Dave Lebolt leaves Digidesign for Apple?

[Evil Jack]

Originally Posted by author

Apogee's latest low end initiatives don't seem particularly interesting to me.

Indeed - and didn't one of Apogee's main men recently go over to Digi?

[author]

Originally Posted by Evil Jack

Indeed - and didn't one of Apogee's main men recently go over to Digi?

Yup, Max Gutnik.

[jamwerks]

Originally Posted by Evil Jack

Indeed - and didn't one of Apogee's main men recently go over to Digi?

[Evil Jack]

Originally Posted by jamwerks

OK but not exactly the cleaner either. Point being, these guys move around all the time.


"...Gutnik joins Digidesign from his position as Director of Sales and Marketing at Apogee Electronics, where he was instrumental in developing several of the company’s acclaimed product lines."

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/new-p...igidesign.html

[jmarkham]

might want to check and see if he's still there . it's a liquid situation ...

[noiseflaw]

Originally Posted by jmarkham

might want to check and see if he's still there . it's a liquid situation ...

[kk@jamsync.com]

Originally Posted by relaxo

don't dread! hope for! the Mac Pros kill dead G5s in number crunching as well as in overall snappiness


(then with snow leopard multiprocessor support, stand back (finally) and let 'er rip)

I know...I have a Nehalem octo with 32 gigs of RAM and 4 TB of disk space. Buying all my favorite plugs again and shifiting to an alternate platform is what I'm talking about. I'm not going to drop $30K with Digi to repro all my hardware and plugs that I have on the G5 at this point in the game and I dread coming up to speed on Logic or moving down to PT LE. After having a 7-card Accel system with 24 i/o to an AES/EBU switcher, number crunching is not the issue...i/o and monitoring are the issues. I don't need more number crunching for audio.

The Nehalem is working great for what I bought it for: FCP studio, Adobe CS4 and Maya. It's overkill for audio and switching to PT LE would be a real let down right now. Adding another Nehalem octo for audio is a possibility, but stocking it with my favorite Digi plugs and HW is not an option. Throwing out everything and starting over is not an option, either, so the "Snow Leopard is going to change everything" theory for pros who have been at this for awhile, is not accurate. If Apple can't offer a good way to make a change, there will be a lot of systems staying online. I've noticed that 2x2 G5s fully stuffed are getting rather tough to find and most of them are used, not unsold new stock. OTOH, lesser varieties of G5s are much more readily available.

[jamwerks]

With so many key people leaving Avid-Digi, it would seem pretty clear that they opted not do develope the hardware-TDM line (probably no new PCI cards on the horizon). Apart the well debated native vs TDM power issue, in september with Snow Lepard and Logic (and other DAW's) becoming 64 bit, PT HD at it's current state will for the first time, start to feel a tad obsolete.

Of course the bigger studios with continue using their current HD4-8 systems, but nobody will invest any longer (if they still are?) in accel cards, thus no money coming in for Digi. We'll probably see newer studios poping up with Logic as their main DAW. Symphony 64 and Apogee V-port will allow even massive post prod mixes to be done in Logic.

I get the impression that Avid has surrendered on the audio end. They'll probably come out with a 64 bit, native PT with no track or time code limitation, and try to just just survive.

[6strings]

Originally Posted by author

Apogee's latest low end initiatives don't seem particularly interesting to me.

Agreed. But what I'm most interested in is that Apogee recently declared itself a "mac-only" company.

[Max G]

Originally Posted by jmarkham

might want to check and see if he's still there . it's a liquid situation ...

Still here, and loving it!

[eskay]

Originally Posted by Max G

Still here, and loving it!

So Max, can Digidesign.......oh sorry I mean Avid, make a statement as to the future of Pro-tools and the future of DSP processing. I'm pretty sure the leaving of major key players from Digi....damn...old habit, I mean Avid has created an uneasiness in the audio world. I know for me at least, the purchase of 5 Pro-tools systems in the facility where I work is put on hold until we see something new or a road map for the future. I for one don't want my boss to invest in a 12 year old technology when other companies and native solutions are stepping up to the plate. So I hope you guys consider this.
Many thanks,

Spiros.

[PDC]

12 year old technology is still functioning, still the standard, and is still making people money. There is no expiration date where it all will shut down.

