DAW for use with Pro Tools?

[Steven Talley]

Do you have Firewire 400 on your computer? If so, it’s better then USB.

[Courtney Marietta]

I have Firewire 800. And I’d love to be able to connect using that.

[Sam Mallery]

Terminology-wise, you need to sort some things out.

DAW refers to the software being used. In your case, the DAW is Pro Tools, because Pro Tools is software.

What you need is an audio interface that’s compatible with Pro Tools, and you need the DAW software as well. There are two ways to go. You can either get a Digidesign hardware/software bundle, or you can buy M-Audio M-Powered Pro Tools software, and compatible M-Audio hardware.

If you want to use your FireWire port, you could buy the M-Powered software for $245:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/594505-REG/M_Audio_9910_59817_00_Pro_Tools_M_Powered_8.html

And you would also need to buy M-Audio hardware. This is the cheapest FireWire option:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/353766-REG/M_Audio_9900_50739_00_FireWire_Solo.html

That would put you at $425. Considering that the cheapest Digidesign option is the M-Box 2 Pro at $599, going the M-Powered + M-Audio route isn’t a bad option. You would just need a FireWire 400 to 800 cable and you would be set.

[Courtney Marietta]

I apologize for using the wrong terminology. Let me clarify:

I currently have Pro Tools LE with DV toolkit on my computer. I use the MBox Micro. I’m looking for a compatible digital worksurface (like the 002, 003 or Command 8) but I can’t afford those options. I’m looking for other suggestions.

[Sam Mallery]

Okay. Ignore my first suggestion. You already have an interface, and the DV Toolkit isn’t compatible with M-Powered Pro Tools.

You just need a MIDI control surface. FOr a little less than a Control 8 you can get a Euphonix MC Mix:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/555488-REG/Euphonix_947_10279_01_MC_Mix_Control.html#features

On the cheap you could get a Frontier Tranzport (wireless, but no faders):

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/376789-REG/Frontier_Design_189000000002_TranzPort_Controller.html#features

There’s the Faderport from Presonus with one motorized fader that you cna use to control all of the faders:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/446126-REG/PreSonus_FADERPORT_FaderPort_Fader_and_Transport.html#features

You will likely be fine with this really affordable controller from Korg, the nanoKontrol:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/602035-REG/Korg_NANOKONTROLB_nanoKONTROL_USB_MIDI_Controller.html#features

The nanoKontrol works with Pro Tools. Just be prepared for a little set-up time/getting-to-know-you learning curve with any of these devices. They’re usually not as plug-and-play as you want them to be.

[Peter Groom]

Hi Sam
Any of those surface controllers work with avid Xpress that you know about?
Peter

Peter

[Scott Koué]

I think you must be referring to an interface. ProTools IS a DAW. Which brings up the question of what version of PT you have and/or where you got it. PT mostly comes with matching hardware. If it’s not the “M-Powered” version you can only use it with Digi’s hardware, and your not going to find much in your budget range. The M-Powered version requires hardware from M-Audio, so look at their boxes.