Matt_G wrote on Sat, 14 June 2008 10:10 |
I'm feeling the need to re-evaluate my current software model for mastering. I've been using Pro Tools HD for sometime for processing & WaveBurner for CD assembly. Having recently discovered a bug with WaveBurner I've already moved to Sonic PMCD for CD assembly & this has me thinking about looking into ditching Pro Tools as well....
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Same thoughts here although I started think about this a year ago.
I'd love to try some of the PC applications. Sequoia, in particular, seems to do everything I'd want in a DAW.
Unlike my learned web board buddy, Jerry Tubb, (who likely would have been exploring the New World, had he lived in that era), I just want to go to the studio every day and master. I only change things up or experiment when something is not working or if I have a new piece of gear to test.
Using my current setup, PT & WB, I'm fast and efficient. The few little things that WB doesn't do, causing one to go back to PT, are few and far between and when necessary, only add a few minute to a session.
However, I am also alarmed by the WB bug, plus I know there are more elegant ways to handle sessions with multiple sample rates than my current methods. CD writing in the same program would be a plus and there are a few other perks in some of the other setups.
The big question is cost versus perceived and practical improvements.
1) I have a G5 and would need to either upgrade to a new Mac or switch to a PC.
2) My 2 HD units would need to be upgraded in either case and with the PC, I would only be able to use one HD for inserts and so would have to get a bigger Z-Sys.
3) The cost of the new software. Sequoia is currently about 3K although Samplitude is less expensive and WaveLab even less.
The total cost would be anywhere from 6 to 10K!
I do not believe that the few improvements that I might make by doing this, after suffering through the installs and new software learning curve, could possibly warrant the expense on a business level. Maybe on a personal growth level but I'm not going to make that money back by spending it on a new setup. My work is not going to be significantly faster nor will it sound better!
The simple alternative to WaveBurner is to just go with SoundBlade and stay on my current computer. That is the least expensive solution but as the owner of the now discontinued DDP V2, I am gun shy! I could also look at the other Mac CD writing programs...
I'm looking forward to seeing more comments on this subject.