SSL 4ks, U47s, SM58s, LA2s, etc are old technology, and they work.

At some point we will have a bunch of crap laying around. We all are going to have dated technology on our hands. This is the way it has been since day one. We just have to roll the dice.

[Henchman]

My God, what a load of nonsense from a bunch of drama Queens.
Do you really think Avid is going to kill the golden goose.
Absolute worse case scenario is that Avid goes under, and Digi/Protools is spun off into another company.
Fairlight is doing better than ever after their bankrupcy a few years ago.

Maybe Avid wants to put more focus on Post, and less on music, and David didn't like that.
Maybe Apple gave him an offer he couldn't refuse.
Whatever the case, people get replaced every day, and companies go on.

[DRC]

Originally Posted by Max G

Still here, and loving it!

Max, can you fellas do me a favor and not make my HD Core card obsolete. I just bought the godd*mn thing in November. It took me a long time to give Digi another chance.

[Flagg]

Originally Posted by DRC

Max, can you fellas do me a favor and not make my HD Core card obsolete. I just bought the godd*mn thing in November. It took me a long time to give Digi another chance.

hahaha !!! but of course ...

[edham]

I was a PT owner since PT III.
Dumped it for native when the pcie upgrades came out as it made zero $$ sense and Native could handle my workload.

If Digi came out with Tony's proposed card I'd jump back in the digi pool again in a heartbeat.

Could live with that dollar investment.

Originally Posted by Tony Shepperd

You know, if I were the GM of Digi:
1. I would bring out a new PCI card that has the power of an HD3 Accel on a single card.

2. I would then price the card at $2k. No more. That's slightly higher than a UAD card.
IMO most people would buy the card because of the zero latency and pros could start stacking them in their system.
Now your HD 3 is now more like an HD9. One card at a time.

3. I would NOT bring out any new I/O interfaces. People are barely recording at 44.1, let alone 192.

4. I would do away with PTHD or PTLE or PTMP. There would just be ONE software. Pro Tools.
When you launched the PT application it would either work in native mode or it would see the PCI card and adapt.
It would know how many (if any) cards are in your system and give you DSP based on either Native or the PCI card (TDM).
It would of course work with delay compensation either in native format or with a card.

5. I would adapt the plugin architecture for AU, VST and open the code to what may be coming down the road.

6. People are going Hybrid DAW.
I would build a controller that had an UNBELIEVABLE analog side to it.
The ideal would be a 500 series console with ethernet control of every parameter.
If you want to change your sound, buy a different 500 series and put it in the console.
However, it would still pass audio, even without having any 500 series module in the console.

7. I would offer more high end services to pros by having a Digi Concierge.
If you want to, you could pay a flat fee for a "one on one", "I can call any time day or night" concierge that can answer any questions or get me any part I need. The pricing would be dependent on what get you wanted covered.
IMO that kind of personal attention gives a feeling of confidence when you are dropping that kind of cash on a product.

8. I would integrate networking and file sharing to an incredible degree.
Having the ability to integrate your PT systems with someone around the world for sessions and file sharing by a simple internet handshake.

9. For songwriters I would build a simple to use interface the size of the iPhone. I would be willing to bet that not only songwriters, but people from all walks of life could use this handheld device in a myriad of ways. Board meetings. Court stenographers. My list could go on and on.
Make it capable of recording up to 4 tracks and when synced to a computer, lets you drag and drop your session from the device to your main computer hard drive to continue to work in the Pro Tools environment.
I would call the new unit: Pro Tools To Go!

10. I would NOT rebrand the name Digidesign with the name AVID.
It's taken YEARS to build up the brand of Digidesign, why would you abandon it?

It's time to turn the corner and position the company for the new millennium.

[hipass]

Originally Posted by ddageek

This why people pay the high price for a Magma Chassis!

My friend just updated his 2002 G4 to a Mac Pro used all his old 2004 HD cards.
I updated in recently my 5 year G5.

So in fact the chassis pay for themselves by not having to trade and sell my old cards.
let alone updating your machines not very often.

[hipass]

Originally Posted by Tony Shepperd

5. I would adapt the plugin architecture for AU, VST and open the code to what may be coming down the road.
.

Wrappers I use VST plug-ins everyday

Originally Posted by Tony Shepperd

I would build a controller that had an UNBELIEVABLE analog side to it.
The ideal would be a 500 series console with ethernet control of every parameter.
If you want to change your sound, buy a different 500 series and put it in the console.
However, it would still pass audio, even without having any 500 series module in the console.
.

