Drums: Pro Tools Software
June 23, 2008 – 1:05 pmThere are many different hardware combinations which make up a Pro Tools software system, and as a result beginners are often confused as to what Pro Tools actually is. There are a number of systems made available by Pro Tools that are designed to satisfy everyone from the novice to the seasoned industry professional. The Internet is full of information to shed a little light on the situation. From your very first drum loop to your final track, the Web can be your complete guide for products, merchants and suggestions.
The Pro Tools software (created and manufactured by Digidesign) currently comes in three basic sizes. First, there is the regular ProTools software which works seamlessly with all Digidesign hardware. The current version (5.1) is designed to work with surround sound but surround sound ProTools systems are usually out of the price range of your average home studio producer.
Pro Tools Software For Everybody!
Fortunately, Digidesign also sells two inexpensive hardware interfaces. Each comes with a light weight version of Pro Tools called Pro Tools LE and is limited to 24 tracks. This version (the 001) retails at about $800.00 and is currently the most popular Pro Tools rig on the market. It does require that you have a PCI slot in your computer. but comes with a breakout box which has XLR connectors for professional microphones.
Lastly, for those on a real tight budget, or people who just want to try it out, there is Pro Tools software that is free. The free version of Pro Tools is limited to only 8 tracks of digital audio and can record only mono or stereo audio. Many people get so excited by adrenaline pumping drum loops that they dont think the demo version will be robust enough. However, for the needs of beginners it is more than enough to get your feet wet.
