Coming back to protools after 6 year hiatus
 

Hey community!
I would much appreciate some opinions on how to work with my protools in 2019. I am now using protools express, looks like im on version 12.7. I've been out the game since 2013, but have some time again so I bought into protools express, and have been able to get something going.

My setup is relatively simple. I run the 1/4" outputs of my mpc2500 into an old Fast Track Duo which is connected to my laptop (mac running Mojave 10.14.5) via usb. I currently record onto just one track in protools (ie i dont track out) with no major issues.

I wanted to begin tracking out my beats, and was exploring which way I should go. I haven't really used or upgraded my hardware in a long time so I figured I am willing to invest in something new if needed. My understanding is that to best trackout with just 1 set of outputs (I dont want something like digi003), I would need a midi sync so that I could trigger the MPC to play when I hit record on the protools, and then record each MPC track individually to separate tracks in protools. Fast TRack Duo does not have any Midi capability. (I want the sync to avoid having to line up tracks manually)

What can I do here? I'm realizing my hardware is discontinued, so I wouldn't mind buying something new that can also help me with my setup. https://www.pro-tools-expert.com/hom...ould-check-out

Given my simple setup
1. Do I infact need the midi to do what I need? If so, my plan is to see which of these 10 products has midi.
2. If I don't need midi, how should I track out individuals tracks (eg kick, snare, hat)

Thanks for your time,
Walter

Re: Coming back to protools after 6 year hiatus
 

Your problem isn't necessarily going to be the MIDI but compatibility between PT and Mojave. According to the chart on this page: http://avid.force.com/pkb/articles/e...tibility-Chart the latest OSX PT 12.7 is considered compatible with is 10.12.2 (an early revision of Sierra). You're going to need to solve that first (no pun intended).

Re: Coming back to protools after 6 year hiatus
 

Thx for the comment.

I initially thught the same thing as far as compability between PT and Mojave, but went ahead with the installation anyway. So far no issues that I can tell. I was able to record form my mpc onto single track, and then bounce without any problems.

Re: Coming back to protools after 6 year hiatus
 

You're really going to have to take care of the compatibility issues before going any further elsewise you're just wasting time.

Re: Coming back to protools after 6 year hiatus
 

How much do you want to spend on an interface?
The Universal Audio interfaces are very nice, but carry a pretty big price tag.
If all you need is two inputs and MIDI, then something simple like a Presonus AudioBox would do the trick. https://www.presonus.com/products/AudioBox-iTwo

Re: Coming back to protools after 6 year hiatus
 

If you only need 2in2out the Focusrite 2i2 is the one I would get! No brainer. Priced around 150 +/- which is a steal ..

Re: Coming back to protools after 6 year hiatus
 

.. or Focusrite Clarett 2PRE. Generally people have found Focusrite support better than Presonus but YMMV of course. Speaking as someone outside USA.

Re: Coming back to protools after 6 year hiatus
 

damn chris, you beat me to recommending the red. but the 2i2 doesn't have MIDI, does it?

Re: Coming back to protools after 6 year hiatus
 

You are right! It doesn’t! I missed that so Thanks for popping in with a better suggestion. I thought he only needed 2 ins and 2 outs :o

Re: Coming back to protools after 6 year hiatus
 

I went with the focusrite clarett pre2 usb and the setup is working wonderfully. Using MIDI, I hit play in pro tools, which triggers the MPC to play. Thanks for the advice everybody!