Subject: Considering this

Hi, Everyone. I'm new to the forums and new to owning a Mac. I'm currently debating on what DAW software to buy for it. I'm really considering DP 5 or Logic Pro. Coming from a PC world, I mainly used Mackie Tracktion 2. Tracktion was easy to use (and really cheap compared to all the others). On my Mac, I'm currently using Garageband and Audiodesk (it was included on with my MOTU product). From what I understand, Audiodesk is a watered down version of DP. I'm still getting use to Audiodesk and Garageband won't allow me to do some of the major editing that I'm use to doing. Garageband is still a cool program and you guys have done some killer songs with it from listening to things on Macjams. Which... makes me consider buying Logic Pro, since it can pretty much use anything I do in GB. I understand it's a matter of preference, but if anyone has had any major issues with any of them, please let me know. If it helps, I mainly record my band and I rarely use any MIDI. I'm looking for best value as far as performance and included plugins. I'd like to not have to buy a bunch of plugins right off the bat if I can help it. Thanks.

Firstly, Traktion runs on the Mac platform (I'm using it on a daily basis) and since Mackie will license two machines, you need not spend any more money.
I have DP4.6 on my machine, and use it for some stuff - certainly you can get further into the details than with Traktion. It is a very together program, simpler than Cubase or Logic, but pretty much as deep. You could run a fully professional studio with it quite happily. It seems to me that the included effects (and you get all the basics) are rather better than Cubase' or Logic's, and there are little details that show up as time goes by that you find yourself quite grateful for. Audiodesk is the audio recording part of DP, minus the ability to load the MasterWorks 64-bit dynamics and EQ, so if you go the DP route, there will be a little less to learn.
Hope this helps, Shaky

Hi Budmas - I've been using garageband for over a year, and in the last 4 months bought Logic Express, and then upgraded a couple of weeks ago to Logic Pro. The only major issue I have is that it's a very steep learning curve from GB to Logic (I'm currently recording in GB then mixing in Logic), which can be very time consuming. Having said that, there's also a massive improvement in sound quality using Logic, so it's certainly worth it from my pov.

Steve

Hi Budmas. Welcome to Macjams. I use Logic Pro7 and Live6 for recording.I also use Reason3.Live6 and Reason3 rewired give you a twisted kind of poormans version of what Logic has to offer.Logic Pro is a great program. It may appear to be a steep learner but it isn't needed that it be approached in that way at all.The thing about Logic that is the most confusing thing is its' ability to be customized to you exact needs.The basic configuration is then dictated by "You" Not the app. This makes Logic a very personal item. Once you understand the basic set-up you can work very quickly and effeciently.However if you want none of that there are a number of song 'Templates" that you can load that include instruments and tracks laid out for that particular genre. You can then insert or delete what you require then save it as a Template that you can then call up as a starting point whenever you need to.
There are many things in Logic that are from older versions. Apple nor Emagic never removed them. One item that is still stated in the manual and has been superceded by the very item I mentioned above. Is the "autoload song" It is stll there but not really the best way to go about opening Logic any longer.
Logic Pro also has an incredible arsenal of superb soft synth and sampler. The FX are also top notch.You can also install Logic Pro on as many computers as you want (Macs obviously)..This allows for you to let's say. Have a couple friends that you want to work on something with. It may be more convenient for the process to move forward a bit quicker if any one of the 3 of you were able to host but not able to visit. You can have L-Pro installed in all 3 computers and as long as you have your USB Key.You can open Logic and go from were you left off. As long as you update the files so all 3 systems are current. You can do this either using a usb memory stick a CD with the data (say audio or loops,samples,midi etc. Or if you don't need outside audio files. You can send the file via email as a Project that will open intact using the pointers aimed at the internal instruments and samples.
Of course Logic Pro isn't inexspensive. But you get LOTS for your money.Also you can open GB files so if you want to work with someone here using GB.They can send you the GB file and you can open it in Logic.
Or check out Live6 and Reason3. They make a great and capable couple.
One more item is the M-audio Guitarbox. It comes with the Roger Linn designed Blaclbox Reloaded as well as Pro-tools and a suite of plugins. It also comes with xpandi which is a sampleplayback synth. It says it has over a thousand sounds included. But then you are into another ballpark all together.RTAS in stead of AU or VST. Have a great holliday. Taylor

Thanks for the response guys. In response to Rover, the reason I do not currently install Tracktion on to my Mac is due to some issues with version 2 (I've been reading about it in their forums, but I can't remember exactly what they are) running on it. It seems to suck up some major CPU power during certain actions. It's primarily due to the fact that it's not currently Universal Binary. I'm sorry, I didn't clarify what type of Mac I'm running, it's one of the new Imacs. Tracktion is suppose to be UB in version 3 (I called their Tech Support), but they don't even have a projected release date, so I'm inclined to buy something else for now. It will also not be a free upgrade, so I'd have to buy it again. Logic Pro seems to be a pretty nice program and a lot of people do use it. I may end up with that. Audiodesk has been giving me some problems, it tends to shut down unexpectedly (not sure exactly why, so now I'm weary of using it). I've used PT in the past, and it rocked, but I currently own other firewire gear (MOTU 896HD), so I'd hate to have to buy an M-Audio product to just run PT. Unless I'm mistaken, that's the pretty much the only other way to run PT unless you buy the Digirack or console (it would be nice to have one of their HD systems). I've just been surfing the net and trying to see the ups and downs of the various programs out there. I've even considered waiting for Steinberg to release a new version of Nuendo, but that is pretty much guaranteed to be double the price that I would pay for Logic Pro. Anyway, thanks again for your responses and I'll really consider Logic Pro, unless Mackie all of a sudden releases Tracktion 3. If you guys have never used Tracktion, it's one of the easiest programs I've ever used for recording, but alas it's not currently UB.

id just stick to Garageband, logic is kinda confusing

GB just doesn't have the audio editing capabilities that I need. I wish it did. It does do some cool stuff. I'll probably go with Logic Pro.