35 replies to this topic

[AnthonyEhsani]

heyyy

just a quickie specifically about the digi 001,2,and 3's

i heard that when you buy one of these, that it comes with all this software, effects, eq, compressors the lot, and a protools DAW..is this true?

if it is... is it possible to use the software and all that on a seperate DAW if one did not like the DAW that came with the 003 or whatever?

and also i read in an interview that hook n sling started off with a digi 001, to remix and edit tracks.. Now i looked at the digi 001, and it doesnt look like it can do that lol, just looks like a soundcard. Or am i mistaken and the digi 001 came with a DAW and other softwares so it allows you to do that.

Thanks in advance
AE

[Captain Terrific]

daw?

This i doubt - I got an email today @ work regarding the 003's i'll post it on wed when i'm back in

[Captain Terrific]

Until then, feast your eyes on this...

http://www.soundonso...ews?NewsID=8955

[AnthonyEhsani]

:-* :-*

Love the look of them. What is the difference between that and the rack version?

Heres a little snip of the interview, which im trying to make sence of.

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I was still DJ 'in at the time but bought a little Digi 001 set-up to make my own bootlegs and mashups and re-edits.....

- Hook n Sling

[Spectrum]

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i heard that when you buy one of these, that it comes with all this software, effects, eq, compressors the lot, and a protools DAW..is this true?

Do you want the long or the short answer?

The Digi001/002/003/M-Box comes with the audio production software, Pro Tools LE.

In addition to the Digidesign interfaces, following their purchase of M-Audio, selected M-Audio audio products have become 'M-Powered' and may, for an additional charge for the Pro Tools software, run their own 'M-Powered' version of Pro Tools LE.

Digidesign Pro Tools, in its original professional-aimed "TDM format" (now dubbed "HD"), saw its success through powerful (and pricey) proprietary plug-in processor cards combined with its slick audio software. Oodles of audio tracks, plug-ins, inputs and outputs, limited only by the number of processor cards running (and your wallet). The immediate benefit being, not an ounce of computer CPU was bogged down managing audio. This saw Pro Tools become the number one production software in professional studio installations.

Around the turn of the century, a native or host-based (ie. just the software running on a computer, with no add-on boards required for plug-in processing) version was released for the burgeoning home studio market, known as Pro Tools LE, plus to go with it, a new Digidesign audio interface called the Digi001.

While similar in looks to its grand daddy, in addition to being bound to native plug-ins, this 'limited edition' (and I don't mean rare ;D ) version was stripped back to just 24 audio tracks and 'limited' functionality in other areas, such as, SMPTE code for film editing purposes. (Note that Digidesign is owned by AVID, the leading video production software/hardware suite.).

While attempting to maintain two tiers, home-studio plus professional studio, faster and faster computers were coming onto the market, and the home studio music software developers were making leaps and bounds with each subsequent release and so, with mounting pressure to keep some face against the likes of Emagic's (now owned by Apple) Logic, Steinberg's (now owned by Yamaha) Cubase, MOTU's Digital Performer, and (popular in the USA) Cakewalk (who now market their software under the Sonar brand), Digidesign provided an update to lift their track count to 32.

In recent years, Digidesign have offered add-on upgrades for Pro Tools LE: the DV Toolkit (for film work), and Digidesign Music Production Toolkit (for up to 48 audio stereo tracks). USD$495 for the latter is a very expensive way of getting what the likes of Logic/Cubase have been providing in their standard versions though.

Pro Tools LE comes with an assortment of audio plugins, and the 'Factory Pack' versions provide more, such as the 'Maxim' plug-in for the LOUD factor when mastering. The plug-in format is RTAS (Real-time Audio Suite) and AS (Audio Suite - for non-realtime processing, such as, reversing a sample, or permanently applying a EQ setting to an audio segment).

Sadly, there's little focus on bundling Pro Tools LE with software synths, and so Pro Tools often gets dubbed as the perfect choice for the vocalist/guitarist looking to produce a demo, and regularly shunned by the electronic music producer. More recently, Digidesign has attempted to shake these perceptions by bundling Pro Tools LE with 'lite' versions of popular 'dance music' software, such as soft sampler, Sampletank, and music production environments, Reason and Live (that can be 'rewired' back into the mixing section of Pro Tools)

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if it is... is it possible to use the software and all that on a seperate DAW if one did not like the DAW that came with the 003 or whatever?

Yes.

Pro Tools runs in conjunction with a piece of software known as the Digidesign Audio Engine (DAE). It's available to other audio software, such as Logic or even iTunes. Some say it doesn't play nice at times, and isn't as reliable as it is while running Pro Tools. Nor does it let you run, say iTunes and Pro Tools LE simultaneously. Just to get Pro Tools LE to launch, one must quit and/or set iTune to use the computer's internal soundcard.

