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Hello,

I have been seriously considering moving over to ProTools but I have no idea about ANYTHING!

I am currently using a Korg XD16. It is a stand-alone 16 track digital recorder.

Aside from instuments and mics, what would I need?

I have been looking at the M Audio project mix and it looks pretty good.

I can build a computer but what about the soundcard?

Do I need anything besides a pc, project mix (or other interface) and a version of protools?

The only thing I really NEED would be 16 tracks (at least 6 simultaneous but no more than 8). Cd or better quality. Master mix would be to 2 channels for now.

The program looks intimidating... I see that there are even courses to take. Is there a version that's right for me? Maybe I'm in over my head... I miss my old tascam 424...

Can protools do mixdowns to a cd burner? Is there some type of compression/effects or do you have to buy those separate?

Sorry for all the questions, I just want to know what I'm getting into before I get into it.

I thank anyone in advance for any help you can offer.

I have the project mix firewire and a computer with M-Powered protools. If only 16 tracks that you need then that's all you gonna need.....Problem though, with all protools software you need to buy tons of vst plugins. Haven't figure it out on how to unlock those VST plugs I got through a protools site cause you need to use your Ilok to do that with the code configurations.

i haven't had pro tools that long and i must say its really not that hard.. i used to use a workstation just like you and the swap over was hard at first but I'd never go back. i started out with the mbox 2 and moved on to the 003 factory.. trust me its worth them Penny's. as for the effects it comes with a few and it might hold you over for a while it did for me.. but i out grew those and moved on to bigger and better things.. trust me the only way to learn is getting hands on and when stuck ask or away plus youtube has a ton of videos on how to learn to use your equipment. btw i did this with less than a years experience on pro tools ... myspace.com/ancientmayhem. enjoy!

Well, I realize that this is a protools forum but is cubase any easier to learn? From my understanding, it looks like a lot more money to get into protools and the m-powered stuff is not really protools. I was kinda looking at those firestudios... Any thoughts?

I only used cubase for the last several years and was quite happy. All the free VST plug ins etc. However, due to situations beyond my control (natural disaster) I had to buy new hardware... and being the cheapskate that I am I found a used digi 001 ($100) Im a geek so I built up a system from parts I had on hand. First MB didn't agree with the 001, but the second one worked just fine.

PT is as easy to use as cubase, I watched a few videos (http://www.artistshousemusic.org/videos/an+introduction+to+pro+tools+with+aaron+sternke+part+1+of+4+getting+started )

and was off in running in no time.

If I was doing it over, I would with a used digi 001 and MAC working allready. On the local craigslist I see G4 MAc with digi 001 for under $500 every week. That could be a sweet deal.

Now, Im looking for some cheap plugins and drum tracks!

Thats my $0.02

Dan