So what are your thoughts on Pro Tools 10 Express? Since PT is the industry standard I'm switching over to it. Is ProTools 10 Express a good starting point, as I can always upgrade? Or not at all? Stick with the full editions? Would love your thoughts and opinions. Thanks!
Composing : Pro Tools 10 Express? Or forget it and run with the Big Boys PT 10 & 11? by KaiCarra Kc
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Although I occasionally use PT-11, my main workhorse DAW app is Digital Performer. More musically oriented, better score to picture features, and I find it to have a better workflow process for composing to film. I'm not alone. A list composers Michael Giacchino, Howard Shore, Marco Beltrami, Don Davis, and Alexandre Desplat are avid DP users. As I understand it, PT-10 express is basically a scaled back version of PT-10. If you are looking for a software platform to compose for film, you owe it to yourself to check out Digital Performer as well.
The main question is what are you trying to accomplish? What DAW are you coming from? Why do you need to switch? The main reason to have pro tools for composing is to offer deliverables in that format, or to transfer the session to a better equipped studio after you have worked on it. I agree with JWD digital performer is a powerful tool for composing, btw
And I should also mention that, as a professional composer, I own and use both DP and PT, primarily for the reason that Michael just stated regarding delivering and importing various session formats.
Thank you both. Yes the reason why I would like to switch to pt is for deliverables. The studio I work with in Los Angeles only uses PT. I find it a huge learning curve, but since I'm serious about composing for film wanted to learn it. But John, I will look into DP also. My goal at some point is to not need the LA studio anymore except for maybe creative collaboration ( as he is really awesome to work with) but to become independent enough, technologically to do my own SMPTE time code, etc.
The problem with express is the limited number of tracks. Generally speaking the only reason I can see for delivering a pro tools session is if you have automation and effects presets that need to be edited, otherwise any top DAW will be able to print stems in WAV that any other DAW can use, so I'm not seeing it as a must have, I can tell you that unless you get to HD pro tools is very clumsy with video and laggy, and it makes it very hard to spot with precision. I've been using pro tools for 10 years and I do love the ease of editing audio with it, and the midi isn't awful. Just about every DAW has a demo period, you should try a few to find what suits you best. Top ones are Cubase, Logic (no demo), DP, and PT
Run with the big boys. And don't be intimidated by Pro Tools. Remember, you only need to learn to do the things you need to do. Maybe hire an engineer from the studio to come over and teach you a few things. I find it's easier than staring at a manual.
The best tool is always the best tool... a good operator also gets good results with the worst one.
Haven't met too many composers who use PT as a work/writing platform. The MIDI implementation isn't well done, and the new AAX plug-in format will limit your library instrument choices. DigitalPerformer/Logic/Cubase all set up better... but PT not a bad option when feeding your mixes to an engineer.
Exactly my experience as well, Scott.
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For me, DP is the best platform for composing to picture, especially if you plan to use virtual instruments. You don't need ProTools at all as you can always export your final stems as wavs that any post production house can read. Most of my other composer friends use DP as well so it's easy to share files if we are collaborating.
You will never go wrong with PT. It is an awesome DAW to use and has improved tremendously over the years. Express is a good starting point but if you're serious at dabbling with music ... just jump in to PT 10 or 11 ... the packaged plug ins are amazing value. A good starting point is the PT training available on www.lynda.com I have also bought and use the the Spectrasonics plug ins ... check out the demos ... they'll blow your mind. Yes ... ProTools is number one with most musos and composers.
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I currently use Logic for composing to film. Am I missing something... whatever works right?... Remember, the Beatles recorded on a 4track tape deck.
I use PT10 with a DIGI002 rack unit- not HD - and have no problems with video playback. Just make sure you have a powerful computer with plenty of RAM, and put your video file onto a separate drive from your audio. If you use a Mac, you need to be careful not to overload your Firewire ports too, that can start to do strange things with your Pro Tools. For example, using an iSight on a Firewire port while Pro Tools is running screws up playback on Pro Tools. Good luck, and enjoy.