Going from Low end to Mid/High End

[Michaeli]

Hello All,

I was running a Mac dual G5 through a Digi002 and have decided to make the move upwards.

I just purchased the Mac 2.8 Duo-Quad (8-core) with 10GB RAM and several TB's of HD Space. I am leaving behind the 002 and wonder what kinds of hardware recommendations I could get from you all.

I'm just a small fish here, and most of my work utilizes the EWQL libraries, Kontakt 3, GPO and others. I'm using Logic Pro 8 and 95% of my work is inside the box (only about 5% utilizing vocals or the odd guitar or flute).

Leaving room treatment and monitors out of the picture for the time being where should I start ? I have $5000 that I can spend, but more if it will really make a difference.

I'm looking at the Lynx Aurora 8 with the AES16e card but don't know how well it integrates with Logic. I admit I'm a bit behind on the learning curve here but trying catch up quickly.

I have heard of people mix and matching the PT HD with the Aurora and having good luck, but I prefer to use Logic and wonder how well PT HD integrates with Logic. I wonder if PT HD is overkill for what I am doing (Orchestrations with EWQLSO and the like, almost all in the box).

Suggestions and advice?

[Michaeli]

Anyone?

[Infernal Device]

How about a GOOD 2-channel comp to run your stuff through?

That will make a much bigger difference than a converter.

Since you run your stuff ITB with little tracking, it will add some life to the mixes. Don't go for clean. Get some mojo up in there.

[nickolo]

Wow thats a monster mac with 10 gigs of ram!
I switched from PT to Logic for music for TV etc..It made sense.I bought a Mac pro and an RME fireface 400.There stuff works well with Logic.Sounds excellent too..They have some great interface/converters.
Then you could perhaps look at some classic hardware which will compliment the system.A lunchbox?A serious compressor?That what i find lacking in my set up but you might be happy with 100% in the box...
On the PT thing,its great for audio and editing and Logic is probably the best compositional tool..The learning curve from PT is a bit of a pain.PT is so well laid out for quick audio recording and editing.But no regrets! With your 10 gig its going to be a hell of a system!!Some have done A/B tests with Apogee-Lynx-RME etc so it might be worth your time to have a look and listen...Prism have come up with a cool unit that might interest you..

[psycho_monkey]

why would you leave room treatment and monitoring out of the picture - what do you have at the moment?!

[Weasel9992]

Originally Posted by psycho_monkey

why would you leave room treatment and monitoring out of the picture - what do you have at the moment?!

That's kinda what I'm wondering...

Frank

[Michaeli]

Thanks all for the replies so far, this is helpful!

Unfortunately room treatment is going to have to wait as I am going to be moving in a months time, and even that will be a 9 month deal until I get myself into a house. As far as monitors I was thinking of getting some Dynaudio BM6A's to replace my Alesis M1 Actives, but if you all have some opinions I willing to listen.

Infernal Device, anything specific in mind when you say good 2 channel comp? I'm assuming by comp you mean compressor?

Nikolo, what should I be looking for in lunchboxes? I started out in PT Le and migrated to Logic since it was so much faster with the EWQL libraries as plug-ins. I really like Logic 8, and haven't any desire to go back to PT at this time.

[Michaeli]

Hi Frank!

As you can see I posted in this forum as well. I'll be coming to you (when I finally get into a house) for the treatment. To make a long story short, I am moving in with my girlfriend, and then we will see how the housing market will play out before we buy a house. I am moving to the San Francisco Bay Area and as any of you who live around here know, it is one of the most expensive places to live in the country. I live inland and hour away, and my house that I own is only worth about 1/3 of the same comparable house in the Bay Area!!

[nickolo]

You have a powerful software set-up and with the right interface/converters you will be able to send and return audio/samples etc..for processing etc..I find Logic/pro-tools great and use plug-ins too.But i think having some serious classic top-end eq and compressor hardware you will be able to bring 'life' and colour etc..or with the right stereo compressor/limiter help a mix sit the way you want.I think plug ins are cool and personally use the PSP vintage warmer and their compressors which is very good but in general Logic,PT can sound a bit 'cold' and lacking in character.If i was in your shoes i would consider some serious hardware EQs and compressors and the Lunchbox is a brilliant modular design.Started by API.The idea is you start off with perhaps the small rack and get a couple [up to 6 can go in the one i am thinking of] of eq's or comps.The choice is huge as many third party companies have made their own modules.They are all known as 500 series modules that fit the lunchbox.It might make sense for you and would be amongst the computer and interface the only bit of gear that will hold its value etc..Check it all out and see what you think but IMHO it would complete and make a great addition to Mac/logic/good interface etc..I do not yet own a lunchbox but plenty on this forum do,because its a great solution with which to fill with quality tools..do a search and see what you think.The api modules,i know sound fab...

[Michaeli]

Thanks Nikolo!

I will do a search and find out more!