So anyone who is an audio engineer using ProTools knows that DigiDesign is usually the last company to update their software for a new Operating System. Being an experienced ProTools LE for Windows user I am always hesitant to upgrade my system.
DigiDesign’s lack of prompt support for Windows Vista drivers has kept me on XP Pro, which keeps me happy due to the fact Windows Vista pretty much sucks up all the resources needed for ProTools. But the fact that Apple’s new snow leopard is going to have compatibility issues with ProTools is of grave concern to me.
As much as I am Pro Windows, I do respect the MAC Operating system. It has two particular uses that I find it superior, Audio and Video Engineering. Anyone who is serious about recording audio in a professional setting has a MAC (Except me). They have it for ease of use; reliability while recording; as well as other “idiot proof” features. As for me, I know what it takes for any program to run correctly. My PC that I use to record is a dedicated ProTools PC, stripped down of anything and everything requiring resources, so that ProTools can work at its fullest potential.
According to PCworld.com Snow Leopard will cause the same ProTools compatibility problems for PC with the MAC OS. With the way snow leopard is being pushed on the MAC community, there could be potentially many failures on MAC based home recording studios that upgrade without looking into the consequences. I know you’re probably calling them dumbasses while you read this. But why does DigiDesign lag so much? Why doesn’t Stevie Jobs tackle into consideration how large the percentage of Audio and Video Engineers use his product and help the transition?
What are your thoughts on the DigiDesign Latency Problem that all of us Audio and Video Engineers have???
*************************UPDATE*****************************
It has been reported by Kawnar that Snow Leopard will also effect your files on Logic Pro, Im currently trying to talk more in depth with him about the topic to see if we can come to a temporary fix for the studios out there
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Having just erred in upgrading to 10.6 without testing compatibility, I guess I qualify as one of the dumbasses who thought that Apple might be a bit more in touch with their professional audio user base. Perhaps they believe that with their Logic Pro available, we will all just drop our Pro Tools, but they couldn’t be further out of touch. The training investment and the workflow familiarity will keep me from switching. Which brings us back to the central question, are Apple developers so indoctrinated in their own products that they didn’t anticipate the consequences? Could be, but let’s hope they wake up to the reality that the Pro Tools issues DO reflect on their hardware and software. Like the TV ads imply, Mac users just want their system to work, without a lot of administration and vendor finger pointing.
Avid is certainly not blameless, having fired all of the development team for Pro Tools 8. Scott Church won’t be around to fix this problem any time soon, he’s moved on. So I’m currently formatting a disk to install Leopard 10.5.8 so I can get back to where I was several days ago. I won’t be holding my breath for a quick Avid fix since I don’t look great with a blue complexion and I think Avid wants to merge Media Composer and Pro Tools anyway. I guess leading edge audio and video engineers are doomed to using trailing edge computer technology. Any other thoughts?
Ken,
I’m with you 110%, i really feel that Apple should do more especially with their its so easy campaigns, to make the merge for their professionals easier.
Personally i am a techy, so i usually don’t upgrade anything until the first service pack or update comes out to fix the “Rel Life” Bugs not the “Beta Break It” Bugs. As a matter of Fact i havent even went to ProTools 8 because of everything working so great with 7.4.
I guess i look at it at a more Marco perspective in respect to “if its not broke don’t fix it” sort of thing. Unless the new version offers something that will severely save me time in my work. So unless they offer it i usually stay 1 version behind!!
Hopefully for us, we will be able to run ProTools 8 on Snow Leopard here in the near future.