton live is incredible for songwriting, imho. Cubase was the most obtuse, I didn't try it very long, but it's very popular among indie studios.

Any of them are far better than the Tascam 4-track tape recorders that were popular back when I was in college :)

Sounds like you are having more problems with your audio interface than your software anyways... what kind of interface do you have for getting your mic/guitar/etc into the computer?

[Johnny MacManky]

. . . Any of them are far better than the Tascam 4-track tape recorders that were popular back when I was in college :)
. .

I had a Fostex X-15. I never did use the weird 'airball' punch in/out thingies. Funny thing, I was way more innovative with it than I ever was once I got my digital 4 track (Sony MiniDiscData) thing about 10+ years ago.

I used to stripe track 4 with a DIN (pre MIDI) sync code from my Roland TR707 drum machine, then I could sync that to my Roland SH101 & D20. Track 3 was useless though, cause the sync code spilled across. Still, that gave me two tracks of hiss and rumble, which I still managed to get a decent vocal off of by putting it thru a guitar compressor, noise gate and delay.

I remember once, before I got the D20, doing a mix to stereo with all that running, and doing a live vocal while playing 12 string guitar and holding down a sustain pedal with one foot and fading in & out the chord with a foot volume pedal. Best track I ever did!

[nomad]

I wish I had that kind of patience :) I never finished any songs, but I learned a lot about synthesis over the years...

[Johnny MacManky]

Yeah, using real analog synths with sliders and no presets has been a real benefit over the years, even if just as a means of understanding the naff business saying about "pushing the envelope".

Back then I used to take polaroid snaps of a setting I liked.

[Dave G]

I found a couple books on Google books...they look pretty comprehensive. I'm really eager to make custom music with the "edit panel". That way I'm not restricted to the loops in the package.

[Dave G]

I'm having trouble even finding stuff on Google, probably because it's all geared to the new bundle for leopard. I'm not sure if I should buy a book or buy online tutorials. I only need to know how to do two things: change the file type to mp3, and use the music notation/edit field. I went to a forum that told me how to change to mp3, but I don't know where it's supposed to show up. It did a mixdown, but I can't find the file. Oh, one more thing...I think the manual keyboard is supposed to play on its own, but I can't get it to work. The prog looks great, but I am having a lot of trouble getting a few simple things to work. On the upside, I do know how to apply effects now.

[Johnny MacManky]

I'm having trouble even finding stuff on Google, probably because it's all geared to the new bundle for leopard. I'm not sure if I should buy a book or buy online tutorials. I only need to know how to do two things: change the file type to mp3, and use the music notation/edit field. I went to a forum that told me how to change to mp3, but I don't know where it's supposed to show up. It did a mixdown, but I can't find the file. Oh, one more thing...I think the manual keyboard is supposed to play on its own, but I can't get it to work. The prog looks great, but I am having a lot of trouble getting a few simple things to work. On the upside, I do know how to apply effects now.

Which version of Garageband & which Mac setup are you using?

I know this link is aimed at making ringtones, but the principle of conversion to MP3 may apply... http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1036

[Dave G]

Ok, nvm. I found a tutorial online for the mp3 option (send to iTunes and burn from the program there).
I contacted Apple support and the guy told me how to edit the loops. Although I have already forgotten the command keys, at least I know the general ballpark. Now I get to find a cable for my keyboard. The guy at support said I need to run it through the 8th inch input. Next to the headphones jack.