Looking at getting Pro Tools

[Perfect_Form]

Hello all,
I'm looking into Pro Tools for home recording, but I'm somewhat unclear as to what I need to get. What are the differences between the different versions of Pro Tools as far as hardware? I'm mainly interested in the software, but I'm unsure of what hardware I need. What is recommended to give me as much bang for my buck, so to speak, in the lower price range?

Thank you,
Perfect_Form

[Alexrkstr]

I think the first step is tell us what computer you have and the specs:
- processor
- RAM
- Inputs (FW, USB, etc)
- Operating System (Win XP, Vista, Leopard, Tiger, etc)

Then what type of music you want to record... what instruments, etc.

I have an Mbox 2 mini listed in the classifieds ($199) with PTLE 7.3 that can get you started.

Cheers!

[Perfect_Form]

Here are my PC specs:

AMD 64 X2 Dual-Core (2.41 GHz)
4 GB RAM
2x Geforce 8800GT SLi
Soundblaster X-Fi Championship Edition
Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit

I believe it has Firewire in addition to USB.
If you need to know more, just ask.

I mainly record electronic music, but really anything.
Mostly drum machine, guitar, keyboard, sometimes bass and vocals.

So basically, I'm looking at entry level Pro Tools, which I may or may not use with my laptop.

Thanks,
Perfect_Form

[Alexrkstr]

Tough specs, I can tell you will only be able to run 7.4 or 8.0 on your machine if the AMD processor is compatible. Not sure if it is.

Type in "Compatibility" in the digidesign website to look for the compatibility answer... or go to products > ProTools LE > Compatibility

[Perfect_Form]

Ok, my processor is supported, but my OS is not.
I guess 64-bit Vista is not supported? Does this mean it will not work, or does it just mean they do not provide support?

I guess I'll have to do some searching find out.

Thanks

[Alexrkstr]

Originally Posted by Perfect_Form

Ok, my processor is supported, but my OS is not.
I guess 64-bit Vista is not supported? Does this mean it will not work, or does it just mean they do not provide support?

I guess I'll have to do some searching find out.

Thanks

I THINK that you will not be run it at all... but yes, you can do some homework

[BradLyons]

Thanks for providing your computer specs. In the world of ProTools, the software is pretty much the same between the HD systems and LE systems, obviously you're looking at LE. So now the question isn't the software, but which hardware interface to use. Digidesign has an entire selection from very basic entry-level to a pretty serious package in the LE world. It appears that you're just recording yourself, correct? How good of audio quality are you looking for? What mics/pres do you have right now, if any? Will you be recording audio? Is this just for fun, or do you need to do actual work (for money) with it?

[mcgirr]

Also in addition you should consider how many input you will need at one time.
Or how many simultaneous tracks you are looking be able to record for your basic tracking.
All the different hardware options whether Digi or M-audio only allow a certain number of inputs.
Also the different hardware only have a certain amount of preamps built in.( or none at all.)

This is also something to consider in addition to Brad Lyons post.