Neve genesys and that SSL thing will control Protools

Originally Posted by Tony Shepperd

8. I would integrate networking and file sharing to an incredible degree.
Having the ability to integrate your PT systems with someone around the world for sessions and file sharing by a simple internet handshake.
.

All ready there if you use and Apple Time Capsule router and .Mac subscriber
I do this nearly everyday.

[Tony Shepperd]

Originally Posted by hipass

Wrappers I use VST plug-ins everyday

A lot of people have had problems with the VST wrappers.
Personally I've found them to be spotty at best. If Digi opens the architecture... no more wrappers are needed.

Originally Posted by hipass

Neve genesys and that SSL thing will control Protools

The kind of console interface I am talking about would be on the sonic level of the Neve or SSL, but having all the ethernet control of the ICON.
IMO, that is not available on the market right now.

Originally Posted by hipass

All ready there if you use and Apple Time Capsule router and .Mac subscriber
I do this nearly everyday.

Once again, let me be more specific. If I were the GM of Digidesign I would buy or integrate the company Source Elements into Pro Tools as native code . I've used this program over the past few years and it's an invaluable tool when it comes to running a Pro Tools system over the internet. Someone around the world can control my PT session from anywhere and have sub frame accuracy over every aspect of the software. Source Elements / Welcome

[C Heat]

Tony for GM.

[eskay]

Originally Posted by PDC

12 year old technology is still functioning, still the standard, and is still making people money. There is no expiration date where it all will shut down.

SSL 4ks, U47s, SM58s, LA2s, etc are old technology, and they work.

At some point we will have a bunch of crap laying around. We all are going to have dated technology on our hands. This is the way it has been since day one. We just have to roll the dice.

Funny all the things you mentioned are all analog pieces. A great compressor and a great microphone, or a great console are things that I have invested in. When it comes to digital technology, I sure as hell wont invest in a 12 year old technology. Would you buy an old digital console from 12 years ago? I'm sure not. What I was trying to imply is that if I would purchase something now, especially a computer technology that is 12 years old, and with native solutions that are surpassing dsp solutions, i actually question myself. Unfortunately neither Logic nor Nuendo fill my needs or my companies needs. I like Pro-tools, love the gui and their workflow. We are just not ready to invest in something that is 12 years old, and I'm sure that they have something in the burner. So, yes I agree that if you've invested in Pro-Tools HD and it's been working for you that is great. I'm just not ready to invest in this technology right now until something new appears.

[Max G]

Originally Posted by eskay

So Max, can Digidesign.......oh sorry I mean Avid, make a statement as to the future of Pro-tools and the future of DSP processing. I'm pretty sure the leaving of major key players from Digi....damn...old habit, I mean Avid has created an uneasiness in the audio world. I know for me at least, the purchase of 5 Pro-tools systems in the facility where I work is put on hold until we see something new or a road map for the future. I for one don't want my boss to invest in a 12 year old technology when other companies and native solutions are stepping up to the plate. So I hope you guys consider this.
Many thanks,

Spiros.

Happy to, but first, lets talk a bit about the present. Our customers love Pro Tools|HD, because it’s still the one DAW in the world that can take you from one end of a project to the other, completely on its own, no matter how big or intense the session gets, day in and day out. When we ask recent customers why they choose Pro Tools|HD, it’s because it provides the lowest latency, most stability, scalability, integration and flexibility, whether you're doing music creation, composition, tracking, editing, mixing or post production. And with Pro Tools 8, HD takes on a whole new level of capability with more creative tools, plug-ins, and features than ever before, right out of the box. Factor in the enhancements to ICON and the new Satellite Link, Video Satellite and Video Satellite LE options, and you quickly see how much we’re continuing to invest in Pro Tools|HD.

