beginner question

[icarus73]

I dont even own pro tools, but i have a basic question.

They say pro tools is only compatible with digidesign hardware. yet, in almost any professional studio i've seen, they have pro tools HD with a large mixer like a mackie or something else not digi design.

so...what's up with that?

[tj_davies]

The hardware they refer to are the D/A - A/D converters as far as I know.

Hope it helps,
Timothy

[Chris Lambrechts]

I dont even own pro tools, but i have a basic question.

They say pro tools is only compatible with digidesign hardware. yet, in almost any professional studio i've seen, they have pro tools HD with a large mixer like a mackie or something else not digi design.

so...what's up with that?

hmmmm .... ok ...


Well basically what it means is that you cannot run the software without any digidesign compatible hardware attached to it. Although there's a couple of companies that fool the software into believen there is a digi interface hooked up (prism / apogee etc ... )

Consoles / outboard gear etc don't 'directly' communicate with the software.

What you're saying is kinda like saying you cannot have a GPS device in your BMW unless it is build by BMW .... of course you can. But if you change vital parts in the engie of that same BMW you better get something that is compatibla with it.

[mon]

im upgrading to HD systems. im also a beginner. Chris Lambrechts i think is right. correct me if im wrong EXPERTS... im going to connect rosetta 800 to aurora via XDH card vice versa then to G5. The XHD card is the hardware compatible with protools.. i also need comments on this setup experts...!!!! icaruz73... i hope i gave you an idea to...

[stanonbass]

Ok heres how it works

You cannot use protools software on its own without having at least a core card installed on your computer.

The way apogee, lynx, mytec etc work with protools is they take the place of the interface.

basically digi lets you use 3rd party converters with your hd system if you do not choose to use the 192, or 96io.

HD protools is basically

1. a core card
2. 1 or more accel cards
3. interface
4. software

Now keep in mind that if you use an apogee or another converter alone you will have to install the card that goes with that converter to hook it up to the core card. The only way to get around this is to lightpipe it into a digidesign interface. There might be other ways to hook it up but this is my basic understanding on how it works.

Right now i have a 96io with one adat bridge on it. I am running 2 vintech 473s into my 8 TRS inputs and lightpiping my digimax into it as well giving me 16 ins.

Later i might try and use an apogee ad16 or a lynx.

It would be awesome if you could by protools and use whatever soundcard you liked. But you cant.