M-Audio w/Ableton VS M-Box w/Protools

[CrispyDelicious]

Which would you suggest for someone delving into recording? They both have affordable bundles at various levels of complexity(mostly revolving around the number of tracks you can simultaneously record), the major difference being the software included. It's a purchase I'm looking to make within a month or two, so I want time to sit on it before I pull the trigger. If you think one or the other would be ideal for a home recording beginner, please let me know why. Note: I have no experience with either program. I want only to write drum tracks and record bass/vocals/theremin/guitar; essentially make basic demos, and finally put to CD the piles of stuff I have locked away in my head. I've been given the impression that Ableton is significantly more user-friendly than Protools (especially for beginners).

Thanks in advance.

[infinitetoast]

I think Ableton is friendlier all around. Any bundled copy of Pro Tools I have ever received has not allowed me to save my work, it only allowed me to try out the software. Conversely bundled copies of Ableton LE have had plenty of functionality; multiple audio and midi tracks, the Impulse drum machine, and lots of samples to play with.

The work flow is different from a more traditional DAW like Pro Tools, Cubase, Sonar, Garageband, but it is really easy to warm up to. I've tried all of the above and stuck with Ableton. The bundled copy also came with a coupon which gave me a $150 discount on the full version.

[Ziltoid]

Carrots, just because I don't know anything

[MakiSupaStar]

I had the M Audio interface and I use Ableton Live 7, the full version. The Mbox does not play well with DAW programs other than Protools. With Live, I could only ever get the interface to record 1 track at a time, while it would record multiple tracks with ProTools LE. If you're looking for a good entry level solution check out the Line 6 toneport. It comes bundled with their famous amp models (way better than the amp models bundled with GarageBand), and Ableton Live LE. If you like LE, then you can consider purchasing the full version of Live. Right now I'm running the MOTU 8 pre with Live 7. I got rid of the MBox mini (2 track version). I've been very happy with the MOTU/Live setup.

[bullshark]

I would suggest to choose the interface that fits your need, then hop over to http://www.cockos.com/reaper/index.php and give Reaper a try. The demo is unlimited, if you like it it only cost you 60 buck to license it after 30 days.

I use Live Lite often, I like it for use as a kind of loop box, lots of fun, but I don't like tracking and mixing with it, I prefer Reaper for that. PT M-powered? Bleh, you're stuck with using their hardware ON TOP of having to deal with a stupid dongle.

[CrispyDelicious]

I keep hearing more and more about Reaper. Essentially I want to be able to write drum tracks and record bass/guitar/vocals/theremin overtop. Would Reaper plus EzDrummer accomplish this? I aim to keep it as simple as possible in that I want as few programs as is necessary to accomplish my goal. If I could write all my drum tracks with EzDrummer and record my instruments and edit it all in reaper, I'd be a happy Crispy.

That said, aside from Reaper, the vast majority of people I talk to suggest Ableton Live as a great "all in one" program - though the price is not so wonderful. (around 500 bones)

For now I'm using a tascam us122l and cubase sx3 that i picked up for super cheap and cubase is just not for me, and its stock drums are terrible. I need something user friendly and not a bazillion dollars, for when I go from noodling to "serious home recording".

[bullshark]

The price of Live isn't so wonderful, and it doesn't end there because after the initial purchase price you still have to pony up for almost yearly upgrade fee. You could say "I'm keeping my current version" but it really doesn't work like that in the computer world when we have to deal with unfixed bugs, changing operating system and plug-in compatibility.

And yeah, to answer your question, piece of cake in Reaper; it's a deep program with truckload of options and possibilities, but you can keep it simple if all you want is to mix a few track over top of EZD. And you can't beat the price AND on-obtrusive copy protection(there's none) .

Another option that might be good is the new Presonus StudioOne that they bundle with their hardware since you don't have hardware right now. Problem with that is the Artist version that they bundle can't load VST's, so you'd have to pony up for the pro version.

[Lurker79]

Ableton and M audio.

[adammazza]

There are a few M-Audio interfaces that allow you to use ProTools M-Powered. I have a Profire 2626 and use a combination of Cubase, and ProTools. If I wanted to I could use Ableton as well. I think you'll have more options with a M-Audio interface.

Adam