Topic: Anybody here use ProTools 8?

[andromedanwarmachine]

I'm just starting out and have a few questions...?

Thanks

JimP

[DLay]

Been using Pro Tools for a few years now, feel free to shoot me a PM.

[PeteJE]

Yes, and now 9. 

[PeteJE]

What questions - post some up.

[andromedanwarmachine]

Hi Pete JE...

Thanks for responding, as it happens I've got quite a long way since initially posting this thanks to DLay.

However- what's 9 like? Worth the money?

Do you know if 8 has multiband compression? I can't see it in the standard plug-ins...

JimP

[PeteJE]

Yes, 9 is worth it, especially if you have a crossgrade deal available.  I am in post production, so I tend to stay up with the versions as they come - 9 is a huge step up.  You wouldn't notice if you aren't using it for large mixes, time code, etc.  If you are just a home user or using it for post on your recordings, it is not a necessity to upgrade; but, eventually 8 will become unsupported and the deals to cross over more affordably are usually offered for only so long.  (This constant upgrade cycle is my only complaint with Avid - it is the only way for them to continue to drive revenue).  Best advice, if you are happy and have all the power and tools you need, stand pat.  If you want to get deeper into it, see yourself more as a "power user" or generating revenue as an audio professional, keep up with the larger upgrades.

Multi band compressor is not standard, that will have to be a purchased plug in.  Waves L3 has been a standard and very good.  Wave Arts (different co.) makes one that is very good and probably the most affordable http://wavearts.com/products/plugins/multidynamics/  I am a big fan of McDSP products - http://www.mcdsp.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=41&Itemid=271  Any of these purchased plug ins will require an iLok key and account set up to make use of the licenses. 

Also, the Avid audio forums are a great resource.  There are many active professional mixers and users participating there: http://duc.avid.com/

[DLay]

Really the biggest advantage with 9 is that its hardware independent and you can run it/playback without their interfaces. Couldnt believe this when I first heard. Thats essentially reason enough to upgrade alone. Time code is a huge plus for post audio but lets be honest, this should've been written into the basic LE versions lonnnnnnng ago. Same thing with 5.1 and now 7.1 surround capabilities (which you still have to buy kits for if you dont have HD). Logic has had 5.1 capabilities since early versions back in 2005/2006 . It really does come down to money. Having invested such a great deal of time in Pro Tools I cant see myself working exclusively in anything else but they really have had the industry 'by the balls' for a while now. Though this hardware independent feature is a huge step in opening things up. No more having to bypass the garbage preamps or using the A/D converters of Digi hardware.

Visually, I never liked making the jump from 7's GUI to 8, which was drastic. Yeah its more 'modern' this and that but when I work on systems that are running older versions I cant help but feel more productive. Just a preference thing.

[andromedanwarmachine]

that's great guys, thanks very much for taking the time to post all this for me...

I actually install ProTools and Logic in educational environments (although my skill-set is with the associated infrastructure rather than the software) and I've heard it said the Logic comes with "everything" where as Avid just want you to keep spending!

I also heard somewhere that there was not a million miles between the stripped down Garageband freeware that you get on any Mac and Logic. And although I'm not sure how accurate that is, I've noticed far greater standard collection of EQ and dynamics plug-ins on Garageband than in fact in ProTools! Obviously they look like cartoons to operate and the overall GUI of Garageband is not a professional environment, but it's funny to think they are throwing that stuff in for free. I suppose also, the cheaper packages will use less processing power to achieve those effects and it would be interesting to quantify/measure the differences.

Timecode sound quite convincing actually as I know people that make films that I've had audio I/P to and so far they've avoided dialogue audio but I know it's coming... Over short takes though, you could always sync to the clapper-board though no???

How would I go about an upgrade to 9- do alot of retailer handle that? Do you just order an "upgrade" package that acts upon the version 8 software...?

Thanks for those links Pete

JimP

[PeteJE]

Upgrading depends on what PT 8 you have, HD or LE.  If HD go here http://shop.avid.com/store/product.do;jsessionid=B471586BB0C7C1B223B5BA9FF9D49F5F.ASTPESD2?product=307036370308416

If you have LE use the crossgrade here:
http://shop.avid.com/store/product.do?product=324639693075136

You can do it as a download - just register for a free account at the avid site (it will guide you to do so if you purchase the download version).
The upgrade installers will handle moving from 8 to 9 - no need to uninstall or anything like that.  I just ran the PT 9 installers (pick the right one for your system when they send them to you) and it worked great.  Use that avid forum as there is much guidance and experience shared on this upgrading process... http://duc.avid.com/showthread.php?t=289283