#1680777 - 05/18/05 06:14 PM
M-Powered - Why Not?
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flyscots
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Hello 
As is often the case when I post a thread like this, I have pretty much made up my mind but am looking for validation from you guys!
I am currently using Sonar 2, so a software update is long overdue. I also use Reason.
I have an M-Audio Firewire 410.
I use a PC laptop with a Centrino (Pentium M) processor, 1.7GHz. 512 + 256MB RAM.
My setup needs to be portable, hence the laptop and the small interface.
I am used to working with ProTools from my time at college and previous work that I have done in various places.
I can't afford to spend too much money on upgrades, but the new ProTools M-Powered software is affordable for me.
So, is there any reason I shouldn't be going M-Powered?
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#1680778 - 05/18/05 06:49 PM
Re: M-Powered - Why Not?
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Sylver
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Go fer it, John! Why not? Though the Sonar 4 upgrade is well worth it, especially if you need to do any electronica and midi. I think it cost $79 to upgrade from 2.0, and I couldn't pass it up.
My concern would be can your laptop handle PT? Is that enough RAM, especially after a few plug-ins?
Hey man, I miss ya! I've been thinking about calling you, but time seems to be at a premium around here. We'll be in touch soon.
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I really don't know what to put here.
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#1680779 - 05/18/05 07:17 PM
Re: M-Powered - Why Not?
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Alndln
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Originally posted by flyscots:
So, is there any reason I shouldn't be going M-Powered?
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#1680780 - 05/18/05 08:33 PM
Re: M-Powered - Why Not?
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KenElevenShadows
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Why do you need to upgrade?
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#1680781 - 05/18/05 08:54 PM
Re: M-Powered - Why Not?
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Brilliant
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Save your money, get a Tascam 1082. Is there something Sonar isn't doing for you??
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#1680782 - 05/18/05 09:00 PM
Re: M-Powered - Why Not?
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Sylver
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Originally posted by GovernmentCheck:
Save your money, get a Tascam 1082. 
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I really don't know what to put here.
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#1680783 - 05/19/05 04:39 AM
Re: M-Powered - Why Not?
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Alndln
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Originally posted by flyscots:
I am currently using Sonar 2, so a software update is long overdue. I have an M-Audio Firewire 410.
I can't afford to spend too much money on upgrades, but the new ProTools M-Powered software is affordable for me.
_________________________
"A Robot Playing Trumpet Blows"
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#1680784 - 05/19/05 06:01 AM
Re: M-Powered - Why Not?
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flyscots
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Alndln, yeah you're right, it is good that I can do both. Thanks for your replies, your opinions are valued!
As far as MIDI and electronica goes, I've been using Reason for all that much more than I've been using Sonar. Plus, I already have the FXpansion VST wrapper thingy so I should be able to run my current VST instruments and effects with ProTools shouldn't I?
Yes Jack, that would be spending money. GC - I'm not looking for new hardware.
Ken & GC - I guess it's the 'change is as good as a holiday' syndrome. I think me & Sonar have ran our course. There's a lot I like about it but I know from previous experience that I am more comfortable and can work better in ProTools. I didn't fancy the M-Box back when I got my FW410 but I now see this as an ideal opportunity to go with PT.
Jack - I could replace the 256MB RAM stick with another 512MB one to give me 1GB of RAM if necessary. Yeah I miss you guys too, a phonecall is well overdue, I've been saying that to a lot of people recently unfortunately.
I should add - I think having ProTools would be good for me on a long term basis. Ideally I would like to be working as an engineer in a studio (yes I know how hard it is to get that work.) Using ProTools on a near daily basis at home should stand me in good stead if I do get such a job, as everything will be fresh in my mind instead of me having to remember things from a couple of years ago. Plus, at the moment I record local musicians with my portable setup. Simply adding the fact that I have ProTools could be good for business as it impresses potential customers. I know that's not too important on the grand scheme of things, but it's another notch in the 'For' column.
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#1680785 - 05/19/05 09:46 AM
Re: M-Powered - Why Not?
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Alndln
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Originally posted by flyscots:
I already have the FXpansion VST wrapper thingy so I should be able to run my current VST instruments and effects with ProTools shouldn't I?
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"A Robot Playing Trumpet Blows"
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#1680786 - 05/19/05 10:46 AM
Re: M-Powered - Why Not?
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flyscots
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Oh of course, silly me. OK so that's an extra expenditure if I want to keep all my VSTs, but it looks like you get a good number of plug-ins bundled in with M-Powered so I might not have to worry about it. Plus I can still use Sonar if I want to use all my current VSTs. Sorry, just thinking out loud!
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#1680787 - 05/19/05 12:46 PM
Re: M-Powered - Why Not?
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Funkwave
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Flyscots, Does Sonar have rewire support for Reason? If it does, use Reason through Rewire.
Reason to begin with, uses very little CPU power and you can rewire all of your midi tracks into a buss on your Sonar soft mixer. Then you can add wave to the midi tracks and use very little computer resource.
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#1680788 - 05/19/05 01:10 PM
Re: M-Powered - Why Not?
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Geekgurl
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Also remember that M-Powered REQUIRES you to use an "approved" M-Audio interface for the software to even work. If you want to listen to what you're doing through just your headphone output on your laptop, forget it.
This was the deal-breaker for me. I have a Pro Tools Digi 001 on my desktop machine and while it suits my needs just fine, I did NOT want to be restricted to software that is dependent on recording hardware to function when I went on my laptop.
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#1680789 - 05/19/05 03:35 PM
Re: M-Powered - Why Not?