Pro Tools LE, on the otherhand will only work in conjunction with its own Digidesign audio hardware. So the hardware acts as the 'anti-software piracy' dongle, if you'd like. This is one of the biggest limitations of a Pro Tools LE rig when using a laptop, say. One can't work on a session while on an aeroplane, for example. Having said that, the reasonably priced new M-Box Mini has opened up Pro Tools LE users to real portable possibilbities by providing a smaller 'dongle' to get Pro Tools up'n'running in remote situations. People unhappy with the number of inputs/outputs or sound quality (though this is getting pretty picky) will add audio interfaces and link them via a digital ADAT or S/PDIF connection. The maximum number of audio inputs into Pro Tools LE, however, is 18.

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and also i read in an interview that hook n sling started off with a digi 001, to remix and edit tracks.. Now i looked at the digi 001, and it doesnt look like it can do that lol, just looks like a soundcard. Or am i mistaken and the digi 001 came with a DAW and other softwares so it allows you to do that.

They would have been using the bundled Pro Tools LE (v5.x) software with their Digi001, or possibly using something like Logic (with the Digi001 maintaining audio interfacing duties). While Pro Tools lacks the realtime audio stretching/shrinking-to-tempo like, say Ableton Live, it can be used for editing and remixing tracks. In fact, audio work is Pro Tools' forté, with sophisticated routing possibilities, reasonable sounding plug-in effects included as standard (and the best of the best available aftermarket), plus a surprisingly competent MIDI sequencer.

The ideology of Pro Tools is simplistic and powerful, with everything taking place in essentially two windows: either editing or mixing. Taking this simplistic approach to the ultimate, user-assignable view options allow one to work, say, soley within just the edit window - MIDI notes alongside audio samples, plug-ins alongside auxillary sends and returns - if desired.

If you're considering the Digi001, which must be pretty cheap these days, I suggest you don't. It's no longer supported by Digidesign, stopping at Pro Tools LE v6.5 or something (while Pro Tools is currently at v7.3). The Digi001 you see that may be rackmounted is only a breakout box of the input/output connectors. The rest of it is a PCI card mounted inside the computer. If you were running a laptop, you'd then need to run an expensive PCI expansion box. And the PCI era of desktop computers is drawing an end. The whole deal simply ain't worth it, IMO.

The Digi002 is a great deal (if you're keen on the Pro Tools LE software). The Rack or Desktop w/sliders version being down to what your needs are. The Desktop/Slider version can also act as a standalone mixer and MIDI controller.

The Digi003 series is a surprising one. While feature request lists for a 'Digi003' incarnation are miles long... this ain't the upgrade from the Digi002 that people were hoping for. The jog dial is a nice addition on the desktop version, the dual headphone outputs, maybe, but that's about it. And it appears the standalone mixer functionality of the desktop version has been dropped (or at least there's no mention of it).

This all makes, say, the MOTU audio interfaces that much more attractive.

Of course, it won't run Pro Tools, but as some might say, "Who cares!".

Who knows what Digidesign have in store for the future? As I mentioned earlier, I'm more atttracted to the smaller M-Box units for a 'portable' rig when I'm not relying on half a dozen synths to be hooked up at the same time to my Digi002. The Digi003 offers me nothing desperately new, but if I were buying into Pro Tools LE today, the Digi003 is what I would get, and would be more than adequate on the whole.

My advice is to really research your options carefully. While I have much support for the Digidesign (through gritted teeth at times ), Pro Tools LE ain't for everyone. Digidesign are attempting to secure the domestic end of the market while sustaining a lure for its flagship products.

There are glaring compromises being made in the LE versions... if it matters. And that's just it. Much is to be said for limiting options, keeping it simple, and just getting on with making music.

Still, with such amazing developments in apps like Ableton Live, one starts to question whether Pro Tools LE is for anyone. :insertchinstrokingemoticonhere:

Now does that answer your question?

Have a great week, mate.

[AnthonyEhsani]

Quality answer.

Sorted out everything as usual guys .

It's good to get straight answers from proffesional people. It would have taken such a long time to get an answer like that.

Thanks a lot spectrum & ofcourse cheyne

[Spectrum]

You're very welcome.

[Jay Parker]

Spectrum for Digi fan buoy presidente'!!!
Hehehe.

I have never actually seen a protools, set up running anywhere before...
I have seen a couple of "pro" tools in my time though.

[AnthonyEhsani]

my pro tool follows me around everywhere I go

[Spectrum]

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Spectrum for Digi fan buoy presidente'!!!
Hehehe.

Hehe... Hey, it just what I know.   And knowing only too well what it can't do, and the glaring restrictions imposed on the LE version by Digidesign, I'm actually loathed to recommend it to anyone. On the other hand, I know what it can do, and how to go about it, and it's this beneath-the-surface real deal vibe that doesn't get listed in the spec sheets when one's shopping around for sequencer packages. So I stick (for the time being) with what I know.

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I have never actually seen a protools, set up running anywhere before...

And I expect that's probably common place (and not a negative thing) amongst us home studio gurus running Live, Reason, Cubase, even Logic, without our heads ever in a pro studio centered around a 'real' Pro Tools rig.

'Sif one would run LE when the other packages really do offer so much more in so many ways!

Sadly, at the same time, the lack of first-hand experience brings about much ignorant Digi-bashing, and so I'm happy to inform those who are open to the information.

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I have seen a couple of "pro" tools in my time though.

