Because it just does. Ok now, this has got to **** somebody off, let's get it on!

Now, there's the Jeremy we all know and love!
ceb

Well, I'm not sure about abreviations, but normally an " 's " is informing of possession. Of course it also is used when a contraction is used such as "don't" or "ain't". In this case, however, one might make the case that perhaps the title of the topic is just not complete. The word "blow" in the topic might be construed as a noun instead of a verb. In this case, "PT" would be the total abreviation of "ProTools" (being used as an adjective) and the " 's " would indicate that "blow" would be the noun that "ProTools" describes or modifies. Then one could finish the title of the post in the manner...
"Why does PT's Blow... feel so good?"
Or not.

I don't think ProTools "blows" per se - just think that there are better sounding alternatives. I prefer (remember I said "prefer") the sound of RADAR, Nuendo, a well maintained, well aligned analog machine. But this subject has been debated here and in many other forums - if you can capture a great performance on ProTools and it translates into a compelling recording, more power to you.

This is, indeed, a mystery. I think that Jeremy is allowing us to use our imaginations and conjure up an ending to the incomplete question. Then again, how can we be sure just what "PT" stands for? Up here in southwest CT, we're all very familiar with PT Barnum, the renowned circus promoter from Bridgeport. Now, I have no conclusive evidence to support this theory, but perhaps Mr. Barnum had a cocaine habit on which Jeremy is attempting to shed some light. I will certainly delve deeper into this matter and get back to you as details come forth.

Ok I'll bite.

Few would argue, Digidesign Protools is the DAW used by the majority of major artists/studios. Lenny Kravitz is known for using Protools for many years. Protools Core and Farm PCI cards use a technology called TDM (Time Division Multiplexing) which allows real-time operation of DSP (Digital Signal Processing). Essentially this means you can plug-and-play as many eq, compressor and effects plugins as your DSP allows. You can really pile on tracks and tracks with many, many instances of plugins with Protools and it records and plays with great reliability. Protools also has excellent editing of both audio and midi files. Some would argue the midi implementation is not the greatest in Protools - personally I find it very easy to use.
Protools plugins are often refered to as TDM or RTAS (real time audio suite). Protools does use the CPU power of your computer but it doesn't weight down the processor like other DAWs on a PC can. The Macintosh OS (in my opinion OS9) is particulary well suited for handling large amounts of audio. If you've ever had a DAW program choke or crash on you - with the right Protools setup - you really never experience this. That's why it still is the pro's choice - it's rock solid. You can also exchange Protools sessions with other major studios, producers or engineers.

Why do some people (such as Jeremy) poo-poo Protools. Mainly because it's expensive. Really to get a Protools setup with computer interface and some plugins like Waves you need $15,000. Is this a lot of money for a DAW? Sure. But once you've tried Protools and spent some time learning what it can do - other DAWs look like crap. I personally have yet to see a PC DAW where you can hear the signal effected directly through the software with no latency (delay). I dig Nuendo but would hate to have to track with it because of the latency. Also, Windows OS - including XP really isn't great when tracking many simulatneous tracks (e.g. 16 tracks simultaneos at 44.1/24bit). Chokes, stalls and crashes - very common when you try this. Why? well, remember - Nuendo is relying on the power of your PC's CPU which is busy handling video and other tasks - Protools has it's own hardware taking care of it.

If you're not convinced, spend a day with a real Protools engineer at tracking and mixing. For so many people - it's how you get work done.

A lot of people on here prefer hard disk recorders. I respect that they just don't feel comfortable using computers to track. But I can tell you - with Protools - tracking is a lot more fun and functional. You can see in real time for example if your drummer is in time with the click track and, if you're good at editing, you can fix mistakes during tracking and verify if they're fixable or if they need to be re-recorded. That's the power of Protools.

Sorry Jeremy, but when you say Protools sucks - you don't know what you're talking about.

Are there things I'd don't like about Protools, sure. Here's a few...

- not really VST or VSTi compatible
- expensive/some plugins are really expensive
- no cd burning utility built in
- have to bounce in real-time
- interfaces hardware expensive and don't offer the most flexible expansion without spending more
- company is inflexible with upgrades - they stick to whatever dates they post to the exact date.

I'm sure there's more. But if you need a really good reason to go Protools - here's one...

Be compatible with pro studios.

This is more of a question than a reply.

For you PT guys...
I've got a bunch of external MIDI boxes.
With DP, they all show up including patch names.
The MIDI editing works really well and they all play with good timing.
I've always heard that PT has somewhat primitive MIDI implementation.
If I spent the $15,000 would PT see my synths and patchlists?

Didn't someone win big on Jeopardy with this answer?
I believe the catagory was "Daw She Blows!" and the 1000 dollar puzzle was "Because it's overpriced and the company has an elitist attitude".

"ummm .. Why does Pro Tool's blow Alex?"



I have a PT HD192 system that I use when clients demand it but I prefer to work with DP 3.11 and do so 90% of the time as I find PT's limited graphics/window layout a PITA.
To be fair I have friends who consider DPs complex window layout a PITA and prefer PTs because of it.
FWIW I don't do any MIDI and primarily work at 24/44.1.

Dig guys. When you're talking about how PT "sounds", remember this: The sound you get into PT depends solely on the path you take to get there. This is also true with Hard Disk recorders such as the MX2424(my choice). Once you get there, PT is probably quite nice at managing and maneuvering your tracks. So,if you want your music to sound good, invest in the best DA/AD converter you can get as well as mic pre's and microphones. I personalloy recommend recording all basic tracks analog and then transferring(via the top ADDA) to whatever digital format you want.

Yes guy's, i'm glad to see your expanding your horizons with just the topic itself. Finally a good laugh. It's been alittle boring around here lately. Lenny Cravets? No wonder his music blows, he uses blow tools. Ahhhh, this feels so good.