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Philip O'Keefe
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Plus, I already have the FXpansion VST wrapper thingy so I should be able to run my current VST instruments and effects with ProTools shouldn't I?
Only if you have the VST -> RTAS adapter version. The VST -> DX version isn't going to cut it. But the RTAS wrapper is only $100 or so, and it is a worthwhile investment IMO.
I saw your logic (no pun intended) long before you stated it John.  Having daily PT experience would be a "good thing" for you if you are still interested in a pro studio gig. No offense to Sonar - I also own that and it's a very nice app - but PT - like it or not - is still the overwhelming "pro studio standard", and as such, familiarity and speed on that app will probably be beneficial in your pursuit of your studio dream gig.
Personally, I say "go for it". If you can't afford everything at once, then get PT MP first, then the VST -> RTAS adapter, then get the Sonar upgrade when you can afford it.
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#1680790 - 05/19/05 06:21 PM
Re: M-Powered - Why Not?
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flyscots
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Funkwave - yes it does. I already do what you say. ProTools M-Powered also has Rewire support. I'm assuming this will work in the same way.
Geekgurl - yes I know, that's not a problem for me. I'm already using my "approved" M-Audio inteface everyday anyway. I understand what you're saying though. Despite my setup being portable, I do have it sitting nicely when at home outputting the audio through my monitors, which are also M-Audio (BX8s)
Phil - I thought you would agree, thanks for sharing your opinions. Yes I am still very serious about a pro studio gig, I'm just taking a different approach at the moment - patience. As your Governor said: I'll be back, just dunno when exactly.
Thanks for the thoughts and opinions everyone.
John
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#1680791 - 05/19/05 06:40 PM
Re: M-Powered - Why Not?
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Philip O'Keefe
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Oh and John, while I have not set up an M-Audio / PT MP system yet, I have done a couple of Mbox / Centrino laptop setups and they've all worked extremely well. Good horsepower with PT and excellent stability overall.
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#1680792 - 05/19/05 07:10 PM
Re: M-Powered - Why Not?
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flyscots
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Thanks very much Phil, I was/am slightly worried about that. The Centrino has been great with Sonar, unless I'm really pushing it with things like Amplitube.
M-Powered recommends at least a 2.8GHz P4 and while a 1.7GHz Centrino is supposed to be the equivalent of a 3.4GHz P4, I wasn't sure if everything would be happy together.
Thanks again
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#1680793 - 05/20/05 12:33 AM
Re: M-Powered - Why Not?
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Philip O'Keefe
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My pleasure buddy.
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#1680794 - 05/21/05 10:54 AM
Re: M-Powered - Why Not?
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mjm
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This was the deal-breaker for me. I have a Pro Tools Digi 001 on my desktop machine and while it suits my needs just fine, I did NOT want to be restricted to software that is dependent on recording hardware to function when I went on my laptop.
Amen. That's why my Digi 001 PCI isn't in my computer unless it's absolutely nessecary for the project I'm working on (I've only got one PCI slot and one AGP slot on my Shuttle XPC which has changed my working life btw)
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#1680795 - 05/26/05 08:06 PM
Re: M-Powered - Why Not?
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flyscots
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Well I've taken the plunge and ordered it. Should be here tomorrow. Fingers crossed my laptop can handle it! I'll let ye's know if ye care!
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#1680796 - 05/26/05 08:44 PM
Re: M-Powered - Why Not?
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Philip O'Keefe
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I'm sure you'll be fine John. Please keep us posted.
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#1680797 - 05/26/05 10:54 PM
Re: M-Powered - Why Not?
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(RhythmInMind)
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Loc: Santa Monica
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i've been using it and it's been great... my only issue is i get pops if i set the buffers under 256.. but i'm only using it to mix at the moment so it hasnt been a issue.. when i start using live with it and want lower latency i'll start bitching again..
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#1680798 - 05/27/05 06:09 AM
Re: M-Powered - Why Not?
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flyscots
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Will do Phil 
Thanks Eric. I know what you mean but I have similar problems already with Sonar so I'm used to it! I can usually get comfortably below 256 though.
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#1680799 - 05/29/05 03:02 PM
Re: M-Powered - Why Not?
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Philip O'Keefe
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Eric, what sort of machine are you running it on?
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#1680800 - 05/29/05 05:49 PM
Re: M-Powered - Why Not?
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(RhythmInMind)
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athlon 64 3400.. asus K8N-E deluxe. 1.25 gig O ram..
i just did some testing.. and it plays a stereo track back fine at 128 buffers.. so i guess my other sessions just have to many plugins for it to handle at 128. works fine at 256.. i guess you cant really trust the cpu meters, it only says the cpu is halfway at 128 on the same sessions..
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have no idea what they do." -undisclosed forum member
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#1680801 - 06/01/05 10:27 AM
Re: M-Powered - Why Not?
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flyscots
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Well after some hassles with UPS I finally got M-Powered yesterday.
The installation and everything went smoothly and everything is good (except the laptop fan, see here )
ProTools M-Powered looks a bit different compared to what I was used to, but then I was used to TDM systems on Macs. It's all coming back to me though and I'm liking it.
I got Reason in via ReWire no problem, so my MIDI life will still be happy. I might go for the VST - RTAS wrapper though, some more plug-ins would be good.
I should be doing some recording over the weekend so I'll post back after that with some reports if you're interested.
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#1680802 - 06/01/05 11:36 PM
Re: M-Powered - Why Not?
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Dylan
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Sounds good, keep us updated! BTW, next time you are in Portland we should hook up for a longer visit. It was fun hanging with you last time you were around  .
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