wyeast states you don't need starter-i just warm it for 24 hours or so on my apple tv if under 1.060 sg--I haven't done one higher, but if i DO, i'll just use two packets.
isn't that the whole idea of the activator, it's all calculated out for you by wyeast? why add undeeded steps if not necessary-or is it necessary? I dunno, i;m a newbie----but wyeast isn't, i'd have to assume they kinda know what they are talking about and it's in thier best interest to have the beer come out good.
from their site:
6. Do I need to make a starter for an Activator?
No. The Activator is designed to deliver professional pitch rates (6 million cells/ ml.) when directly added to 5 gallons of wort. ( <1.060 at 70 degrees). However, if a package is slow to swell, suspected of being mishandled, or if the date is approaching the six month shelf life it is a good idea to build the culture up with a starter. High gravity or low temperature fermentations require higher pitch rates. This can be achieved with inoculating with additional packages or making a starter