Dogfur Posted February 9, 2003 Posted February 9, 2003 Alright folks, I've gotta get up to speed with the system quick. I'm very comfortable with Sonar, Nuendo, Cubase and am now thrown into the frying pan with PTHD. I would sincerely appreciate guidance for the best ways to get up to speed quickly & accurately. Thanks, Dogfur Woof!
Geoff Grace Posted February 9, 2003 Posted February 9, 2003 ([i]Please note:[/i] Most of you know me as [b]soapbox[/b], but this post is under my real name.) [b]Dogfur[/b], you might want to check out this Cool Breeze Systms bundle: [url=http://www.coolbreezesys.com/cbs/products/ptpb.htm]Pro Tools Power book and Pro Tools 5 interactive CD-ROM[/url] . I haven't tried it, but it looks well done. Also, depending on where you live, you might want to seek a more formal level of training with [url=http://www.digidesign.com/training/]Digidesign Training & Certification courses[/url] . Good luck. Best, Geoff My Blue Someday appears on Apple Music | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon
Anderton Posted February 9, 2003 Posted February 9, 2003 Geoff, I was about to say the same thing. There's also a Pro Tools book called something like the Beginner's Guide to Pro Tools -- I'll look it up, I think the author's first name is John... From when I've worked with Pro Tools, I didn't find it all that weird to work with. Just get used to a few different icons and key commands, you're still dealing with record, play, cut, copy, paste, and all that other good stuff. Craig Anderton Educational site: http://www.craiganderton.org Music: http://www.youtube.com/thecraiganderton Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/craig_anderton
Dogfur Posted February 9, 2003 Author Posted February 9, 2003 Thanks guys - The bundle seems like a reasonably priced starting point and its' always good to have a reference around. I need to be a bit more thorough than my usual "trial by fire" approach that I've used in the past, and along with the Digi on-line tutorials I'l probably have a strong starting point. Woof!
Chaz Posted February 9, 2003 Posted February 9, 2003 I am sure that I will get blasted for this by some, but that is quite alright. I have a very tough hide and can handle like a man. Why Protools??? Especially when you can take the OMF files from it, import them into Sonor and do all of the work there? Then, you can export the Sonar files back into OMF files??? If you want the experience of using Protools that is one thing, but since you have Sonar, it really is not necessary. My 2 cents. :cool: Haven Music Productions Tampa, FL www DOT havenmp DOT com
Dogfur Posted February 9, 2003 Author Posted February 9, 2003 [quote]Originally posted by chaz: [b]Why Protools??? :cool: [/b][/quote]A few very simple reasons, really ( although this is certainly not an endorsement. I haven't worked with the system yet!) - 1) I work for a very large corporation that is increasing expected to interact with producers and talent of all abilities all across the world. Though there is usually not a format problem, the ProTools format is never an issue when called for ( the pro studios or engineers without ProTools are very few and far between). 2) When dealing with outfitting our newly renovated facility we wanted to reach as far forward as possible with as much expected support as possible. ProToolsHD seemed a logical decision here, I hope. I am hoping to bask in the reality of obviously superior definition and resolution! 3)The Control24 in an Argosy 90 series enclosure is damn sexy, especially for a small room. Actually I had to be talked into this, and our management wanted "wow" factor for tours and such... :eek: 4)My big request for ADAM monitors (a decision based strongly but not exclusively on opinions drawn from the Musicplayer.com forums) had gone through. I knew whatever system I ended up with I would be happy. 5) I have a strong "embrace thy enemy" vein running through me, and I had sworn off Digidesign products after they pulled out of a post 9-11 NYC trade show (and some horrible Audiomedia III support issues from years past). I've since matured in my opinions concerning these matters. 6) In corporate America it is alot easier to buy the expensive stuff and return it to get what works than to submit a less expensive request and try to expand later. Anyway, that's how I'm ending up with PTHD. I should be gettin' my feet wet Monday morning, as well as getting the tutorial mentioned by Geoff overnighted ASAP. Thanks again guys. Woof!
D. Gauss Posted February 9, 2003 Posted February 9, 2003 dogfur, once you go to prootools, i'd be happy to accept any of the "old stuff" you probably no longer need (sonar, nuendo, etc) if you care to donate to the needy... :) -d. gauss
Dogfur Posted February 9, 2003 Author Posted February 9, 2003 [quote]Originally posted by d gauss: [b]dogfur, once you go to prootools, i'd be happy to accept any of the "old stuff" you probably no longer need (sonar, nuendo, etc) if you care to donate to the needy... :) -d. gauss[/b][/quote]Sorry D Gauss, wish I could - the PTHD system is outfitting our new studio, the rest of us will still keep working on our personal platforms when doing our day to day desktop stuff. Woof!
