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Maestro vs. NextGen 101

A

am-fm

Guest
Thoes are the two options I am trying to persue for the station I work for. With either of them, I would like to use Selector & Linker.

Only issue with Maestro - dMarc seems to want to sell software & hardware in one package, at 7 grand a pop per machine (need 1 studio & 1 production). I could build a machine to spec with the necessary audio card for 1500 per machine. Would dMarc just sell the software?

Any ideas for alternatives?<P ID="signature">______________

AOL IM: wnjoldies
HyLitRadio.com
Oldies Board co-moderator</P>
 
> Thoes are the two options I am trying to persue for the
> station I work for. With either of them, I would like to use
> Selector & Linker.
>
> Only issue with Maestro - dMarc seems to want to sell
> software & hardware in one package, at 7 grand a pop per
> machine (need 1 studio & 1 production). I could build a
> machine to spec with the necessary audio card for 1500 per
> machine. Would dMarc just sell the software?
>
> Any ideas for alternatives?
>
maestro is AWFUL go PROPHET
 
Something to chew on...

I don't think you could even get the sound card for that much. dMark likes to run the ASI sound cards. We just replaced Maestro with SS-32. I liked the new Maestro but we had to get the SS-32 because that is what the boss chose.
It may be cheaper to "roll you own" computer but if they build the box then there is no pissing contest if you need support. I have seen cases before where the software maker blames the hardware manufacturer and vice versa.
Hopefully my convoluted responce doesn't cause any more confusion.
 
> Thoes are the two options I am trying to persue for the
> station I work for. With either of them, I would like to use
> Selector & Linker.
>
> Only issue with Maestro - dMarc seems to want to sell
> software & hardware in one package, at 7 grand a pop per
> machine (need 1 studio & 1 production). I could build a
> machine to spec with the necessary audio card for 1500 per
> machine. Would dMarc just sell the software?
>
> Any ideas for alternatives?
>

I would go Prophet or, if your budget will not allow Prophet, go with MediaTouch (Prophet for our config would have been 2x as much). We had difficulties with Ver. 2.1 of MediaTouch, but version 2.5 is awesome.

They don't care if you roll your own machines, but I'd recommend buying a set of Dells with XP Pro and a set of recommended sound cards, just so you limit the number of variables if you have trouble. The Mediatouch support folks know exactly what you need to do to the Dells to have them run right. If you have it in your budget, they will even configure your boxes if you send them to them.

We went the roll your own route and did the install ourselves. It was fairly smooth and I learned a lot about the systems which may come in handy if/when trouble arises.
 
> >
> maestro is AWFUL go PROPHET
>

Never worked with Prophet, but I agree Maestro is awful. Worked at a station a few years ago that used it...no one (except corporate) liked it.
 
> > >
> > maestro is AWFUL go PROPHET
> >
>
> Never worked with Prophet, but I agree Maestro is awful.
> Worked at a station a few years ago that used it...no one
> (except corporate) liked it.
> WORKED with them all..For the most bang for the buck, go Nexgen 2(Prophet).i built our computers ,ASI cards,bought the software.Never ONE problem.Now if you have lots of money to WASTE go with Scott studios SS32.Best on the market Prophet and Nexgen, (IMHO)
 
> > > >
> > > maestro is AWFUL go PROPHET
> > >
> >
> > Never worked with Prophet, but I agree Maestro is awful.
> > Worked at a station a few years ago that used it...no one
> > (except corporate) liked it.
> > WORKED with them all..For the most bang for the buck, go
> Nexgen 2(Prophet).i built our computers ,ASI cards,bought
> the software.Never ONE problem.Now if you have lots of money
> to WASTE go with Scott studios SS32.Best on the market
> Prophet and Nexgen, (IMHO)
>

Agreed.. Maestro has issues. (we have it) The interface is decent, but their programing leaves a LOT to be desired. The newer version may be faster to come back from a complete failure, but I'd still say NexGen is the way to go. Add to that the fact NextGen has REAL customer support, unlike Maestro and Prophet "we'll call you back someday" service, and the choice would be clear in my mind if you can afford the NexGen.

