Cubase or Pro Tools? Home Studio doubt...?

Question

Hey! I'm setting a home recording studio, and i need to choose the right software. Should I go for Pro Tools or Cubase? Now, I have no problems understanding new programs, but I don't wanna become a professional mixer, etc. I just want to make good recordings with supperior sound quality. What should I use?

Now, I have seen the Digidesign Mbox 2 and it comes with Pro Tools LE, all that for $250, but I have heard of M Audio hardware too. Which one should I get in case that I get a combo [software and harware]?

After that, would i require a good sound card as well, or the fact that i connect the hardware through USB saves me time as far as buying a sound card?

In general... what's the best combination of hardware [what's the proper name for it?] and software for a smart home studio recording person?

THANK YOU!

Answer 1

Pro Tools and Cubase are both incredible softwares for recording, mixing, and mastering. I will tell you now, that you will win by purchasing either of the two. Pro Tools really shines when you have the money to get all the plug-ins and high end equipment that can really push Pro Tools to the limit. Cubase produces good quality for not as much money and you don't need the incredibly expensive equipment. But Pro Tools is still incredible with lower end stuff too. I use them both.

All recording softwares are pretty similar for layout. So once you learn one, you can get through the others pretty quickly as well. But for basic functions such as setting up tracks, editing, and recording both softwares work pretty much the same.

As for the Soundcard....I wouldn't waste the money on it. The plus side of getting a soundcard is you can buy a Creative Audigy Card and get the good soundcard with Cubase LE already. And you can have a good sound card with the software for under $275. But your live sound and playback are not good.

Do you have a PA system or monitors? If you do, then you will be fine by running Cubase through an Audigy Card. If you do not, then you will have to run your sound through some type of receiver or computer speakers and computer sound cards are not built for live sound. They sound OK, but they just don't carry the thickness that live sound creates.

I would recommend getting the Mbox 2 Pro Tools Package. Do not buy the Factory Bundle. It is a waste of money. Play around with the default effects and decide which ones you like, then purchase the additional plug-in of the effect or whatever it is that you want. If you do get an Mbox 2 then don't buy a new Soundcard, because Pro Tools disables your soundcard. You have to use the outputs of the Mbox in order to get input sound and playback. That is very important.

So if you don't have a PA System or Monitor then it will be best to purchase the Audigy 4 with Cubase LE and run your sound through a Home Stereo Receiver or Computer Speakers.

If you do have a PA System or Montiors then definitely go with Pro Tools and the Mbox 2. And don't purchase a new sound card. I hope this helps. Good luck.

Answer 2

I use a MOTU 828 with Digital Performer (with a MacBook Pro) and get excellent results. The interface and software set me back about $1100, though, so it might not be what you want.

A friend of mine uses a PreSonus firewire interface ($300) and GarageBand (free with an iMac) and gets excellent results.

For what you want, the bundled Mbox and Pro Tools sounds good.

I imagine you'll want to upgrade your sound card.

Answer 3

I have Pro Tools 10 HD for sale $100 text me if interested