upgrade control surface or computer? your thoughts

[sleshnyc@gmail.com]

currently running an hdx system on a mac 5,1 os 10.14.6. Control surface is a d command. pro tools ultimate 2023.3
I just do music, no video. I've got some money to spend and am debating upgrading computer or my control surface to the s1 setup.

I'm thinking computer but that requires buying an external chassis for my card and all new drives. Though i do think it's pushing its limits with 2023.

any thoughts?

[its2loud]

If you upgrade your computer to a new Mac, be forewarned that you will then need to update Pro Tools depending on your current version. If you update Pro Tools to the current version then you will not be able to use your D-Command unless you run Pro Tools under Rosetta.

[originalscottyg]

My 2¢: upgrade the computer to a Mac Studio M2, unless you have the coin for the new Mac Pro (you'd save on a PCIe chassis, but still spend much more). Run it in Rosetta for now, continuing to use the D Command under Rosetta. While you're waiting for all of your needed plugins to go AAX Apple Silicon native (hello Altiverb?!), save up for the EuCon upgrade, or research into whether Neyrinck V-Control Pro would give you enough functionality from the D Command to continue using it (I'm guessing not and EuControl integration is fantastic!).

[sleshnyc@gmail.com]

Originally Posted by its2loud

If you upgrade your computer to a new Mac, be forewarned that you will then need to update Pro Tools depending on your current version. If you update Pro Tools to the current version then you will not be able to use your D-Command unless you run Pro Tools under Rosetta.

i'm on the latest 2023.3 ultimate

[sleshnyc@gmail.com]

Originally Posted by originalscottyg

My 2¢: upgrade the computer to a Mac Studio M2, unless you have the coin for the new Mac Pro (you'd save on a PCIe chassis, but still spend much more). Run it in Rosetta for now, continuing to use the D Command under Rosetta. While you're waiting for all of your needed plugins to go AAX Apple Silicon native (hello Altiverb?!), save up for the EuCon upgrade, or research into whether Neyrinck V-Control Pro would give you enough functionality from the D Command to continue using it (I'm guessing not and EuControl integration is fantastic!).

so you're saying my d command will no longer work with my new computer once i'm using silicon native, which i think most of my plugins are.
or i have to keep using it under rosetta.
Thank you

[its2loud]

Originally Posted by sleshnyc@gmail.com

so you're saying my d command will no longer work with my new computer once i'm using silicon native, which i think most of my plugins are.
or i have to keep using it under rosetta.
Thank you

Correct. At least not without any additional software from Neyrink.

https://duc.avid.com/showthread.php?t=422931

[climber]

new computer is best long term purchase decision

[Rich Breen]

A slightly contrarian view: If I could only do one right now, and *if* the computer is running well, I think the move into the Eucon world with its deep integration into Pro Tools and programmable soft keys might make more of a difference to your workflow than a new computer. That said, at some point soon you're gonna *have* to upgrade your computer; ARA integration, new TC/E algos, etc all make a big difference but do require a jump up in processing power.

[zakco]

I just made the leap. Mac Pro 5.1 on PT 12.4 with a D-Command to a Mac Mini M2 Pro on PT 2023 with 2-S1s and a Dock.

Short version, it's been a smooth transition and I'm enjoying learning to use the new surfaces and Eucon in general. It's incredibly powerful and I'm very impressed with eucon. I'm generally very happy with the move.

But...it's a HUGE step downward in the quality of hardware. The D-Command faders are in a completely different class. SO much better than the S1, And the dock, while the fader is apparently the same as the S1, the chassis is not and it rattles around (as do the switches near the fader) like a $10 toy. It's also mechanically very noisy on slow fades. I called my dealer and they said that everyone complains about this. It's unfortunately normal. I've gotten used to banking away from any channels that are drawing slow fades.

Also, while the Dock's 8 knobs are very useful when combined with a tablet, it is nowhere close to the ease of using the EQ section on the D-Command. Losing that has been a tough pill to swallow, but over time I'm sure I'll get more comfortable EQing on the Dock. Not sure I'll ever get used to the fader on the Dock!

[Ben Jenssen]

For channelstrip buscomp controller, I think the SSL UC1 is as good as it gets. It's locked to the SSL Native plugins, but I think they're up there with the best. My Artist Mix controllers together with UC1 is brilliant. Never missed a Dock. I mean, I think a UC1 would complement your S1s better than the Dock.