Pt hd options

[Soul El]

can someone point me in a good direction to learn more about options ie; hardware/ pcie card and such? I end up at avid with questions when I leave, and end up at sweetwater looking at packages. I understand I need a pcie or thunderbolt interface, an HD interface and the software but whats a good price for each or a package and where can I find these choices? I hope this isnt a redundant thread but I can only get so much info from my vague searches while not being on the owners side of things. If u would just point and I'll gather thx guys!

[Darryl Ramm]

You already have the two best online info sources, so if you can't work things out from that looking at more won't help you.

You need to buy a system, card, interface and HD software bundled all in one. And can be a PCIe or at Thunderbolt, and bundled with an Omni or a HD/IO. That bundled package is the only way you can legitimately purchase a HD software license.

Pick up the phone and call an Avid reseller, that is what they are there for. A Sweetwater sales rep should be able to explain all your options once you tell them what you have now/need to do.

Or you can ask questions here, but you need to state clearly what computer you want to use this with, what other systems (e.g. Preamps, etc) you want to use this with and what technically you want to achieve (how many inputs/outputs, etc.).

[nst7]

Sweetwater guys are very knowledgeable. I would give them a call.

[albee1952]

I will toss some info that may help a little.
#1-first and foremost, know what computer you need(or have) and don't buy hardware that won't work(for instance, very few PC's have thunderbolt and even fewer will work with a thunderbolt interface. The new MacPro has no expansion slots(PCI or PCIe) so cards(like HDX) would have to go in a separate chassis(but this is doable over thunderbolt).
#2-the OMNI is a great piece, IF(great big if) you only need a few IO, because, despite all its connections, it can only handle 8 total IO by itself. You CAN cascade another HD IO, but you CANNOT add a second OMNI(so an HD IO might be a better choice, albeit a more expensive one).
#3-if you plan on buying an "off the shelf" PC, ONLY buy from a firm that builds machines for Pro Tools. Don't buy from Best Buy or any place like that.
#4-if you are on the fence about PC vs Mac, both platforms are capable of great performance, as long as you do it right
#5-we might have more help to offer if we knew what your platform preference is, what your recording needs are and what your budget can handle(but I also agree that several major retailers are a great resource)

Besides Sweetwater, there is also AltoMusic and Dale Pro Audio. All these places have specialists for PT.

[JCBigler]

Originally Posted by albee1952

Besides Sweetwater, there is also AltoMusic and Dale Pro Audio. All these places have specialists for PT.

I gotta put in a plug for my preferred vendor: Full Compass. They have the BEST customer service of any retailer in every industry that I have ever dealt with. Although my rep will be retires in like an year and a half, and I'll have to break in a new one...

[Soul El]

Great info guys, just felt like I hit a wall. Buying as a bundle package was my biggest concern, thats a big hit to the pocket book. Hoping to build in a modular sequence would have been cool. lol
As far as the cpu build and specs, I just built new and we're looking at 3 weeks old.
Sabertooth x79, i7 4930k, 16g ddr3, 1evo512 (os), 1 512 Samsung 840 pro, 1 256 Samsung 840 pro, 1T WD Black, 1 - 1.5 T Barracuda, Saphire pro 40, win 7.
The options to call make the most sense, just doing the leg work without sounding like a blind consumer. I appreciate the input. And Darryl, u pretty much inspired the build, the SSD's and all, I dont think I'll ever forget the "Toxic" WD green caviar drive comment. That was awesome hahaha thx!

[Darryl Ramm]

So you will want to go PCIe card and the next decision is then to start with a bundle with Omni or a HD IO.

And if you have not played with these yet, they do have cooling fans that can occasionally be noise hassles in smaller studios. You can read up on DUC about what folks do to mitigate noise issues or may be worth having a listen to one if you suspect that may be an issue for you,

[Soul El]

That loud huh? Ok, I guess if I had to I could build something to capture the noise as long as the heat issues are minimal. I had a feeling the PCIe card was the direction I was headed in, and I see in the HDX bundles there is 2 in a package. I imagine the cards are Avid direct or a standard card across the board? I figure the Omni or HD IO is required for PT HD authorization?

[YYR123]

Originally Posted by Soul El

I figure the Omni or HD IO is required for PT HD authorization?

Nope, there are no more dongles (maybe PT express ?? Idk)

Auths are handled via the ilok

[Soul El]

Originally Posted by YYR123

Nope, there are no more dongles (maybe PT express ?? Idk)

Auths are handled via the ilok

Whats the omni or HD IO for? (with a PCIe card)
The functions of each piece are a blur to me I guess.