PC or IMac? Protools or Logic ?

[skewzme]

I purchased an IMac back in march and started learning Logic Express 8.
After 3 months of toying with this system, I'm considering getting rid of it because the learing curve is just too steep.
Granted, I am learing how to use a Mac and Logic all at the same time, but I need to get up and running and it's just not happening. I need a system that's more intuitive.

I"ve never used Protools either, but I'm thinking a PC based software might be easier since I'm more acustomed to Windows-based software.

Would my learning curve be shortened with Protools ? Also, is XP going to remain the favorite platform, even though Microsoft is not going to support it ?
Thanks

[howie15]

You're learning curve will be the same if you're not used to the layout and use of audio editing software. I don't the that the Mac vs. PC has anything to do with how fast you will learn the software. I have only lightly dabbled with Logic and even though it is popular, many say it maintains a high learning curve. Just what I've been told.

PT is fairly intuitive from my point of view. Honestly more so than the Cubase interface. Just never liked that and I used if for a couple months along side PT.

XP is still a happy place for audio, mainly because of driver support for the hardware. I haven't been keeping an ear to the ground for Windows stuff since I left Best Buy in March, but read up in the Windows Vista section for what is compatible and what is not.

Howie J

[Reegs]

Microsoft is planning to support XP until 2014, last I heard, just not sell any more copies.

I agree with Howie. Audio software all functions similarly, and you'll need to get accustomed to the general workflow ideas. There's lots of great primers on this stuff out on google, with tailored specifics to which audio software you're using. I know Pro Tools has a ton. I also agree that PT is one of the more intuitive programs (it has an uncluttered interface, which helps a ton).

If you're going to jump into Pro Tools, start small and save yourself some cash. It requires a specific hardware component to run, and the Mbox Micro or Mini lines will provide the best compromise between affordability and robustness.

Reaper (http://reaper.fm) is a highly regarded, uncrippled shareware DAW. If you want to get your feet wet in workflow ideas before dumping the cash on Pro Tools, it is a good place to start. You will need to relearn a bit of workflow specifics to PT later on, but once you get the general feel of the programs, it might not be too difficult.

Reegs