NEWBIE DP Convert Which I/O?

[Mickdoo22]

Hey all.......thrilled to have found this site.
For the last few years, I have been a Pro Tools guy....although I have had DP 2.6 for many years, and have used it for all my MIDI work since I bought it back in 1999. I have honestly grown tired of the Digidesign arrogance and they way they treat their users. I am also fed up with the bugs, quirks, and holes in PT LE platform. I have always been a huge fan of DP 2.6 for the MIDI side of things, and although I have never used the DAW side, I am hopeful to find an improved way of working over my PT rig.
I work mainly in MIDI.....I have a huge collection of synths that I will never part with, so the MIDI side of DP will suit me to a T. I am confident the audio side will be fairly intuitive.
Sorry for the ramble.....now my question.......I need to decide fast what I want to use for an I/O as my upgrade arrived and I want to get cracking. I basically work alone for the most part. I will run all my synths virtually, and will use PT for recording guitars and vocals only. So I don't need a ton of inputs. I was considering the Traveler MKIII. WIth my PT LE system, I have the Digi 002, which to be honest, I have grown to love. I have read nothing but horror stories about how that wont work with DP.....and to be honest, I think I would prefer to leave it configured for my PT set-up, and get something discrete for DP. Are there any options similar to the DIGI 002 that will work seamlessly with DP?
My set up:
New Macbook Pro 2.66,ghz, 4 gig RAM, Midiexpress XT.

[FMiguelez]

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If you don't like PT anymore, and are thinking of buying a dedicated DP I/O system, why not dropping PT altogether and working everything in DP?

I would start by checking MOTU's site. I suppose your choice will be dictated by what EXACTLY you wish to achieve (how many I/O you need, if you need digital I/O, etc.). They really have a lot of choices, and I'm sure one of them will fit you nicely.

Check them out, and once you reduce your possible choices, I suggest you ask more specific questions.

Or would you be planning on synching PT and DP? Are you sure about that? Why would you like to record the audio in PT and work the MIDI in DP? (just curious. MAybe you have a very good reason for this that I didn't get).

[Phil O]

Although MOTU makes some great hardware, don't feel locked into just because you're moving to DP. There's a lot of good stuff that works seamlessly with DP. I have two original 828s and an Apogee Rosetta 800. I've used each or combinations of them with no problems. Do your homework before you buy, and get what best suits your needs. When you decide what you think you want, drop a note here and see if anyone has the same unit and discuss pros/cons. And welcome aboard!

Phil

[Splinter]

The 002 has terrible converters... sorry. I would lose it as soon as possible. Being a MOTU guy for so long, I've had two incarnations of the 2408s. The MkI was terrible (like the 002), the MkIII was a bit better, but then I got an HD192 - it was like unplugging my ears. It was night and day. Seriously.

Recently, I built a small setup for home. I purchased an Apogee Duet.

I had a location recording date several months ago that only required 2 inputs, so I took the Duet. I recorded a 1917 Steinway that was in immaculate condition and it sounded huge - larger than life - with the Apogees using the built in pres. The year before I recorded the same piano with the same mics in the same position using a two channel Langevin preamp (that's $700 per channel) through a 002 and it sounded like a cardboard box. I kid you not!

I haven't compared the Apogees to the HD192 yet, but all I can say is you will never regret sinking good money into good converters. I used to rag on Apogees all the time for being overpriced, but the difference is staggering. Just can't wait to get some Lavrys.

[Mickdoo22]

Let me clarify.....I do plan on moving to DP 100%, although I will hold onto my PT system because I have so many projects with it.
I had previously used the MIDI side of DP 2.6 when I was syncing with ADATS for the audio. I loved DP for the MIDI, and I am hoping the transition from PT will be easy because I know the DP MIDI side so well.
As for the I/O...I guess I liked the idea of sticking with the MOTU stuff because of the easy integration. etc.. I haven't heard anything negative about the Traveler MKIII, and it fits my needs as far as inputs/outputs. I will have to check out the Apogee stuff......it certainly gives me another option.
I am glad I found this board, there is a ton of good info and knowledge here!

[wynsmth]

If you only need 2 channels I highly recommend the Metric Halo ULN2 or any of the other I/O boxes they make. They are rock solid, sound great & integrate very well with DP.