In the beginning it was Cubase. Version 1.0 running solidly on the Atari 1040 STE. I’ve more processing oomph in my digital watch these days than a whole rack full of STE’s could offer. Still, there’s no way I’m going to flame Cubase and it’s humble origins. It was then and still is a Legend and Steinberg fully deserve their status amongst the ranks.
As I’ve said in early posts, I’ve spent many years rolling along the Cubase Highway following it’s progressions; developing my techniques with the technological advancements each new Version would offer. When I switched to the Macbook in 2007 though I also switched to Pro Tools and left Cubase by the roadside.

So there I was, All Pro Tool’d up and feeling like I was sat in some high-octane Studio in downtown LA. Initially all went well, you know, just like when you first start dating a new lover. Neither can do no wrong and as you start getting to know each other a little more intimately you begin to build up a picture of the ‘real’ beast you have got into bed with.

So what’s this then, am I flaming Pro Tools now? Well no I’m not.

I’ve spent 3 Years with Pro Tools now. There’s been ups and downs just like in any relationship but all in all, She’s treated me well and we have made some sweet music together and will definitely continue to do so. Every Engineer, Producer, Slicer, Dicer etc. Has his own way of working. Some love Hardware, Some like it Soft, Some make Music out of rubbish they find at the local tip. Whatever floats your boat. Personally my nirvana is a mixture of Hard and Soft Studio Environments which I would envisage is the same as 90% of the Music manglers out there.

I upgraded to Cubase 5 at Xmas. I thought I needed it. I missed her. We’d spent so many years together, how could I have just abandoned her by the roadside in favour of the more talked about American rival. So back she came, with all her new features and offerings of endless musical mash creation. Woah, now just hold on a minute their love. Do I really need you back in my life?
Well the long and short answer I have discovered is No. So her bags are packed and she’s off to a new home with Jim over in Leeds.
Cubase 5 is a Monster. It’s got it all and more. But that’s just it. So has everything else. I’m sorry Ms Cubase but I can’t feed your constant demands anymore. I like your new look but I’m sorry, I’ve been cheating on you for years.

Let me tell you about Pro Tools and it’s shortcomings. Well, for me anyway, the biggest gripe is the lack of delay and latency compensation on the channel strips during recording. A simple explanation of this is that I am unable to run any plug-ins in real-time during the recording process on the armed capture channel. For me, recording dry is colourless and totally uncreative. Having plugs processing your signal in real-time during capture and audition seems totally necessary. Imagine a guitarist having to play a wah-driven riff into the box dry then add the wah-effect later. A slightly misleading example as the wah pedal will of course be in the signal chain before the capture unit but you get my drift. Plug-ins equal creativity and they should be available anytime, everywhere.

So what’s my solution?

Well, I’ve got to say I’m still happily having an affair with the sexy swedish blonde that I’ve come to love as Propellerhead Software. She will let you do anything, anywhere at anytime. She’s solid as a rock, more creative than a box full of art students and pretty as a picture. With Reason 5 and Record 1.5 due out in a few weeks I’m already stocking the fridge with extra beer for those dirty late night sessions.
She’s my kind of girl. She’ll happily team up for a twosome with Pro Tools via the Rewire protocol, then when we’ve finished our sweet musical love making she’ll seamlessly export all my stems out with one key-stroke so I can pipe them into Harrison Mixbus.
So that’s me. Three women on the go and each one of them totally satisfied. As I am.