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View Full Version : What Software Do The "Big Guys" Use?

MVG
04-11-2005, 07:32 AM
I've got Cubase SX3 on my pc. As I was tinkering around it with the other day I got to wondering...

If I were to go to major recording studio in L.A. or Nashville or N.Y.C. what software would they be using? Does anybody know if the big boys use SX3? Or does Steinberg, or Pro Tools for that matter, make way-high top end software for pro studios that the rest of us mortals can't afford? Any chance I am working with the same basic stuff the Mutt Lange uses?

Just wondering. Anybody know?
Dan Desy
04-11-2005, 08:51 AM
From what I hear, most big guys use Pro-Tools. Not sure what advantages of ProTools has over SX3 or whatever. Another big difference is probably the hardware they use. Not jut a basic PC/Mac with a sound card... :)
Mike Dresch
04-11-2005, 09:32 AM
All the big guys use Pro Tools HD systems, or HD accel systems. You can get all of the same functionallity with a Pro Tools Digi 002 system, just not as many tracks and you'll be limited on plug ins to what your computer can handle. I am running a 002 and it works very well. In fact, I recorded, mixed and mastered a disc that will very possibly be on either Metal Blade or Victory records (with an outside chance of Roadrunner as well, keeping my fingers crossed on that one!). That sound quality coming out is no different than the big rigs, it's just the sound going in you have to be careful with.
OneMileWish
04-11-2005, 01:17 PM
All the "big" studios I've been to in L.A. have been using ProTools HD systems or Logic.
Quinny
04-11-2005, 03:26 PM
A lot of studios also use Pro Tools hardware with a different software package on the front end. Pro Tools interfaces + Logic is a very popular combination. Pro Tools sounds great but I've never been terribly keen on the software myself, so I run Logic out front as well.

Saying that, a lot of big big studios use gear like Apogee or mind-bogglingly highly-spec'd custom A/D converters. But alas some use good ol magnetic tape and a full end-to-end analogue chain..... which sounds best? Now there's a discussion..... :)

Q.
SteveK
04-11-2005, 06:12 PM
Don't know if any of the "big guys" use it, but the Steinberg product above Cubase SX3 is Nuendo. I'm running SX3 also, and will be adding the UAD Ultra Pack real soon.


http://www.uaudio.com/products/digital/projectpak/index.html
GaryNattrass
04-12-2005, 04:20 AM
In the UK it is generally:

Pro-Tools for Music audio recording

Logic for Midi programming

Ams Neve Audiofile and Pro-Tools for Film and TV audio work
MVG
04-12-2005, 07:41 AM
I knew you guys would know. Thanks. :)
Axemeister
04-12-2005, 03:33 PM
Don't know if any of the "big guys" use it, but the Steinberg product above Cubase SX3 is Nuendo. I'm running SX3 also, and will be adding the UAD Ultra Pack real soon.


http://www.uaudio.com/products/digital/projectpak/index.html

I was just talking to an engineer at a commercial studio who said that they they are starting to look at Nuendo. He thinks that it is product that will be getting more attention on the Pro level in the future.
Hard2Hear
04-16-2005, 11:17 AM
Pros have been "looking" at Nuendo for about 5 years now. It has passed its point of really catching on big time. Biggest reason is that the entire program is counter-intuitive to Pro Tools.

Any major studio pretty much HAS to have Pro Tools these days. If not, they have a place that rents Pro Tools rigs on their speeddial. You can't have artists and producers with projects going on and experience in Pro Tools and expect them to try your "different" software program. It would take them completely out of the loop.

H2H