Curve Dominant Posted February 10, 2003 Posted February 10, 2003 Dogfur, There is a truckload of PDF's available from the DUC, covering everything from keyboard shortcuts to plugin intricacies. Go to Staples and buy lots of binders. Print all of those PDF manuals, and make yourself a nice little Digi/ProTools library. You're in for a treat. Pro Tools is the coolest thing since the invention of the electric guitar, in my not-so-humble opinion. PT HD sounds as good as, if not better than, any other format, including analog. Anyone who tells you otherwise has either an agenda or issues. My personal advice, based on my own experience, is to familiarise yourself with the concept of "mixing" in the Edit window. Drawing volume / panning / FX levels / mute automation in the Edit window in PT is a thing to behold...intuitively artistic, like a painter's canvas. Eric Vincent (ASCAP) www.curvedominant.com
Geoff Grace Posted February 10, 2003 Posted February 10, 2003 ([i]Please note:[/i] Most of you know me as [b]soapbox[/b], but this post is under my real name.) [quote][i]Originally posted by Anderton:[/i] Geoff, I was about to say the same thing. There's also a Pro Tools book called something like the Beginner's Guide to Pro Tools -- I'll look it up, I think the author's first name is John...[/quote][b]Craig[/b], could it be " [url=http://www.musicbooksplus.com/books/sct01.htm]A Musician\'s Guide to Pro Tools[/url] " by John Keane? Good luck [b]Dogfur[/b]. I hope that bundle gets you started on the right track. I'm sure you'll be operating like veteran in no time at all. :thu: Best, Geoff My Blue Someday appears on Apple Music | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon
Rog Posted February 10, 2003 Posted February 10, 2003 [quote]Originally posted by Curve Dominant: [QB] PT HD sounds as good as, if not better than, any other format, including analog. Anyone who tells you otherwise has either an agenda or issues. QB][/quote]... or fully-functioning ears :rolleyes: "That's what the internet is for. Slandering others anonymously." - Banky Edwards.
Dogfur Posted February 13, 2003 Author Posted February 13, 2003 OK -here's an update with good and bad news: Good News first - I actually got some audio recorded and routed through the control 24, listened to the ADAM S2-A's and was pretty stoked. Getting the Windows box up and running took a majority of the time, our systems guys are pretty "hands on" and it takes quite a while to get them to leave me the fuck alone with the new computer and give our dept. admin priviledges.(2.8 ghz P4, 1Gig ram). This system looks like we'll be very happy once its' bugs are worked out. Bad News: Might have fried the analog output card in the 192 I/O unit while putting foam underneath the ADAM monitors! It was chugging away and...just stopped...might have been one of the metal screen harnesses attached to the I/O cables shorting out - all audio has stopped making it to the control 24. Still haven't managed to get ProTools to recognize the Control24, it was only running the monitor section. Had a co-ordinator order the previously mentioned tutorial bundle for me Monday, and found out it never happened - I'll still bark up that tree some more tomorrow. Taking Curve's advice, I grabbed a bunch of binders and am having our intern get on downloading and printing some of the tutorial stuff from the DUC site. More Later, Dogfur Woof!
Philip OKeefe Posted February 13, 2003 Posted February 13, 2003 A quick search of Barnes and Noble will yield several results. The "Producing in the Home Studio with Pro Tools" by David Franz doesn't have as much in depth stuff as most people would like - it's a good beginner's book, but spends way too much time on what "production" is and not enough time on the in depth stuff of the program for someone with any experience in recording. The Mike Collins book, "Pro Tools: Practical Recording, Editing and Mixing for Music Production" is much better. It's definitely more detailed, and does have sections on various different hardware, including the Control 24. There is no HD coverage though - the version I have is TDM / MIX oriented, with some attention paid to LE systems. Steven Roback's "Pro Tools 5 for Macintosh and Windows: Visual QuickStart Guide" is one I have not read, but have heard good things about. It's supposed to be more visually oriented (ie "lots of screenshots") and is reportedly a quick way for someone with DAW recording experience to get up to speed on the program. I'd suggest a trip to your nearest Barnes and Noble if there's one nearby. Oh, and even though Digidesign includes the manual in PDF, I'd drop the $35 and just get it hardcopy from the Digi Store. Taking the PDF to Kinko's or someplace and having them copy / bind it for you will cost around $50, so it's actually more cost effective to just have them send you a "real" one. IMO, it would be nice if they'd include a hardcopy to begin with... :(
Philip OKeefe Posted February 13, 2003 Posted February 13, 2003 [quote]Originally posted by Geoff Grace: [b]([i]Please note:[/i] Most of you know me as [b]soapbox[/b], but this post is under my real name.) [quote][i]Originally posted by Anderton:[/i] Geoff, I was about to say the same thing. There's also a Pro Tools book called something like the Beginner's Guide to Pro Tools -- I'll look it up, I think the author's first name is John...[/quote][b]Craig[/b], could it be " [url=http://www.musicbooksplus.com/books/sct01.htm]A Musician\'s Guide to Pro Tools[/url] " by John Keane? [/b][/quote]Hey Geoff, have you read this book? Is it any good? Thanks,
Dogfur Posted February 13, 2003 Author Posted February 13, 2003 Thanks for the resources Phil - any idea if you can zap a portion of one of these interfaces really easily? I'm trying the digital I/O section of the 192 and still getting no output to the control24. The meters are showing signal like crazy... Woof!
