18 posts
I got a question for you guys.
I wanted to upgrade my ProTools but my damn computer has MSW Media and ProTools is not compatible with that.
I also wanted to get some drum software and they're not compatible either.
So....would you guys suggest a laptop for recording or go with a PC?
If laptop, what or what specs would you suggest and what might I expect to pay?
I'm just exploring right now.
I already have a nice external hard drive for storage.
Thanks in advance.
Computer genius at large.... ;D
Randy
I record both on desktop and laptop.
I prefer my desktop because I have more storage space on it .
My laptop on the other hand is a little faster . Both computers are p4 dual core. Only have 1G of ram , would be nice to add some ram memory but I feel I don't need it yet.
Anyway , it's nice to have the laptop in case there's something that needs to be recorded away from home.
Any new laptop will do , as well as any desktop. Don't buy a computer with a Celeron processor .
I think most computers nowadays are 64 bit and I guess every one of 'em is now running Windows Vista.
I don't know how much of your older software will run under Vista but most people I know tell me Vista is crap.
I guess you'll cough up about $800-1200 for a computer.
Stuff I would look for are :
1. at least 2Gig of Ram memory
2. 250 Gig harddrive or above.
3. Dual or quad Core processor , either a Pentium or a Centrino ( no celeron ! ). Not sure what processors suck in the AMD category.
4. Decent sound card / video card.
Your external hard drive will be useful for sure.
Don't pay extra because of a name brand . Pretty much any brand will do just fine.
If you need any software , email me.
Hope this helps.
Please explain the MSW media error you get when you install/upgrade Pro Tools.
You might be able to bypass the system.
WOW...a wealth of info...thanks! :)
Well, I haven't bought any software yet, I've been trying to read up before I buy.
Both ProTools and drum software say that they're not compatible with MSW Media Edition.
Hey, I don't know enough about computers to dispute that....only enough to ask you computer savy guys. ;D
Thanks again.
Randy
Hey, Karl! What are you gonna do with that Soundcard?
Karl: "I'm aimin' to kill you wiff it". ;D
You could reformat the Laptop and install XP or Vista, then use the drivers you need for PT.
I use a PC with XP. Did you ever buy a new MBOX? Or are you still shopping?
Hi Dean.... ;D
No, I've still got the original Mbox with 6.1 LE ProTools.
Ha, me....reformat?
MWAHAHAHAHHahahahahaahaha ;D
Geez man, I'm lucky just to be on the web and retrieve my email. ;)
Good to see you again.
Randy
Although Pro Tools is supposedly not compatible with Windows XP Media Center, I installed it on a laptop with XP MC and it worked fine. Most people on the Digi forums seem to have the same experience...
Cool...thanks Charger. :)
OK then, how about some of the drum software out there?
Damn it, I can't remember the name of it right now....being all old and shit. ;D
It's one of the more popular ones.
Not drums from hell...another one.
Anyway, in reading up on it, it said not compatible with WMS MC.
What do you think?
Thanks,
Randy
Toontrack ( DFH ) must be the most popular maker of drum software IMO .
Then there's also Addictive Drums and a little more advanced is Fruityloops .
Hope that helps.
Did you look for any updated drivers for your Pro Tools ?
Maybe that could solve your problem.
Here's the one I was looking at.
For $149....it looks pretty cool. :)
What do you think?
Thanks,
Randy
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Toontrack-EZdrummer-Multi-Layer-Drum-Sampler?sku=703056
EZDrummer is very... easy to use. Although, once you have it, you immediately start to want more... it's pretty limited in what it gives you in terms of kits and such. Superior 2.0 is only, what, 2x the price? I think that would be the way to go.
Although, I have to repeat my previous mantra... I REFUSE to buy a drum sampler that samples nothing but Sabian. I think Sabians are fine cymbals if you throw in one or two, but a well-balanced sampler, just like a well-balanced kit, has GOT to have some Zildjians, some Paiste, something Turkish, and maybe a Wuhan china. Hell, I've got a Zildjian on my set, and I'm cheap as fuck. There are waaaaay too many fantastic cymbals out there nowadays to sample only Sabian for a "full-featured" sample set. And that's the end of my Superior rant.
I second Charger's comment on EZDrummer , it is very limited but I think you will be satisfied with it.
I think they have samples of it on their website. Just make sure that's what you're looking for.
IMO a good tool to make a few quick backing drum tracks.
I hear what you're saying and it makes sense.
I just want to make sure that the drum software that I buy....that I will be able to use it, not being as computer savy as you guys. ;D
Thanks for the info. :)
Randy
I'm sure you'll be able to figure it out Randy. It's quite simple to get it going.
Just for giggles, I've seen a new board with EIGHT cores recently... That sucker is going to scream! :o
Here's a sample :
Hey Randy,
I've just got protools, (actually delivered today ;D).
Digidesign have a new drum software called
strike, which looks pretty cool, and because it's made by digidesign, integrates seamlessly with protools.
I'm in the process of installing protools, it comes with a drum plug in BFD lite, I'll let you know what I think of it.