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Build a ProTools workstation - Need Advice, Thanks
Hi,
Hobbyist here. I have a MacPro early 2008 with upgraded graphics card and 32 MB ram (specs are attached as an image file). I want to create a Protools workstation, and have been considering used parts. Can I get your opinion on the following ? • ProTool HD Native PCIe card • Avid HD I/O 16x16 Analog audio interface • Protools software would have to be purchased, (or upgraded from ProTools 8 which I currently own on an older mac system). Can you recommend this combination? I really only need 16-20 tracks, recording 2-3 tracks at once in a home studio, but want professional sounding results. Thanks for any advice in advance. |
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Re: Build a ProTools workstation - Need Advice, Thanks
This is probably not the best route due to a few issues.
#1-current Apple OS won't work with older versions of Pro Tools #2-Native card and HD IO REQUIRE HD software #3-Your current version 8 software, if it is indeed HD, I believe it will need to be at least HD 8.5 to work with the HD/Native card. If you wish to stay with the older Mac Pro, it might be better to search for an HD3 package(core card plus 2x Accell cards) and a used licence for HD(8 would be fine, but 10 would be better if the OS allows). The HD IO should also be fine, but used 192 IO's sound fine and are pretty cheap these days. Keep up the research and pay close attention to which versions of PT will work with your version of OSX
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HP Z4 workstation, Mbox Studio https://www.facebook.com/search/top/...0sound%20works The better I drink, the more I mix BTW, my name is Dave, but most people call me.........................Dave |
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Re: Build a ProTools workstation - Need Advice, Thanks
Thanks Dave,
Dave here too ! I appreciate the information. My MacPro is currently running Mac OX 10.11.6 (El Capitan), and it looks like ProTools 12.8 lists this version of the Mac OS as a supported version. No, my current ProTools 8 is not HD, so I would have to purchase the HD version. I didn't think about the jump from standard to HD, but I would be willing to do so. Thanks again for the details. Dave |
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Re: Build a ProTools workstation - Need Advice, Thanks
Quote:
Shane
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Pro Tools Power User Editing Give your plug-ins a facelift...and skin 'em! __________________ "Music should be performed by the musician, not by the engineer." Michael Wagener 25th July 2005, 02:59 PM __________________ Pro Tools|HD Native 9.0.1 | Pro Tools|HDX 10.2 | Studio One | REAPER 4.22 | HD OMNI | HoboMac Pro 2.26Ghz Quad-Core | W7 Ultimate 64-bit |
#5
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Re: Build a ProTools workstation - Need Advice, Thanks
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Don't forget you'll also have to get modern aax64 versions of all your plugins if you go the PT12/2018 route. RTAS was dropped as of PT11. Something you might want to think about that will give a boost to your system is swapping out the spinner system hard drive for an ssd. A Samsung 850 EVO is a good choice. Think about this as well - do you really need HD? The HD Native card doesn't have dsp - just I/O. |
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Re: Build a ProTools workstation - Need Advice, Thanks
Sorry for the confusion:
I have an older MacPro that is running ProTools 8 (not HD) with a Digi002 rack. I also have a MacPro 2008 with upgraded graphics card, and 32MB memory. This unit is running the El Capitan OS 10.11.6, but does not have an version of ProTools installed at this time. I want to find the best setup for this machine. Thanks for all the help..Dave |
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Re: Build a ProTools workstation - Need Advice, Thanks
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As I said you're going to need to do a reinstatement plan to get current with PT as PT8 won't run on El Crapitan. Or you could buy a whole new PT s/w & h/w setup for HD. The best setup depends on what you really need. For example do you really need PT HD? Is it for the amount of I/O? Is it for the low latency? Can't be for the dsp because the HD Native card doesn't have dsp. There are plenty of USB2 interfaces that will give you stellar functionality and as much I/O as the HD setup you're contemplating. It all depends on what you want to spend. |
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Re: Build a ProTools workstation - Need Advice, Thanks
Hi Jack. Thanks for the replies.
I think the old machine is actually a Powermac G5. After a quick search for USB2 audio interfaces, this type of device seems more aligned with what I need/want. I like the simplicity of the Digi002, so I am looking for something similar just more modern. I wasn't aware of the USB interfaces. are there any you recommend over others ? Thanks, Dave |
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Re: Build a ProTools workstation - Need Advice, Thanks
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or RME here at http://www.rme-audio.de/en/products/...w_firewire.php At a somewhat less expense level there's stuff from MOTU. Also keep in mind that if you have Firewire 800 ports that's also a viable alternative to USB2 and several of the above interface companies also have FW800 boxes as well (and some do both Firewire & USB in the same box). If you want some dsp help and have FW800 ports take a look at the UAD Apollo Firewire box. |
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Re: Build a ProTools workstation - Need Advice, Thanks
Thanks.
I do have Firewire 800 (2 of them) on this MacPro. I will take a look at the Universal Audio Apollo FireWire unit, which seems to have 5 stars everywhere I look. Thank you again.. |
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