firewire interfaces for ProTools set up

[Rickster62]

I'm getting ready to either buy a new Mac Pro or a G-5 (dual core 2ghz with an extra meg of RAM) for my home studio and want to get some feedback re: a reliable FIREWIRE INTERFACE with more than 2 simultaneous inputs (4 or more needed). It needs to work well with ProTools.

I'm leaning toward the M-Audio 1814 w/M-Powered ProTools (7.1 version) bundle.

However, since I've got time before the new Macs come out, I am curious what others have to say and might recommend.

Let me say thanks in advance for any of your sage advice or personal experience.

Sincerely
Rick

[Aussie John]

Hi you will get a lot more responses if you post on the Digidesign BBs

http://duc.digidesign.com/
Whats wrong with the Digi 002r?

[krispie]

Originally posted by Rickster62
an extra meg of RAM

Pushing the boat out a bit there, aren't we?

;-)

[furious_]

wow! 513megs of ram :wow: the RDF is in full force

make sure you wear your sunglasses at night :)

[Rickster62]

thanks for steering me to the ProTools bulletin board...

I'll check it out.

[Aussie John]

Originally posted by krispie
Pushing the boat out a bit there, aren't we?

;-)
Sometimes If you dont have anything useful to say it is better not to.

[mjteix]

Originally posted by Rickster62
thanks for steering me to the ProTools...

I'll check it out.
Hi Rick I remember you posting on the DUC about this subject.
If you want (I believe) better audio specs and a possible upgrade path to a future better model, you should go with the Digi002R that includes an even better version of ProTools and more plug-ins ($1200@sweetwater).
If you want the cheapest way, FW1814 and ProTools M-Powered is OK ($750@sweetwater).
Both solutions will work on the new Intel-Macs as soon as Digidesign releases an update the 7.1.1 version that currently works on Intel-based iMacs and MacBook Pros. It shouldn't take long.

[Rickster62]

Thanks for the suggestions. I've gone onto the ProTools site to see the list of what software versions are compatible with which Macs and Interfaces...

I think that the 1814 is going to be plenty for me in terms of number of inputs. Being cost conscious with the components (after shelling out about $2000 for the MAC) is just a reality for me.

Again, thanks for the suggestions.

rick

[trick fall]

I've got the 1814 and the only two things I don't like about it are that AFAIK there is no direct input monitoring in Pro Tool M-Powered so you will get a little bit of latency. I don't think this would bother me if I had a better box though. My G5 1.6 tends to crap out if I push the latency, tracks and plug ins. The other thing I'm not crazy about is that the headphone controls are digital and they don't respond that well. There's a definite lag between turning up and down before the volume changes. Kind of minor, but annoying. I don't want to sound too negative though as in general I've been very happy with both pro tools and the 1814.