I just do not understand Pro Tools

Someone please tell me the basics about Pro Tools! If this has already been posted or something (I couldn't find it with search) Then I'll happily delete the thread so it doesn't up my post count, but, I am so confused. I have Logic express, and I want to use Pro Tools as well, to see which I like better. I go to Digidesign's website and I'm looking at all this pro tools stuff.. It's all audio interfaces and hardware and stuff! Isn't Pro Tools a program? I thought it was a program very similar to Logic except in certain places (like features and interface) that I could purchase and use to see which I liked better. I'm getting an Apogee Duet a little later this year for my recording needs (hopefully it'll last me most of my life, from what I hear, it's a very nice product), which I know is a Logic-oriented product, but I want to be fair. I know more professional musicians (I think?) use Pro Tools than like Logic and Cubase and stuff, but can someone clear this up to me..Exactly what is pro tools...?

Also, when someone responds to this, I have another question:

Is there like a certain type of person I could go to to ask for help with determining what kind of stuff I should buy to set up a very basic recording studio type thing? Just wondering if there's a certain career that is heavily involved with that kind of stuff that I could seek someone out of that job to ask for some help...thanks.

All right, that makes sense, I suppose...So I guess Pro Tools isn't something I'll be owning myself then. Atleast not now. What is GC, by the way?

Well, the Duet isn't a 100% given. But considering I already own Logic, love the interface, and need a high-quality audio interface (and the Duet happens to be made for Logic), as well as the fact that it won't be 'til I'm out of college for a while before I can start working on a recording studio of my own (My dream is when I get my house, I will have my own small studio in my basement. Still nothing super-elabourate, but good enough for a dedicated hobby). That's all a ways off. Can anybody give me any really big reasons why a Duet plus my Logic and such isn't a good combo? Or why Pro Tools would be better? Just wondering what all my options are, and why..

Drumjim85 said:

logic and the duet will be a good combo to get started with. But this hobby is very expensive, and you'll probably find the duet isnt going to meet your needs when you really get going. (which might be a long time down the line) ..... Don't choose a interface because its "made for logic" but get one that has great sounding components and has the right I/O for your needs...

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Oh, I didn't choose the Duet for that reason alone, or even mainly for that reason..From what I've heard, Apogee's products have great sound quality, and the breakout cable/size is something I absolutely adore. Considering I spend a lot of time away from home, the Duet is really something for my basic college/high school recording time when I need to work with new sounds. I don't usually work with other people while recording, so, that's not a big issue. I understand it's expensive, and that it won't be all I need, especially not forever, but it's a start for me.

Also, about the library, I try to read as much as I can to have an idea, but, I have really issued with things that I don't understand. When I don't understand a subject, I find it impossible to read and interpret guidelines/outlines, especially for something as expensive as this. It's not that I'm completely helpless, but some additional, real-person help would help me a ton.

Drumjim85 said:

apogee does make great sounding products. But the $500 do everything product wont sound as good as the $2000 do one thing product.... More often than not, in this industry, you get what you pay for.

Oh, and if you fly me up and pay me $200 a day I'll be more than happy to help you out.

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I understand that, which is why I want the Duet over a more expensive thing because one: I'm in high school, and two: I expect it to last me for my basic and on-the-go uses for quite a few years.

And sure, as long as you understand that at that rate, I'll be bankrupt in 3/4 of a day

Well, I have Logic, and I love it. My problem is, is I can't afford to try Pro Tools..

Anyways, thanks for the help, everybody I think I can go from here.