Many people make a living without ProTools. This is an apples and oranges debate. We are just getting fruit salad out of it. Compare a $4000 host-based system, for what it does well - pre and post production (i.e. not recording 16 tracks while playing back 2000) to a $15000 ProTools system for what it does well - all of the above, and then take the difference $11000 - if you can make $11000 on your $4000 system, buy ProTools - if you need it, otherwise, you just saved $11000. It is a matter of economics. Most of us are trying to make money at this - host based users are excited that the options for that environment and the capabilities are expanding exponentially. Protools users get frustrated about having to fork over $3k or $4k for every new hardware upgrade to stay current with the industry (just like computer users). There are trade-offs for everything we do - no one has thrown the option of an external mixer, outboard gear, tape/MDMs/DAW for audio-only into this mix. Many very successful engineers and producers thumb their noses at PT because it doesn't compare to outboard gear from Neve, Lexicon, TC Electronics, Manley, Grace Designs, etc. How many people enjoy sinking thousands of $$ into hardware that becomes outdated or obsolete after a year or two (not because it isn't good, just because it isn't cutting edge any more)? That is the crux of the host-based argument - whether for recording or synthesis - software is easier to update and expand than hardware based systems. No one says either is the best option, just better at certain tasks, given a certain budget. My plan is to get a G4, Protools, and outboard gear to augment it, eventually. Within certain budget constraints, the best of all three seems to be the best of all three, ;-) For now, I don't mind saving $11000, if I don't have to spend if for the task at hand (which is nothing close to a hobby). Now, back to our regular sponsor - music. Dedric Key of D Productions http://www.keyofd.net ---------- >From: George Kotsopoulos <georgek@...> >To: logic-users@onelist.com >Subject: Re: [LUG] Re: G4 versus ProTools >Date: Fri, Nov 26, 1999, 9:31 AM > >From: George Kotsopoulos <georgek@...> > > > >pnajar wrote: >> >> From: pnajar <pnajar@...> >> >> BTW, I don't really have a position on this host versus native issue. >> Mostly it comes down to what one can afford.... > >And, if you are a hobbiest or make a living out of what you do. >-george >