Philip OKeefe Posted February 13, 2003 Posted February 13, 2003 I'd go back to basics. Try it with just the analog I/O first and see if you can get signal I/O. Then try the digital, then incorporate the Control|24. I have not heard of anyone frying one as easily as you describe.
Henchman Posted February 13, 2003 Posted February 13, 2003 [quote]Originally posted by Dogfur: [b] Bad News: Might have fried the analog output card in the 192 I/O unit while putting foam underneath the ADAM monitors! [/b][/quote]Really rocksolid, foolproof system isn't it. IMDB Credit list President George Washington: "The government of the United States is in no sense founded on the Christian Religion." President Abraham Lincoln: "The Bible is not my book, nor Christianity my religion."
Alon Posted February 13, 2003 Posted February 13, 2003 henchboy, you are truly a first class act. :thu: .
Dogfur Posted February 13, 2003 Author Posted February 13, 2003 Whew! Thanks again Phil - Analog I/O straight to the monitors is working (watch that gain!), so its got to be the Control24 end of things. BTW, this version 5.3.3 did come with a users manual, 500+ pages, spiral bound. Not alot of info on getting a control24 integrated... Henchman: This certainly hasn't been the easiest thing in the world to get up and rolling, but I still have to attribute my problems to my own extreme knuckleheadedness rather than a Digidesign flaw, with one exception: I will definitely go on record saying that the "getting started" and control24 manuals need work - alot of it! As far as rock solid, only time will tell-lets get the thing up and chugging and take it from there. Cheers, I'm happy I don't think I blew anything up! - Dogfur Woof!
Geoff Grace Posted February 13, 2003 Posted February 13, 2003 ([i]Please note:[/i] Most of you know me as [b]soapbox[/b], but this post is under my real name.) [quote][i]Originally posted by Philip O'Keefe:[/i] Hey Geoff, have you read this book? Is it any good?[/quote]Sorry [b]Phil[/b], I haven't read it. Maybe [b]Craig[/b] has? Best, Geoff My Blue Someday appears on Apple Music | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon
Dogfur Posted February 19, 2003 Author Posted February 19, 2003 Update: After getting a temporary ethernet link to the Control24 I got some good oohs and aahs out of the troops by controlling multiple plug-in parameters in real time from the control surface, switching between dynamics and EQ with a single button push - very slick! All the windows you would want to see in Protools (mix, edit, etc...)are available with a single button push as well. This is where the real learning curve will be. As we got ready to test-drive the Focusrite pre's on the Control24 the excitement was rising. Then suddenly, it all ended... The playback audio just disappeared. The meter bridge was lit up, the 192 I/O was showing corresponding output - but nada. As it turns out the Protools end of things is pretty straightforward, but unfortunately the Control24 is unstable. Digidesign has a power supply problem with the Control24 and we got stuck with one of the faulty units - looks like I have to swap out a power supply. I sure wish I hadn't spent all that time trying to track down the problems and I sure wish Digi would've fessed up the FIRST time we called, and specifically asked about the power supply problem . Unfortunately troubleshooting the system in vain has taken up most of the time I wanted to spend learning key commands/efficient use of the control surface, etc...so I'm a bit chapped about that. I have projects to take care of this week, so we'll inch along as time permits. One very high point of the week was demonstrating the ADAM S2-A's - most everyone was pretty blown away! New favorite reference laterial: Alison Krauss & Union Station - New Favorite The guys were literally laughing in the hallway about how good this sounded. If anybody knows this group or Gary Paczosa the recording & mixing engineer of this CD please thank them for me! Anyway, a frustrating week, and hopefully we'll be quickly back on track after doing some hardware swaps in the next couple of days... Thanks again to all, Dogfur Woof!
Dogfur Posted February 21, 2003 Author Posted February 21, 2003 OK, we're back on track at least. Digidesign was quite responsive and is overnighting new upgraded power supply & fader boards to my already revved Control24. While that's going I'm installing Machine Control and SYNC I/O. Hoping that will go smooth. Some good news the last couple of days - the plug-in bundle looks like its' got some very cool stuff! I'll be really diving into that...Install & authorization with the i-lok USB key was pretty easy, but I wonder if the it will be problematic for updates, ala the Waves dongle issues. Time will tell. Beat on the ADAMs today with PG's "Up" - man, oh man... Best, Dogfur Woof!
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