When it comes to native processing, computers have never been more powerful, yet when it comes to software instruments and plug-ins, computers have more work to do than ever before. Pro Tools|HD is the only DAW that gives you the best of both worlds, without what I call the tech fatigue of constantly recalibrating your system to compensate for performance fluctuations common in native-only systems. Nothing kills your creativity and workflow like tech fatigue. Pro Tools|HD provides the horsepower you need from your computer to natively tackle the most intense samples and virtual instruments. But when its time to record real audio, Pro Tools|HD delivers the performance native-only systems can’t. You will never need to worry about increased buffer settings, track realignment, hardware delay compensation or other issues associated with native-only systems. Pro Tools|HD’s dedicated DSP means the system just works, no matter what.

While I can’t share our roadmap, I can tell you with supreme confidence that the future of Pro Tools|HD is bright. The recent changes in the organization, while sometimes difficult, have made Avid a leaner, more agile and collaborative company. With the continuing convergence of audio and video in the creative space, this is the best way for us to leverage all of our talents, technologies and innovations across the board. The new Avid is a company uniquely focused on solutions for audio and video professionals, artists and creative enthusiasts who want the best tools to create the best works. This is what we do and nothing is more important to us than to continue to lead the way into the future.

[JustinAiken]

Originally Posted by Max G

While I can’t share our roadmap, I can tell you with supreme confidence that the future of Pro Tools|HD is bright.

What about the future of Pro Tools|LE? Are we still getting shafted with an extremely expensive demo for HD, or are needed features coming to LE soon?

[Max G]

Originally Posted by DRC

Max, can you fellas do me a favor and not make my HD Core card obsolete. I just bought the godd*mn thing in November. It took me a long time to give Digi another chance.

Hi Michael,

Welcome back to the family! Rest assured, Pro Tools|HD continues to have one of the best ROIs in the industry. That being said, we always try to be very careful to protect our customer's investment in Pro Tools. As customers ourselves, we understand what it means to invest in a technology platform and carefully consider the impact when we look towards the future.

[Max G]

Originally Posted by JustinAiken

What about the future of Pro Tools|LE? Are we still getting shafted with an extremely expensive demo for HD, or are needed features coming to LE soon?

Hi Justin,

One of the best things happening at Avid these days is the open dialogue we are having with customers like you, to tell us what you want, what you need, and how you feel about the products we make. We take this very seriously. Pro Tools 8 LE is chocked full of features customers had been clamoring for us to put in. We know there are some features that customers want that didn't make it into this release. I had spoken about this at some length, if you were around here when Pro Tools 8 was announced in January.

What I can tell is we value out Pro Tools LE customers very much and are committed to making sure Pro Tools LE is meeting your expectations. Feel free to drop me a line with your suggestions anytime.

[C Heat]

Originally Posted by Max G

Our customers love Pro Tools|HD, because it’s still the one DAW in the world that can take you from one end of a project to the other, completely on its own, no matter how big or intense the session gets, day in and day out.

Not in it's present form. Many are experiencing severe HW Buffer / RTAS VI issues. Please don't condescendingly tell me we're not

Originally Posted by JustinAiken

What about the future of Pro Tools|LE? Are we still getting shafted with an extremely expensive demo for HD, or are needed features coming to LE soon?

Let them know what you want here Dear Digi

[~ufo~]

Originally Posted by C Heat

Let them know what you want here Dear Digi

cool, you got my votes for multiple scalable I/O, multiple interfaces, shortcut for new playlist, and a make session self-contained button, amongst others.

digi..... read that list and don't twist it to suit your own reality, a lot of us early digi adopters are loosing patience in you FAST !

in fact, I'm hanging on for dear life out of sheer stubbornness, not because you've thrown me any bones.

[Sascha Franck]

Originally Posted by Max G

When we ask recent customers why they choose Pro Tools|HD, it’s because it provides the lowest latency,

This simply isn't true, period.

- Sascha

[JustinAiken]

Originally Posted by Max G

Hi Justin,

One of the best things happening at Avid these days is the open dialogue we are having with customers like you, to tell us what you want, what you need, and how you feel about the products we make. We take this very seriously.

...

Feel free to drop me a line with your suggestions anytime.

Okay, message sent!

[SoundEng1]

Originally Posted by ~ufo~

c
digi..... read that slist and don't twist it to suit your own reality, a lot of us early digi adopters are loosing patience in you FAST !

Yes, we were planning on adding 2 more HD rigs and a 2nd Icon to our studio, we even had financing in place, at the end decided to not do it, The way the economy is going and the state of The music business, we had to consider other alternatives.