Yeah, they're the wankers branding themselves with all things Digidesign and rambling on about all things Pro Tools. ;D















/reviews fundage for full-package Live upgrade. 

[Captain Terrific]

get the boxed vers, u get the EIC

[Jay Parker]

EIC FTW!!!!! Some real good starter stuff in that, plus a shit load of midi loops for experimentation.

IMO at the moment, live would have to be the best value for money sequencer bundle you can get. Especially for the beginner.


Its the next thing on my list along with a Fa101 or Ultralite...

[em]

Thanks for such an incredible post.

I'm just about to install LE onto my pc which i'm not really looking forward to - I'm putting it on my g5 as well which will be nice and easy, but i want to use it with my pc software as well.

It's come with a few lite versions by iZotope (Ozone, Spectron and Trash), Melodyne essential, Live Lite Digidesign edition, Reason adapted (which is a bit 'yawn') AmpliTube LE, BFD lite, Analogue Factory SE and a bunch of other stuff. I spose I got it because i know i can trust that the hardware is all good bits and pieces, like the pre amps are solid state (i believe - should check that out), but maybe one day i'll get a valve pre amp and then my only problem will be writing good music!!!

[em]

BTW it's a 003 rack. Hey, I'm a local!

[Spectrum]

^^^ The 003s sweet. It's everything the 002 should have been (and everything the 001 isn't). Will you be using the mic pres quite extensively?

So you'll be installing PT8 then? Nice. I'd have to update my Mac OS first, then grab the PT8 updates, so it's about $400 away for me.

BFD BFD BFD... now did I get that somewhere along the way? Got to check that out right now...

[rhythmboy]

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Thanks for such an incredible post.

I'm just about to install LE onto my pc which i'm not really looking forward to - I'm putting it on my g5 as well which will be nice and easy, but i want to use it with my pc software as well.

It's come with a few lite versions by iZotope (Ozone, Spectron and Trash), Melodyne essential, Live Lite Digidesign edition, Reason adapted (which is a bit 'yawn') AmpliTube LE, BFD lite, Analogue Factory SE and a bunch of other stuff. I spose I got it because i know i can trust that the hardware is all good bits and pieces, like the pre amps are solid state (i believe - should check that out), but maybe one day i'll get a valve pre amp and then my only problem will be writing good music!!!

Ozone, Melodyne, Amplitube, BFD are all great, even in lite versions they get the job done.

At home I'm still running Lite Ableton mainly for the warp function - I use it more like a time-stretch plugin than a full production tool. Makes remixing faster and easier

[Spectrum]

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At home I'm still running Lite Ableton mainly for the warp function - I use it more like a time-stretch plugin than a full production tool. Makes remixing faster and easier

Yeah, true that. In fact, it's the only thing I've used Live Lite for. Question though, does PTs 'elastic audio' features in PT8 make Ableton redundant for warping duties?

[Spectrum]

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Sadly, there's little focus on bundling Pro Tools LE with software synths, and so Pro Tools often gets dubbed as the perfect choice for the vocalist/guitarist looking to produce a demo, and regularly shunned by the electronic music producer. More recently, Digidesign has attempted to shake these perceptions by bundling Pro Tools LE with 'lite' versions of popular 'dance music' software, such as soft sampler, Sampletank, and music production environments, Reason and Live (that can be 'rewired' back into the mixing section of Pro Tools)

I should update this now and say that Digidesign has had a massive software synthesis shift in recent years. While not VST compliant (though there's a wrapper if one's so inclined), their A.I.R Group has released a competent series.


http://www.digidesig...on=news_details

Transfuser
Structure Family
Velvet
Strike
Hybrid
Xpand!

Personally, I'm a big fan of Hybrid.



All these are pricey on their own (except, of course, Xpand! which is free), but I've picked all my additional plugs as part of 'factory' packs and PT upgrades and expansions. Makes the price of the upgrade easier to swallow too.

Plus, all the big synth players run RTAS versions (but just be sure to check in with user reports as it would appear there's some degree of stability issues as each party keeps on top of version updates).

[rhythmboy]

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Yeah, true that. In fact, it's the only thing I've used Live Lite for. Question though, does PTs 'elastic audio' features in PT8 make Ableton redundant for warping duties?

Admittedly while I'm still on 7.1 - I'm a lazy git when it comes to upgrades. Work with what I know and all that

Yeah going to 8 it's redundant I'd say. Unless you'd need to  open someone else's Ableton session you wouldn't even need to install it I reckon.

[Anders]

Don't forget about the Instrument plug-ins in Pro Tools 8! You only really need to buy the extra AIR plugs if you want more options in a specific area... Or if you just want to play with Transfuser.

Xpand2!
Structure Free
Vacuum
MiniGrand
DB-33
BOOM
BFD (for those who missed out on the Ignition Pack)
http://www.digidesig...19&itemid=35972

Are all free in Pro Tools 8. I write all of my tracks with these plugs (Xpand2! mainly) then just put other plugs in to replace Xpand2! sounds later if I think it needs it.

@em - How did you go getting Pro Tools 8 going with your 003?

@RB - Get with the times brutha, its alll about elastic  :cans: