I have a very old version of Performer but I am not completely set on upgrading. I am trying to decide what Host package to purchase. I am looking for something that is intuitive to use (not a program that forces you out of a creative mind set to operate the program), plug-ins (VST, etc), SMTE capable, and a flexible hardware interface.

I don't use a Mac but if I did I'd probably head straight for DP,now that instrument support is supposed to be better integrated.Plus I think it's the only Mac host app that still requires a serial as opposed to dongles and other messy registration.On the PC I use Sonar which is the same in that regard,and I notice both apps are very intuitive GUI-wise.I used Steinbergs Nuendo for about a year but couldn't deal with the endless problems,and saw many simalar Mac problems posted as well on the forum.You might also wan't to check out the new version of Bias's Deck as well, which looks really interesting.

Thanks Alan for your response! I spoke to MOTU last night about support within DP for plug-ins other than the native MAS plug-ins. He expressed to me that the Wrapper technology is out there to use VSTi in DP. Although he did say that they cannot guarentee their stability. I don't want to limit myself to only MAS plug-ins.

For drum tracks, I am interersted in a type of drum program like Steinberg's VST Groove Agent. He mentioned a program native to DP called Styllus.

I am going to purchase a MAC G5 with as much memory as I can afford.

Thanks again,
Tony

vattiap wrote:

I don't want to limit myself to only MAS plug-ins.

DP also supports Audio Units and Digidesigns TDM cards as well as Mas,so that would give you 2 choices for VST adapters,the Audio Ease VST-Mas adapter or FXpansion VST-AU adapter.By the way,I demo'd Groove Agent and wasn't impressed at all,especially the samples.I'm much more interested in FXpansion's BFD http://www.fxpansion.com/product-bfd-main.php which comes in AU so it'll be directly supported in DP.Anyway,just thought I'd clear a couple of things up and make the desicion harder.

Alan,

I really appreciate your help and info. I've been playing for a long time and have only used Midi sequencing. So I am basically a novice at this newer technology. I have decided to upgrade to DP and buy the 828mkII.

I recently visited Big Fish Audio and was really pleased to hear all the excellent samples and loops. I was wondering if it was a big deal to import say a drum loop in DP and to make it be in sync with Performers clock (of course trying to match tempo as much as possible).

Thanks again,
Tony

Not if you've got a beat-slicer, it wouldn't be.

Stylus is a great product, but its principal function is cool-sounding vinyl grooves. If you want acoustic drums, BFD would be a good choice (and much much better value than Groove Agent).

Phaedo and Alan,

Please give me your recommendation for a beat slicer.

Is BFD the manufacturer? what is the product name?

Hey thanks for all you info and help!
Tony

Well, BFD is here:

http://www.fxpansion.com/product-bfd-main.php

As for beatslicer's, I have no idea whatsoever. I've got Kontakt, which comes with one, so I use that. However, there's loads of others. Note that Groove Control libraries don't require the use of a beatslicer.

Thanks Phaedo for your info. I will check out BFD and the beat slicer technology.