What computer to buy to run Pro Tools 12?

[GhostRecorder]

Hello,

I didn't know quite where to post my questions but hopefully some of you guru's can help. I've spent most of my recording time using an old Akai DPS12i recorder. I want to step up in get into recording through the computer. My computer is as old as my DPS12i and I need a new computer to run Advid PT 12 of course. My question is where do I even start and what should I look at? What kind of interface would I need to plug in my keyboards and microphone and guitar and stuff? What kind of computer can run Protools perfectly without giving me trouble? I've been out the loop for a long time and would appreciate some sound advice on this. Thank you!

[amagras]

I use a Dell XPS 8700 (2014) to run non-hd without trouble here.

[Sugarnutz]

I just bought a refurb 2015 MacBook Pro i7 2.2 GHz, 16 Gb ram, 512 Gb flash drive for $2k from Apple. Very happy with it and I'm an old Windows dog.

[lesbrunn]

http://www.pro-tools-pc.us/

[amagras]

Originally Posted by Sugarnutz

I just bought a refurb 2015 MacBook Pro i7 2.2 GHz, 16 Gb ram, 512 Gb flash drive for $2k from Apple. Very happy with it and I'm an old Windows dog.

$2k? Apple is pushing hard.

[Darryl Ramm]

What is your budget?

What exactly do you need to record with the Interface? And how much of that is simultaneous tracking?

Are you recording miced guitar and bass cabs? Or DI? or both?

How do you intend monitoring stuff? Do you need/want an interface with hardware monitoring or do you want to monitor though software? or do you have an outboard mixer to monitor through? if you don't understand that question have a read about those topics.

Your current computer is a Mac or Windows PC? Or any strong preference for either environment? what other recording grear do you own? Preamps, ADAT stuff, etc?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GhostRecorder]

Thanks guys for all the replies...

Here's what I'm pretty much trying to do I want to record songs vocals and original music.

My equipment:

A couple of Emu racks
Triton
Moog Little Phatty
Roland Gaia
Novation Nova
M-Audio Venom
MPC 2000
Roland Axe Synth
A few Electric Guitars
Peavy 6060 amp

I need a new mic
and want to get a new Maschine Studio or maybe MK3 I sold my original mashine.

I'll need an interface with XLR, 1/4, Midi

I stuck with my 12 track because it was just easier for me but I out grew it long ago.

My computer budget is $800-1K

Interface budget depends on what I'll need.

I don't intend to mic up though the amp I'd rather go right into the computer as I've seen guys do online and one of the reasons I want to upgrade.

I do own Protools 8 I never was able to use it because my computer is out of date even then so I just kept using the DPS12i. I'm late to the game and just want to get caught up so I can make better music.

[musicman691]

Originally Posted by GhostRecorder

Thanks guys for all the replies...

Here's what I'm pretty much trying to do I want to record songs vocals and original music.

My equipment:

A couple of Emu racks
Triton
Moog Little Phatty
Roland Gaia
Novation Nova
M-Audio Venom
MPC 2000
Roland Axe Synth
A few Electric Guitars
Peavy 6060 amp

I need a new mic
and want to get a new Maschine Studio or maybe MK3 I sold my original mashine.

I'll need an interface with XLR, 1/4, Midi

I stuck with my 12 track because it was just easier for me but I out grew it long ago.

My computer budget is $800-1K

Interface budget depends on what I'll need.

I don't intend to mic up though the amp I'd rather go right into the computer as I've seen guys do online and one of the reasons I want to upgrade.

I do own Protools 8 I never was able to use it because my computer is out of date even then so I just kept using the DPS12i. I'm late to the game and just want to get caught up so I can make better music.

You're going to need a separate MIDI interface and a separate audio interface as there's no current audio interface with enough MIDI I/O to accommodate all your h/w synths. I know one can daisy-chain synths but I'm not a fan of that. MOTU has a couple of MIDI interfaces that should do the job.

Audio interface - I'd also take a look at MOTU. They have several at different price points under $1k.

A max of $1k for computer? You're kidding right? At that price it's a used piece. Also don't forget to budget for a separate hard drive to record to; either ssd or 7200 rpm non-green spinner. The Mac laptop someone mentioned earlier would be a good deal - Apple refurbs are good pieces - my iMac is one.

And don't forget to factor in, if you haven't purchased it already, the upgrade to PT12.

[melloj]

.... What kind of computer can run Protools perfectly without giving me trouble?

I don't think there is one. If you've read any of the threads on this site you'll know Pro Tools is one of the most unstable DAWs on the market. I've been using it for 8 years across several computers and OS's and it's never been right. It's gotten worse with each version. But most will tell you to go with Mac. It's impossible to make a DAW work perfectly for every type of PC in the world. Never more true than with Pro Tools though.

[john1192]

Originally Posted by GhostRecorder

Hello,

I didn't know quite where to post my questions but hopefully some of you guru's can help. I've spent most of my recording time using an old Akai DPS12i recorder. I want to step up in get into recording through the computer. My computer is as old as my DPS12i and I need a new computer to run Advid PT 12 of course. My question is where do I even start and what should I look at? What kind of interface would I need to plug in my keyboards and microphone and guitar and stuff? What kind of computer can run Protools perfectly without giving me trouble? I've been out the loop for a long time and would appreciate some sound advice on this. Thank you!

http://ipowerresale.com/browse-mac-pro/ this page has older MacPros from 2010 / 2012 -just choose year at the top .. you would need to add some ram of course .. i have the 2012 6-core (999.00) .. pretty good these days but obviously you would think about the future a bit as well .. 2010 is (859.00) and almost the same as the 2012 ..

hope this helps your search on the Mac side .. others an help on the PC side ...

cheers john

UPDATE: i see they are offing 32gigs of ram with these and 2 hard drives .. SSD for programs and Spinner for files .. not bad ..