Pro tools + mpc 2000xl or any mpc

So im runnin with a 2000xl now vs my 1000 (soon 2 b on ebay-100% great cond./max ram ect)......but anyway this question can pertain to both mpc's plus others. I am unfamiliar with protools but soon want to buy a copy so i can track out my beats and adjust, master ect.. Can some one tell me what version plus any accessories like an uno midi to usb i need..is that it?..i see so many of the protools software jack up $ because it comes with additives like preamp hardware i assume i havnt look 2 close...

So if anyone can throw me some feed back that would be great..its well past the time i need to record sum of my beats off the mpc and now i need a little help and direction...Thanks

If you want to ask about that 1000 ill have for sale soon ill giv u more details..

Well, you'll need to find an audio interface that works for you. If you want to link it with MIDI, you'll need a midi interface as well. Some audio interfaces have a midi interface built in.

If you plan to use Pro Tools, you're tied to either Digidesign or M-Audio interfaces (or cards) on the front....so no, you can't just find the interface that works for you. You have to find a Digidesign or M-Audio one that works for you, or use another software option. The software will not work without the hardware. I'm not really too familiar with the LE or MP options extensively, though I do use HD amongst other things, so you'll have to do your own research. If I'm not mistaken, most if not all of them come with mic pres and/or midi connections though. Most any interface you buy from most companies today, except the "mini" variants, will have at least basic I/O like this, it's not really considered "extra" -- quality is another topic though. If you do get something that doesn't have midi I/O, midi to usb converters can be had cheap.

Unless you like the work flow in PT, simply want to learn it, need it for compatibility, or need that brand to bring in clients....don't forget you have other options in interfaces and DAW that may be applicable price and function wise also.

If there's something you should explicitly consider, in my opinion, it is making sure that which ever interface you get has enough I/O that you will need for the moment, or even better, the future.

**** I'm also about picking DAW and I know something about I/O but that shit is confusing. I'd say I have to go read some shit. My best bet would be Logic but I heard Pro Tools is nice too.

Most anything seems confusing when you don't understand it, man. Give yourself time, research what's available, then assess your needs. It's not wise to just rush out and purchase something. It's not really as complex as it seems, once you start to understand common options and practices. It will all start to make sense and will become comfortable keeping up to date with or even conversing about.

Don't listen to people telling you something is "nice", as that's the main reason people get things on impulse buys and realize it's not ideal for them. Do the research and where ever possible download demos or see if you can get hands on somewhere (maybe a friends setup). The hours you spend doing research will pay back easily when you get something that fits your needs and expectations, as opposed to something that simply works for someone else. Work flow, or lack thereof, is probably the number one killer of creativity, and picking the wrong DAW or to an extent, the wrong interface, could very well make that happen. You're on a forum, and in the bigger "picture", the internet...reading would be the logical purpose for being on the internet.

The Machinist wrote:If you plan to use Pro Tools, you're tied to either Digidesign or M-Audio interfaces (or cards) on the front....so no, you can't just find the interface that works for you.

Were talking Pro Tools here, not daws in general. Of course you'll be tied to m-audio or digidesign, just didn't feel like typing a paragraph :/

digital022 wrote:Were talking Pro Tools here, not daws in general. Of course you'll be tied to m-audio or digidesign, just didn't feel like typing a paragraph :/

I don't think I asked you a question. My comments were to the original poster, who has more options than just Pro Tools, but may not be aware of it. I have no interests in your intentions, motives or posting habits. Don't waste your time, keep it moving.

it might even be worth it to go to a studio that has pro tools and buy an hour worth of time... some places even go as low as 20 bucks. bring something you made and sit in with them to see how it works.

I'd say it would be worth spending 20 bucks for some hands on experience before buying it. Keep in mind though that the studio might have a version that you might not buy, but still it could be worth it.


other then that the machinist hit the nail on the head.

If you're gonna go Pro Tools and are just learning, start with the Mbox 2 or Mbox 2 Pro (not the Mini). That way, you'll have everything you need to get started, besides the computer. Both have midi i/o built in. The only thing that you need to decide between the two is whether you prefer USB or Firewire. The Mbox 2 Pro has some other goodies that the regular doesn't, but you need to decide if you need them. If you have some other hardware synths, you may wanna consider a small mixer to go before the Mbox.

Of course if you have the cash, a Digi 003 would be ideal!

Ya this is all great feedback..thanks for the time to respond..i guess overall i really am not stuck to wanting to use pro tools i have been demo ing logic the last couple days and really like it so far...However yes i do research everything before purchasing...but...you can only get so much from text vs a response from fellow beat maker...

What daw are you guys favorties and maybe 1 or 2 reasons why?

thanks 4 the feedback

If you cop a digi 003/Mbox, it comes with Pro Tools, however the interface can also be used for ableton, logic, etc...

Imo, buy the industry standard (PT) & dl Logic....
Not that I condone dl'ing software (yeah right), but you already have to buy a mac to run logic, so Apple is getting some of your paper anyways.......

The Machinist wrote:

digital022 wrote:Were talking Pro Tools here, not daws in general. Of course you'll be tied to m-audio or digidesign, just didn't feel like typing a paragraph :/

I don't think I asked you a question. My comments were to the original poster, who has more options than just Pro Tools, but may not be aware of it. I have no interests in your intentions, motives or posting habits. Don't waste your time, keep it moving.

Orly?

I see the internets made you a tough guy, tough guy.

digital022 wrote:

The Machinist wrote:

digital022 wrote:Were talking Pro Tools here, not daws in general. Of course you'll be tied to m-audio or digidesign, just didn't feel like typing a paragraph :/

I don't think I asked you a question. My comments were to the original poster, who has more options than just Pro Tools, but may not be aware of it. I have no interests in your intentions, motives or posting habits. Don't waste your time, keep it moving.

Obviously the part of your reply I quoted was directed toward my comment. And in case you missed the thread title.. It says PRO TOOLS, he's not asking what other daw options are available yet you want to go digress from the topic and go off on a tangent with your elitist sounding BS.

and i am gonna add this to that:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1K5g4-qc5A

milkmoney309 wrote:What daw are you guys favorties and maybe 1 or 2 reasons why?

thanks 4 the feedback

I've only ever used Pro Tools. There is a ton of shit I love about it. But the ones that really matter IMO, 1. Elastic Audio (life saver when recording vocals), 2. Ease of use.

Guys are always gonna say something is better than Pro Tools. Or other interfaces are better because you can use more than one DAW with it. Or other DAW's have unlimited tracks. Etc. But for a person that only cares to use Pro Tools, none of that shit matters. I only plan to use Pro Tools. So their interface restriction means nothing to me. I don't need unlimited tracks. 48 is more than enough, and PT8 has 64-128 track ability. How many peoples computers could even handle that many tracks? We don't all have Dual Quads!

I noob double posted.. this is the edit.