Why can't we use other hardware?

[gkelway]

Just wondering: What reason is there that we can't use other audio input hardware... or can we?

[Vernon Kuehn]

You want to expand your question a bit? You assume we know what input hardware you think we can use and what input hardware you think we can't use.

My opening response: use ANY input hardware that gives you the results you are happy with. Follow that old cliche' used by brides preparing for a wedding:
...use something old,
......and something new.
...Use something borrowed
......and something blue.

[gkelway]

Isn't it true that to use protools, you have to use their hardware? I was hoping to use Protools LE with the Midiman Omni Studio.

[juppu]

Yes, you have to have digidesign hardware - Audiomedia III or Digi 001 to run PT LE.

However, some third-party soundcards are supported and can be used with the software (you still need to have the 001 or AMIII). Check out the Digidesign website for details. www.digidesign.com (http://www.digidesign.com) Not sure about Midiman gear, I doubt that it's compatible, but dunno.

the problem at the moment is that the Digi is overpriced for the quality of the converters etc. compared to some other cards on the market. Digidesign tends to ride on the holy name of Pro Tools and make everyone buy the hardware (though it's not the best possible - OK it's still PRETTY GOOD).

I'm a total ProTools believer + everyday user, but this old question of hardware etc. buggers me every now and then.

However, I still believe in THE two words "Pro" and "Tools"... http://www.audioforums.com/forums/biggrin.gif

Juppu

[gkelway]

Ya, the digi001 seems like a great setup (even though its not the best value compared to other hardware). However, I am a little concerned about midi. It's seems so basic as compared to cakewalk.

Do you do much midi with ProTools?

[narcoman]

hi,
Well as midi support in pro-tools is a relatively new thing, its fairly limited. You can do the usual controllers and note stuff, and plenty of good quantize stuff but its not as advanced as cubase etcetc. However, i find what it already offers in pt 5.x is totally sufficient for our place, and we mostly work in midi. I guess its down to what you want. I find a lot of bells and whistles in cubase that i dont have a use for. Horses for courses....

cheers