Should
I buy Mac or PC ?
When I get asked this question... and I get this one asked all the
time, I usually ask if you are already have a computer or are using
one, if so I say stick with it. at this stage of the game there is
no real reason for you to "jump ship" and switch platforms. An
equal amount of good software and hardware options exist for either
side of the Mac or PC fence.
However if you don't have a computer and are starting from scratch
I would strongly suggest the Macintosh platform. In my experience
(about 6 years and several hundred systems configured) I see many
less Mac problems cross my desk (and bench) than I do P.C. The Mac
is also far easier to troubleshoot over the phone.
If you're a devout P.C. user I say more power to ya, but I would
suggest that you choose your operating system carefully, I have to
say I'm not a real big fan of Windows and from a technical
support position I've experienced numerous problems all with
lengthy and complex solutions.
Really the question of Mac vs PC comes down to : Some guys drive
Fords and Some guys drive Chevys, both'll get you where you want to
go it's just a matter of what you like to drive to get there. I
personally prefer the Macintosh platform for ease of use and
reliability. (Oh, and I drive a '67 Ford Mustang).
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Why is Sound Thinking so focused on Pro Tools?
While many people around the country can & do sell Pro Tools, it is
usually one of many things that they are tying to sell you. To many
it's just another box..." Oh Pro Tools, I think it's back there by
the guitars dude". They know what they bought it for and they know
what they need to sell it to you for. (Period).
At Sound Thinking this is all we do, we configure, build and test
Complete Pro Tools system, we're not selling drums sticks or guitar
strings we sell Pro Tools systems.
When Sound Thinking was formed back in '91 Pro Tools existed as two
very funky applications (Pro Deck & Pro Edit). You had to record in
one... save, close and open the other one to edit, then save, close
and go back to the other one to Mix... It was very expensive and
crashed the poor MacIIci several times a day, but even then Sound
Thinkings founder realized what he was looking at... the future of
Professional Audio.
Sound Thinking chose to go with Digidesign because it liked their
vision, and quite frankly we loved their product. Now almost a
decade later Digidesign / Pro Tools accounts for well over 80% of
the digital audio workstation maket, it is the system by which all
others are judged and has the largest third party development
community of any other software.
We choose to stay focused on Digidesign because they're the best at
what they do... and so are we.
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Is Pro Tools working on Windows yet ?
Yes ! Pro tools is working on Windows NT, and working quite well
although the NT platform isn't my bag I have to say that I've set
up a couple of NT systems and they seem to be equally solid as
their Mac counterparts.
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Why should I buy a system from Sound Thinking
?
Complete Systems are our specialty. We analyze your
recording needs, make recommendations to help you achieve those
goals then spec a system that will do the work you need. We advise
you on your expansion options in the future and try to speak to any
limitations that the system may have, so you know exactly what
you're getting into.
Once we've determined the correct system we gather all the items
discussed... Computer, Monitor, Recording hardware /software, Hard
Drives, CDR, Synchronization devices, Studio
equipment, DAT's and ADAT's, Mixers, Microphones, etc... We then
assemble the system with all the elements, pre-configure the system
for optimal performance, Format and initialize all of the hardware
peripherals, install and test all software. The system is then taken
through a series of tests designed specifically to crash systems
("The Session from Hell") when it passes all tests we ship you a
completely tested and working system.
But it doesn't stop there, we then provide an initial telephone set
up call to help you get familiar with your new system. In some
cases we deliver, install and train staff on-site to optimize your
purchase and get you up and running with the new gear even faster.
We go over every aspect of the Hardware and software and that's
just the beginning. We offer a replacement guarantee on any
defective item for one year. And we offer unlimited telephone
technical support on all complete systems.
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Why doesn't your Web Site list prices for your
products?
You are all probably aware, the digital/pro audio industry is a
fast-changing one. Since prices (and products) can virtually change
daily, we initially prefer to have you email or call us for a price
in order to give you the best possible deal. But don't worry, we
are not high-pressure sales people! We feel our prices are as good
as anyone's, and coupled with our service and support - you'll get
the best of both worlds.
We do plan, however, to expand the web site in the future to
include on-line shopping capability, as soon as we have the
internal resources to maintain and update the site to reflect price
changes.
Can I buy just the Software by itself ?
Absolutely yes, Though we specialize in complete systems, we're
more than happy discuss your options and make recommendations and
let you assemble the different parts on your own, as time and
budget allows.
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Why should I buy my Hard Drives from Sound Thinking
?
There are many different options out there for buying SCSI
peripherals. We have found a drive supplier that is specifically
focused on digital audio/ video compatibility. Glyph Technologies
really know their stuff and they take care of business from desktop
hard drives to rackmounted Hot swaps, and from Compact Disc
recorders to ultra-wide AIT tape back up drives.
Remember the hard drive is your recording medium, it is the single
most important part of the system (many people forget that). So
when it comes to hard drives you really need to know your drive is
going to perform for you, and if it doesn't it's going to get fixed
or replaced as soon as possible.
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What about Compact Disk recorders ?
The Compact Disc Recorder has continued to go both up in quality
and down in price. The great thing about CDR's & CD-RW's is that
the one drive (burner) can speak to numerous CD formats (depending
on your software) as well as comunicate with both P.C. & Mac
operating systems. The CD-RW has become an integral part of the digital
audio world. It serves as your mastering medium for your audio as well as
an inexpensive data back up device.
The CD-RW (which by the way comes standard on the newest generation
of Mac G-4's) also connects you to the universe of Pro Tools users.
Anyone from the home recordist to the top-flight engineer can burn a
data CD and open up their session in another Pro Tools system. With
Digidesign's 85% market share and more than 130,000 users world wide,
it's not hard to see the huge advantage Pro Tools gives you over any
other digital audio work station.
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Do I have to shell out a fortune to get into a Pro
Tools system ?
No. Check out our System Configurations pages. A nicely set up Digi 001
rig gives you 24 tracks of 24 bit digital audio and costs less than $5,000.
And if you really want to experience Pro Tools on the cheap, download
Pro Tools Free and start working with digital audio right now!
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Can I Upgrade later if I want to ?
That's the beauty of the Pro Tools software. Digidesign has come up
with the single most comprehensive upgrade path in the industry.
The greatest thing about this upgrade path scenario is that you
don't have to learn a whole new software interface when you've out
grown where you are, the Pro Tools software is the same, it just
has different features available depending on what level of hardware you
have.
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What about Stand Alone boxes like the Roland, or
the Akai ?
There are also many options on this type of device, and while they
offer high fidelity and a simplistic interface (very tape machine
like), They generally aren't as flexible as a Computer based
recorder.
With this type of proprietary hardware based system you really are
at the mercy of the manufacturer not only for software upgrades but
also processor speeds and other device level improvements that are
not as available to you (and often they are, but at a premium
price).
Also with Akai or the Roland, that's all that box will ever be, with
a very limited resale potential, unlike a computer that will always
have intrinsic value and is easily upgraded and/or transferred.
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