My only hope, since I'm stuck with Maestro, is that Google will have some positive influences on their programming abilities and customer service. If they apply how Google runs the rest of their company, they'll be doing a LOT of cleanup soon.
 
> > > > >
> > > > maestro is AWFUL go PROPHET
> > > >
> > >
> > > Never worked with Prophet, but I agree Maestro is awful.
>
> > > Worked at a station a few years ago that used it...no
> one
> > > (except corporate) liked it.
> > > WORKED with them all..For the most bang for the buck, go
>
> > Nexgen 2(Prophet).i built our computers ,ASI cards,bought
> > the software.Never ONE problem.Now if you have lots of
> money
> > to WASTE go with Scott studios SS32.Best on the market
> > Prophet and Nexgen, (IMHO)
> >
>
> Agreed.. Maestro has issues. (we have it) The interface is
> decent, but their programing leaves a LOT to be desired.
> The newer version may be faster to come back from a complete
> failure, but I'd still say NexGen is the way to go. Add to
> that the fact NextGen has REAL customer support, unlike
> Maestro and Prophet "we'll call you back someday" service,
> and the choice would be clear in my mind if you can afford
> the NexGen.
>


I'm going to go against the grain, and put in a vote for Maestro. We are using the latest version, and we love it.

I also agree with our Po' Broke buddy. By using their hardware, you take that argument out of the equasion. If you have a problem, they have a problem, plus I like the ASI cards!

Anyway, I've dealt with Maestro and before that, DCS. Their tech support is excellent.

Bottom line: if your dislike of Maestro came from the 2.x versions (that ran on Novell) you need to see the 3.x stuff. Same general interface, but much more powerful - and it no longer runs on Novell!<P ID="signature">______________
</P>
 
Been running NexGen here in sac for quite a few years now. Love it. Reliable, excellent support in the rare occasion we need it. Built a few of them myself, bought some ready to go. All work great. Using, of course the ASI sound cards. The sound cards just may be the most expensive part of each workstation or audio server, but worth it. Can't go wrong with Prophet.. We used the Prophet CFS/Wizrd before that, which was also well liked. We now use the broadcast tools switchers with them, instead of the Sine Systems units. Much easier to get along with..

2 bits worth with change back..

Dave Fortenberry, Salem Sacramento



> > > > > >
> > > > > maestro is AWFUL go PROPHET
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > > Never worked with Prophet, but I agree Maestro is
> awful.
> >
> > > > Worked at a station a few years ago that used it...no
> > one
> > > > (except corporate) liked it.
> > > > WORKED with them all..For the most bang for the buck,
> go
> >
> > > Nexgen 2(Prophet).i built our computers ,ASI
> cards,bought
> > > the software.Never ONE problem.Now if you have lots of
> > money
> > > to WASTE go with Scott studios SS32.Best on the market
> > > Prophet and Nexgen, (IMHO)
> > >
> >
> > Agreed.. Maestro has issues. (we have it) The interface is
>
> > decent, but their programing leaves a LOT to be desired.
> > The newer version may be faster to come back from a
> complete
> > failure, but I'd still say NexGen is the way to go. Add
> to
> > that the fact NextGen has REAL customer support, unlike
> > Maestro and Prophet "we'll call you back someday" service,
>
> > and the choice would be clear in my mind if you can afford
>
> > the NexGen.
> >
>
>
> I'm going to go against the grain, and put in a vote for
> Maestro. We are using the latest version, and we love it.
>
> I also agree with our Po' Broke buddy. By using their
> hardware, you take that argument out of the equasion. If
> you have a problem, they have a problem, plus I like the ASI
> cards!
>
> Anyway, I've dealt with Maestro and before that, DCS. Their
> tech support is excellent.
>
> Bottom line: if your dislike of Maestro came from the 2.x
> versions (that ran on Novell) you need to see the 3.x stuff.
> Same general interface, but much more powerful - and it no
> longer runs on Novell!
>
 
> Only issue with Maestro - dMarc seems to want to sell
> software & hardware in one package, at 7 grand a pop per
> machine (need 1 studio & 1 production). I could build a
> machine to spec with the necessary audio card for 1500 per
> machine. Would dMarc just sell the software?

