Pro Tools

jolynyk · Post by **jolynyk** » 20 Mar 2013 1:58 pm

I see there is Pro Tools Se, Le, 6, 8, 9 10, software.
What is the difference? & can good basic recording be done on SE, or LE ??

mtulbert · Post by **mtulbert** » 20 Mar 2013 3:54 pm

The main difference is that with 9 and 10 you can interface it with just about any audio hardware on the market.

The earlier version limit you to Avid or Digidesign hardware to make it work. I am not sure about the LE and SE versions and what the letters signify. May be Student Edition. LE could be a limited edition, but depending on your needs, it may be adequate to do the job.

Also I don't believe that there is an upgrade path with the earlier versions.

Best advice is to check Avid's website.

jolynyk · Post by **jolynyk** » 20 Mar 2013 9:33 pm

Thanks Mark... I'll go to their site..

Mark van Allen · Post by **Mark van Allen** » 21 Mar 2013 12:03 am

HI, Jolynyk, as mtulbertt says, the latest versions offer the ability to use many varieties of interface, which you can tailor to your own needs, along with some other improvements. I am using ProTools 8 on an LE 002 Rack interface, with fine results for commercial production. I have to say that many of the Pro level studios I know of have stuck with earlier versions, often as far back as version 6, because they're "not fixing what ain't broke". Some earlier sessions are incompatible with later versions, but mostly one version can be ported over to a different system for tracking or mixing in various facilities. If you just intend to work alone, you just need the version and interface which provides what you need to work.
For instance, my 002 rack allows 18 simultaneous inputs and outputs, which has been all I've ever needed for even the most complex band tracking sessions. It's been a real workhorse.

jolynyk · Post by **jolynyk** » 21 Mar 2013 5:36 am

Hi Mark, I have an Alesis io4 Interface, so would an SE or LE work with it ?? I also have a Presonus 2 channel Interface.. sure would hate to buy another one..

mtulbert · Post by **mtulbert** » 21 Mar 2013 7:09 am

I don't think that Avid makes an LE or SE version that works with hardware other than their own.

You would need Pro Tools 9 or 10 to use the gear you have.

Unless you are totally sold on Pro Tools there are other programs that would work with what you have.

Sonar is one and Jack Stoner can give you the particulars on it if it interests you.

Hope this helps

jolynyk · Post by **jolynyk** » 21 Mar 2013 7:43 am

I have MTS which I like a lot, I also have Audacity, Reaper & Cubase LE. The reason I was thinking of Pro Tools is because it seems to be the popular way that some studios are going, & sending files back & forth would be easier. Though maybe a track can be done on Sonar or Cubase & exported to somebody who is using Pro Tools. Don't know if this can be done or not..
If so I can then record a track & send it to the studio using Pro Tools.

Earnest Bovine · Post by **Earnest Bovine** » 21 Mar 2013 7:50 am

jolynyk wrote:..thinking of Pro Tools is because it seems to be the popular way that some studios are going, & sending files back & forth would be easier. Though maybe a track can be done on Sonar or Cubase & exported to somebody who is using Pro Tools. Don't know if this can be done or not..

Yes, it is easy to import & export audio files between all of those programs, using common file formats such as .wav or .aiff or others.

jolynyk · Post by **jolynyk** » 21 Mar 2013 9:05 am

OK, thanks much, I will just stay with what I have & am used to them.. No use in relearning a new one..
Thanks again,
John