Newbie Ralph “Toastie” Peterson with a very basic hardware requirement question.

[Ralph Peterson]

Hi, I’m completely new here. I previously recorded an album using cakewalk Sonar with the dancing dots cake talking scripts. I found it to be an excellent system but the support seems to have run dry several years ago. I am now looking for something for the future, and I am wondering if it would be wise for me to get one of the top MacBooks available at the moment and put Protools on it? Which MacBook would people recommend or am I better using a desktop machine? Thanks. 

[Steve Baskis]

Your question may appear straightforward, yet it encompasses a complex and broad range of considerations. Are you aiming to focus solely on audio recording, or are you planning to use exclusively virtual instruments, or perhaps a blend of the two? The new high-performance Mac computer systems are very good for audio and virtual instrument production/recording. However, it’s important to note that ProTools is not yet compatible with the latest macOS, which is typically pre-installed on new systems purchased today. The previous macOS, Ventura, does work but with some minor bugs. Are you seeking mobility, or is your goal a more fixed studio setup?

When selecting a computer system for recording audio and using virtual instruments, consider the following:

• Performance: A powerful CPU is crucial for efficient audio processing and virtual instrument use, ensuring minimal latency and preventing glitches.

• RAM: Sufficient RAM is important for handling multiple tracks, samples, and virtual instruments simultaneously.

• Storage: Choose solid-state drives (SSDs) for quick data access speeds, vital for streaming large sample libraries, and make sure there is enough storage space for your recording files.

• Audio Interface Compatibility: Confirm that the computer is compatible with your audio interface in terms of both hardware connections and software drivers.

• Connectivity: Ensure there are enough USB or Thunderbolt ports for your controllers, external drives, and other peripherals.

Carefully weighing these considerations will help you choose a computer system that is reliable and efficient for audio recording and virtual instrument production. I really only scratched the surface here and there are all kinds of other things to consider, but I hope this helps a little. Avid, the company who develops ProTools has also gone through a transition and unfortunately, I don't know where that's going to lead us in terms of accessibility. I love using ProTools and I am primarily working in Ventura and Monterey operating systems, on newer silicon M1 and M2 models. Like I mentioned in the first paragraph, Apple has released their latest operating system and is probably delivering that with their new computers. I would be mindful of this as well as other things.

If you're not familiar with ProTools and need to learn more about how to use it from the perspective of a screenreader user, follow this link:

 

Respectfully,

Steve Baskis

On Nov 6, 2023, at 21:52, 'Ralph Peterson' via Pro Tools Accessibility <ptac...@googlegroups.com> wrote:

Hi, I’m completely new here. I previously recorded an album using cakewalk Sonar with the dancing dots cake talking scripts. I found it to be an excellent system but the support seems to have run dry several years ago. I am now looking for something for the future, and I am wondering if it would be wise for me to get one of the top MacBooks available at the moment and put Protools on it? Which MacBook would people recommend or am I better using a desktop machine? Thanks. 

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[Ralph]

Hi, thanks for quick reply……

I usually record live guitar, live vocal with drum samples, base and Keyboard samples…………

After visiting an Apple Store today, I have just about made a U-turn in my thinking and I am thinking about buying a Mac studio from new……… apparently all the new Macintosh computers have solid state drives these days.

It may be about 4 to 6 months before I buy the computer, When you say that ProTools isn’t compatible with the brand-new Mac operating system, do you actually mean ProTools itself or do you mean the “flow tools” assist package thing?

Also, you sound a little concerned about what’s happening with the company that develops ProTools……… Are you concerned that they might be wanting to sell the product on to a different company or something like that? I’m just wondering what your concerns might be? This will be a very expensive investment for me, so if there are any doubts I need to be looking for other alternatives to use as a a blind recording engineer………

Thanks.

[Steve Baskis]

Apologies for the length of my last message; I aimed to provide comprehensive information due to the significant investment at stake. I have heavily invested in Avid’s equipment and software myself. As an update, the company behind Pro Tools has indeed been acquired; for more details, here’s a relevant link: STG Completes Acquisition of Avid Technology   

Despite these substantial changes, including Apple’s hardware updates and Avid’s acquisition, I believe accessibility will be preserved. Visually impaired users have experienced bugs, which Avid is progressively addressing. However, with such a significant shift, there’s uncertainty around the company’s culture and development process in my personal opinion. I remain hopeful, having invested considerable money and time into this digital audio workstation.

Regarding Pro Tools, it operates on a subscription basis with three tiers. For serious work, I suggest Pro Tools Studio or Pro Tools Ultimate subscriptions. It’s worth researching whether perpetual licenses are available for long-term use, allowing you to avoid subscription fees. With a perpetual license, you own the software and can use it indefinitely without additional costs for updates. If you choose this route, it’s wise not to update your Mac’s OS to avoid compatibility issues. Perpetual licenses often come with support and update plans, ensuring your Pro Tools version stays current and you receive Avid support.

Other digital audio workstations to consider include Reaper and Logic Pro. The latter, developed by Apple, is widely used by blind and visually impaired users. Reaper, is accessible on both Mac and PC, if you decide to go that route. Both logic Pro and reaper have great communities for learning when it comes to blind and visually impaired users. Visit https://logic.band/ or https://groups.io/g/rwp/topics to learn more.  

Investing in a Mac remains a solid choice in my view.

Here’s a direct link to Avid’s description of the Pro Tools subscription tiers, where ‘Pro Tools Flex’ refers to ‘Pro Tools Ultimate’: Avid Introduces New Pro Tools Subscription Offerings 

To verify Avid Pro Tools compatibility with your hardware or macOS, follow this link and subscribe to the blog for ongoing updates: Pro Tools System Requirements and Compatibility

To ensure clarity, the latest Mac operating system, Sonoma, is currently incompatible with ProTools software. The timeline for ProTools compatibility with the latest Mac OS Sonoma remains uncertain to me. My educated guess is Avid Pro Tools will be trying to release a compatible version here within the next six months.

Regarding Flo Tools, I am using it without any major issues on macOS Monterey and macOS Ventura. Most users are running the latest version of ProTools & Flo Tools on macOS Monterey or macOS Ventura, both of which were released prior to Sonoma. 

Hope this helps,

Steve Baskis 

On Nov 7, 2023, at 21:06, 'Ralph' via Pro Tools Accessibility <ptac...@googlegroups.com> wrote:



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