Probably. From a sales standpoint, there's no profit margin on computer hardware. Don't cheap out on the sound cards.<P ID="signature">______________
...co-moderator of the Satellite Radio, Phoenix, and San Diego boards...</P>
 
> Anyway, I've dealt with Maestro and before that, DCS. Their
> tech support is excellent.
>
> Bottom line: if your dislike of Maestro came from the 2.x
> versions (that ran on Novell) you need to see the 3.x stuff.
> Same general interface, but much more powerful - and it no
> longer runs on Novell!

I found Computer Concepts' tech support somewhat wanting. It improved when Scott Studios bought them, but it was still usually a long wait to get a tech to return your call....not good when you've got a contract engineer on site, on the clock waiting for a callback. Dunno how they are under Dmarc...I was long gone from that station by the time that deal happened. We had ver 3.1 software...it crashed a LOT.
 
> > Anyway, I've dealt with Maestro and before that, DCS.
> Their
> > tech support is excellent.
> >
> > Bottom line: if your dislike of Maestro came from the 2.x
> > versions (that ran on Novell) you need to see the 3.x
> stuff.
> > Same general interface, but much more powerful - and it
> no
> > longer runs on Novell!
>
> I found Computer Concepts' tech support somewhat wanting.
> It improved when Scott Studios bought them, but it was still
> usually a long wait to get a tech to return your call....not
> good when you've got a contract engineer on site, on the
> clock waiting for a callback. Dunno how they are under
> Dmarc...I was long gone from that station by the time that
> deal happened. We had ver 3.1 software...it crashed a LOT.
>

They've made improvements since then. We have three on-air machines, and three prod machines tied to an ACP server. It's been in 9 months since it's been in, and we've been without a crash, or downtime since the install.<P ID="signature">______________
</P>
 
> Been running NexGen here in sac for quite a few years now.
> Love it. Reliable, excellent support in the rare occasion we
> need it. Built a few of them myself, bought some ready to
> go. All work great. Using, of course the ASI sound cards.
> The sound cards just may be the most expensive part of each
> workstation or audio server, but worth it. Can't go wrong
> with Prophet.. We used the Prophet CFS/Wizrd before that,
> which was also well liked. We now use the broadcast tools
> switchers with them, instead of the Sine Systems units. Much
> easier to get along with..
>
> 2 bits worth with change back..
>
> Dave Fortenberry, Salem Sacramento


>

What are the advantages of using the Tools switcher as opposed to the Sine ACU-1?




>
>
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > maestro is AWFUL go PROPHET
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > Never worked with Prophet, but I agree Maestro is
> > awful.
> > >
> > > > > Worked at a station a few years ago that used
> it...no
> > > one
> > > > > (except corporate) liked it.
> > > > > WORKED with them all..For the most bang for the
> buck,
> > go
> > >
> > > > Nexgen 2(Prophet).i built our computers ,ASI
> > cards,bought
> > > > the software.Never ONE problem.Now if you have lots of
>
> > > money
> > > > to WASTE go with Scott studios SS32.Best on the
> market
> > > > Prophet and Nexgen, (IMHO)
> > > >
> > >
> > > Agreed.. Maestro has issues. (we have it) The interface
> is
> >
> > > decent, but their programing leaves a LOT to be desired.
>
> > > The newer version may be faster to come back from a
> > complete
> > > failure, but I'd still say NexGen is the way to go. Add
>
> > to
> > > that the fact NextGen has REAL customer support, unlike
> > > Maestro and Prophet "we'll call you back someday"
> service,
> >
> > > and the choice would be clear in my mind if you can
> afford
> >
> > > the NexGen.
> > >
> >
> >
> > I'm going to go against the grain, and put in a vote for
> > Maestro. We are using the latest version, and we love it.
>
> >
> > I also agree with our Po' Broke buddy. By using their
> > hardware, you take that argument out of the equasion. If
> > you have a problem, they have a problem, plus I like the
> ASI
> > cards!
> >
> > Anyway, I've dealt with Maestro and before that, DCS.
> Their
> > tech support is excellent.
> >
> > Bottom line: if your dislike of Maestro came from the 2.x
> > versions (that ran on Novell) you need to see the 3.x
> stuff.
> > Same general interface, but much more powerful - and it
> no
> > longer runs on Novell!
> >
>
 
Re: Anyone Tried??

