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View Full Version : I need advice on a DAW route - Digi002 vs Apogee Ensemble



KennyC
04-19-2006, 12:15 PM
Ok,

I am about to invest in a project studio. My budget is $5,500. I am planning on using my powerbook as a primary goal is to keep this setup mobil. The powerbook is 1.5Ghz with 1.25Gb of ram.

I was all set to get a Digi 002 rack when someone told me that apogee was about to release the ensemble. I love Apogee converters, but am less than impressed (crap) with the Digi converters and preamps.

clearly, if hardware was my only dilemma I would go with the Apogee unit, hands down.

Regarding Pro Tools le, I have heard horror stories regarding its tremendous use of the cpu when applying plugins. Furthermore, I have heard that to think you can decently mix a song with the plugins included in the factory bundle is foolish and pure gullibility. Can anyone shed some light on this?

I've played around with Logic express (Logic Pro is the native software for the Apogee unit), and I did like it. Although, what worries me is that it strikes me more as a midi sequencing program, rather than an audio tracking and production program. The plugins included with it out of the box though (for logic pro) are extensive.

The pro tools factory bundle and digi 002 rack comes to about $1,300 where as the apogee ensemble and logic pro would run me about $2,500. Keep in mind I still have to buy mics, an 8 ch pre like a mackie onyx 800, cables & stands, and some monitors

So what would everyone reccommend that I do? It seems I have the choice between good hardware vs industry standard software that was designed for audio production that comes at a lower price tag (unless in reality i need to buy an additional $1k worth of plugins).

???

Edit - I forgot to mention (even though it was implied) that the primary use of this DAW setup will be to track high quality demos for bands on location at their rehearsal space.

Joseph Hanna
04-20-2006, 09:05 PM
Furthermore, I have heard that to think you can decently mix a song with the plugins included in the factory bundle is foolish and pure gullibility.

Such a strange statement??? You can decently mix with two sticks and a rock if you're a good engineer. That said the DigiRack plug-in's are very capable. More capable than most can take advantage of.

Seriously there are so many elements to your post I'm not sure where to begin. It does (however) sound like you have your mind made up. You included the word "crap" in your descirption of the 002.

Both systems are infinately capable. I'd be shocked if the converters or pre's made any appreciable difference in a rehearsal space situation. In the end the room and the talent is much more likely a factor than the converters will ever be.