Alesis vs. Pro Tools

[Starting User]

Currantly I'm using a Alesis Multimix 16 Firewire for live multitrack recording with my Band and it's a pain. I always need to switch the playback engine from Pro Tools Aggregate to Alesis Firewire for recording, otherwise I can't select the different tracks as Inputs - that way it works - sometimes... sometimes again magically it doesn't work at all. I'm starting to believe that it has got something to do with Alesis in combination with Pro Tools 'cause I'm using an Alesis QX 49 for MIDI recording - and basically it's all fine but the transport buttons of the Keyboard Controller won't be recognized by Pro Tools.

Am I right that for MIDI Keyboards on Pro Tools it is best to use one from M-Audio? Same question for the multitrack mixer: Are there mixers that can be definitely recommended especially for use in Pro Tools?

Would be a pleasure if someone could help me out.

[clausiii]

A M-Audio MIDI Keyboard/Controller with Hypercontrol may help. And more than transport will work out of the box.

The other thing - never record with an aggregate device as long as you don't need it. Use your native drivers for your devices.

[albee1952]

For straight mid recording(notes), most any midi-capable keyboard is fine. To actually control Pro Tools(like using transport buttons) then yes, using an M-Audio controller would be better, but you really have some other options you maybe didn't think about(yet). For transport, assuming you can't be within arm's reach of the computer keyboard, there are a few options, from remote control off an iPad, Frontier Tranzport or the Presonus FaderPort(what I use). I also have my PC setup with a local USB mouse and keyboard, and a second keyboard/trackpad on 30' PS2 cables(with a 30' VGA cable) so I can control my PT session from behind the drumkit or the vocal booth.

[Weird Audio]

ALESIS hasn't been relevant since the DIGI 001 that I should have bought instead

I didn't even read the post just a comment on the title

[DJKeys]

I use a Presonus StudioLive 16.0.2 mixer as an interface for Pro Tools and it works great. I just use an old K5000S to do the midi stuff, but usually that is only drums and bass.

-dj

[Starting User]

Originally Posted by clausiii

never record with an aggregate device as long as you don't need it. Use your native drivers for your devices.

Do you mean the Built-In Microphone by "an aggregate device"? Don't know what you mean, I always do it that way: I connect the Mixer with my Computer then start Pro Tools, make sure the mixer is selected as device for sound Input in the Audio MIDI Setup and hope the device will show up in my I/O. But it doesn't. Only through changing the Playback Engine from "Pro Tools Aggregate I/O" to "Alesis Firewire" it's channels show up in the I/O so I can route my audio tracks' inputs to it. Lately not even that worked!

Now I'm thinking about buying another mixer and selling the Alesis. Surely somebody in here knows that: For what kind of mixer do I need to search when I want to record multiple tracks and get them as separated tracks into my computer instead of a stereo summ? Is it a Multitrack Mixer? And thanks for the recommendations some already made but the size of my pears is not big enough for those great devices. I get big eyes looking up what you guys are using, but I can effort like 650 $ (500 €) for a mixer.

@ albee1952: Thanks for the tips! I'm thinking about that, might be more expensive but surely will last longer than a Keyboard/Controller mix device...

[Weird Audio]

Originally Posted by Starting User

I can effort like 650 $ (500 €) for a mixer.

Do you really need a mixer or will just preamps do.
Check out Mackie they make a cool firewire mixer that does 16 ins at a time.
Possibly as many outs as well. I believe this will act as a PT interface but maybe not . If pre amps will do MOTU has some that can be used to go direct into a daw as a interface.

[Starting User]

Yes, a preamp would do as well. How do I see, whether a usb or firewire mixer or preamp gives me separate tracks instead of the stereo master summ? Is there a certain criteria I can look for?