> Has Anyone tried The Digital Juke Box?
>
> http://www.digitaljukebox.com/Products.htm
>
> I've been using the demo now for a week and I can't get it
> to crash! Seems like an alternative to NEXGEN101.
>
have a good eng friend who likes digital jukebox.just depends on the level of support vs what prophet provides.personally i prefer the nexgen...
 
Re: Anyone Tried??

> I've been using the demo now for a week and I can't get it
> to crash! Seems like an alternative to NEXGEN101.


Give it to my staff. they'll kill in an hour, 2 tops! Great people but man, rough on everything.
 
Re: Anyone Tried??

> > Has Anyone tried The Digital Juke Box?
> >
> > http://www.digitaljukebox.com/Products.htm
> >
> > I've been using the demo now for a week and I can't get it
>
> > to crash! Seems like an alternative to NEXGEN101.
> >
> have a good eng friend who likes digital jukebox.just
> depends on the level of support vs what prophet
> provides.personally i prefer the nexgen...
>

I did the review of the original DOS-based Digital Jukebox for Radio World:

http://www.rwonline.com/reference-room/product_evaluation/05_rwx_digitaljukeboxrevised3.shtml

The big thing was I got several nasty emails that were copied to RW editor Paul McLane regarding the support (or lack of support) that several individuals got and the fact the several people alledged that they paid for software and never received product. Support and some general business ethics issues had always been questionable here.

I started writing the follow-up review of the Windows version of the Digital Jukebox just after its release and I was quite taken back. The demo crashed with various runtime errors (aren't real programs written in true machine code and not runtime environments?). I also had it trash an entire music library that took all too many hours to create and enter data for. I emailed the author of the software to follow up on some of these issues along with the fact I was contacted by a local station that was interested in his STL-over-internet product. Needless to say, the programmer never responded to my emails that were sent multiple times. I was quite disappointed as he knew I was writing the companion article to my first review of the system. The lack of any reply spoke volumes as far as any pre-sales/post sales support would go! If I ever submit the article to Radio World it would not portray this software in any favorable light and the fact that support is sketchy at best would be the biggest reason why stations would not opt to buy any of these products

I am strongly considering NexGen101 as a replacement for my webcast, but I need to make sure it will handle my 13,000+ track music library. I'm also looking at a couple of other alternative systems but it's too early in my testing to say much about them.

Bill
 
Re: Anyone Tried??

Geesh!

You may be on to something, I've email the DJB tech support twice a few weeks ago with a simple question and have not recieved a reply, I thought maybe the support link was bad on his web-site. I'll be honest with you, I like the program and think with some functions it's eaiser than NexGen101. I know that DJB charges a decent amount for tech suport, I'd think that the support staff would be on top of things.

Oh well, thanks for the info.



> The big thing was I got several nasty emails that were
> copied to RW editor Paul McLane regarding the support (or
> lack of support) that several individuals got and the fact
> the several people alledged that they paid for software and
> never received product. Support and some general business
> ethics issues had always been questionable here.
>
> I started writing the follow-up review of the Windows
> version of the Digital Jukebox just after its release and I
> was quite taken back. The demo crashed with various runtime
> errors (aren't real programs written in true machine code
> and not runtime environments?). I also had it trash an
> entire music library that took all too many hours to create
> and enter data for. I emailed the author of the software to
> follow up on some of these issues along with the fact I was
> contacted by a local station that was interested in his
> STL-over-internet product. Needles to say, the programmer
> never responded to my emails that were sent multiple times.
> I was quite disappointed as he knew I was writing the
> companion article to my first review of the system. The lack
> of any reply spoke volumes as far as any pre-sales/post
> sales support would go! If I ever submit the article to
> Radio World it would not portray this software in any
> favorable light and the fact that support is sketchy at best
> would be the biggest reason why stations would not opt to
> buy any of these products
>
> I am strongly considering NexGen101 as a replacement for my
> webcast, but I need to make sure it will handle my 13,000+
> track music library. I'm also looking at a couple of other
> alternative systems but it's too early in my testing to say
> much about them.
>
> Bill
>
 
Re: Anyone Tried??

Remember, Digital Jukebox is a one-man band and everything is dependent on one person. I too like the feature set of the Windows version, even though drag and drop seem to be missing in about 90% of the places it should really be available.

It doesn't matter if you pay $30, $300 or $3000 for support if you can't get it. I had a sales inquiry that was ignored THREE TIMES! I guess he really doesn't need the money if he can't bother to reply to me. I was writing a review of the new Windows version and received very little assistance (like none) with the program except for the fact I would get runtime errors out the wazoo and trashed a 10,000 track music library! Is this a program I would put in a mission-critical operation for a radio station? Hardly! With zero support it is virtually worthless!

I will opt to go with Prophet or another vendor that KNOWS what customer support really is. I can't waste my time wondering what to do when the thing craps out and goes off the air. I would think most station managers and engineers would agree.

> Geesh!
>
> You may be on to something, I've email the DJB tech support
> twice a few weeks ago with a simple question and have not
> recieved a reply, I thought maybe the support link was bad
> on his web-site. I'll be honest with you, I like the program
> and think with some functions it's eaiser than NexGen101. I
> know that DJB charges a decent amount for tech suport, I'd
> think that the support staff would be on top of things.
>
> Oh well, thanks for the info.
>
>
>
> > The big thing was I got several nasty emails that were
> > copied to RW editor Paul McLane regarding the support (or
> > lack of support) that several individuals got and the fact
>
> > the several people alledged that they paid for software
> and
> > never received product. Support and some general business
> > ethics issues had always been questionable here.
> >
> > I started writing the follow-up review of the Windows
> > version of the Digital Jukebox just after its release and
> I
> > was quite taken back. The demo crashed with various
> runtime
> > errors (aren't real programs written in true machine code
> > and not runtime environments?). I also had it trash an
> > entire music library that took all too many hours to
> create
> > and enter data for. I emailed the author of the software
> to
> > follow up on some of these issues along with the fact I
> was
> > contacted by a local station that was interested in his
> > STL-over-internet product. Needles to say, the programmer
> > never responded to my emails that were sent multiple
> times.
> > I was quite disappointed as he knew I was writing the
> > companion article to my first review of the system. The
> lack
> > of any reply spoke volumes as far as any pre-sales/post
> > sales support would go! If I ever submit the article to
> > Radio World it would not portray this software in any
> > favorable light and the fact that support is sketchy at
> best
> > would be the biggest reason why stations would not opt to
> > buy any of these products
> >
> > I am strongly considering NexGen101 as a replacement for
> my
> > webcast, but I need to make sure it will handle my 13,000+
>
> > track music library. I'm also looking at a couple of other
>
> > alternative systems but it's too early in my testing to
> say
> > much about them.
> >
> > Bill
> >
>
 
> I'm going to go against the grain, and put in a vote for
> Maestro. We are using the latest version, and we love it.
>
> I also agree with our Po' Broke buddy. By using their
> hardware, you take that argument out of the equasion. If
> you have a problem, they have a problem, plus I like the ASI
> cards!
>
> Anyway, I've dealt with Maestro and before that, DCS. Their
> tech support is excellent.
>
> Bottom line: if your dislike of Maestro came from the 2.x
> versions (that ran on Novell) you need to see the 3.x stuff.
> Same general interface, but much more powerful - and it no
> longer runs on Novell!

Agree completely. Maestro is a robust system with a good, dedicated
hardware platform. The sound cards from ASI are tops in the class and
you WILL hear a difference between them and the crap that is packaged with those other off-the-shelf PC-based systems. Also provides pro connections and isolation for XLR in/outs, etc. As the other post mentioned, the new version has been up and running for several months and is rock solid and 100% better than the older versions of Maestro or DCS. Support is excellent too. I've had AV, Prophet and Maestro at different times and Maestro is the best and most reliable.
 
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