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Posted by: MickeM Mar 13 2008, 01:35 PM

What would you suggest for a music computer. No PC, which Mac model? Would a mini do or iMac or do one have to take the step up to a Power Mac?

Two cores in the minimum I guess?

If you can suggest model and how much RAM is needed.

Posted by: Nick Kellie Mar 13 2008, 01:48 PM

well I use apple stuff... I have a macbook and a new imac (silver one)
You cant really go wrong with any of the new stuff they are selling - ultra stable, no viruses and really fast.
Can't say enough good words about them really. I have Logic on both and it runs a dream.

i hear good things about the mac mini - they are a good price too... but the big shiny screen on the imac is incredible!
I suggest going for a large hard-drive and extra memory... but you can buy that someplace else because apple overcharge on the memory.

Nick

Posted by: audiopaal Mar 13 2008, 01:51 PM

Mac Mini
Reason 2.5
Garageband
M-box with pro-tools lite
Shure sm57 - 58 mic
and two event or KRK monitors

That should do it

Ofcourse with a powermac you could process stuff faster, loading of VST and effects and stuff..
But a mini should be enough really, but a wise choice would be to upgrade the RAM to 2 gb

Posted by: audiopaal Mar 13 2008, 01:52 PM

Yes, upgrade the RAM (Memory) yourself. Apple, as Nick pointed out, is overpricing

Posted by: MickeM Mar 13 2008, 02:42 PM

I guess iMac is still within my price range. But I could add a LCD screen to the mini? As for memory how much can the mini and iMac have, or should have for music production actually.
And I would be ablew to plug in an extrenal USB harddrive, right? I'm completely new on Mac. I have five external drives so that part should not be a problem

So even the mini could be added with extra memory, plug in an external Firewire sound card, add a USB harddrive, right?

Posted by: MickeM Mar 13 2008, 02:44 PM

2 GB alright, nor from Apple

And two monitors, heh, I'm not that professional yet

Posted by: audiopaal Mar 13 2008, 02:51 PM

Two monitors as in speakers, you want stereo and to pan your recordings you know
No need for two displays

And yeah, they're only upgradable up to 2 gb.. But that should be sufficient!

Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Mar 13 2008, 03:13 PM

I really want an Apple computer so thanks for bringing this topic up

Posted by: Bogdan Mar 13 2008, 04:30 PM

Well good processor and 2gb of ram is a must here..Also see does it have enough usb inputs and firewire ones to suit your needs...And check out if recording software you are going to use work with mac...You need a large hard drive just to make sure you always have space for recordings and various software..External one should work too..

Posted by: Patrik Jezierski Mar 13 2008, 09:14 PM

Im Producing music on a 2.0 Ghz Macbook, with 2 gb ram. I'm using Logic 8 and it works fine.

Posted by: Milenkovic Ivan Mar 14 2008, 11:58 AM

minimum of 2Ghz and 2 GB Ram is needed on any platform. I would recommend Mac Pro platform.

Posted by: Hauke_Z Mar 14 2008, 01:43 PM

I know this is a little off topic, but I got a question for the other Mac-Users

I use a PowerMac G5 (dual 2 Ghz) with 2,5 GB RAM an Garageband. The Guitar is plugged in through an USB-Preamp. I often get a delay using Garageband, even if no other programs are running. Does anyone have an idea how to stop it? The only way I know so far is a restart

Posted by: Kristofer Dahl Mar 14 2008, 01:44 PM

Yes I am also interested in getting a mac - too bad they are so pricey!

Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Mar 14 2008, 01:46 PM

I get 12% off for being a student lol.

Posted by: Angelica Mar 14 2008, 01:49 PM

I have a mac and it works quite well, only one thing is a big problem.
No freeware software for mac.
Btw, does someone know some freeware notation software for mac os??? I'm pretty desperate about it. Logic, Sibelius...they are so expensive and I can't find them with amule!
And I don't know where to begin using Finale.

Posted by: Nick Kellie Mar 14 2008, 02:05 PM

angelica, thats not true at all! there is tons of freeware software for the mac.... anything I have needed I have done a search and always found it. Check these sites out

http://www.pure-mac.com/

http://www.freemacware.com/

http://www.dontcrack.com/freeware/

and there are tons more trust me....

Nick

Posted by: Hauke_Z Mar 14 2008, 02:05 PM

@Angelica

Maybe Myriad Harmony (around 70 Euros) is something for you:

http://www.myriad-online.com/en/products/harmony.htm

Posted by: Nick Kellie Mar 14 2008, 02:08 PM

guitar pro 5 is also really cheap to register and free to download at their website... works great on my mac

nick

Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Mar 14 2008, 02:19 PM

I want a Mac. I'm going to save up my pennies and splash out.

Posted by: Angelica Mar 14 2008, 02:23 PM

Hey NICK thank you so much for sharing!!! I didn't know these sites! I'll add them to my favorites soon!
I've now downloaded, a notation software, looking forward for it to work!!!

Posted by: Nick Kellie Mar 14 2008, 03:00 PM

cool I hope it helps you... let me know if you need any help.

Nick

Posted by: kaznie_NL Mar 14 2008, 03:14 PM

Well, right now I'm typing from an I-Mac. They look great, the screen is huge and they have lots of features like an in-build-webcam. Thing thing is you have to chose, do you know a good program for Mac, and you don't wanna play games or use a lot of other microsoft applications (MS-Offic is there for Mac aswell)? then go for the Mac (if you have the money cause they arn't cheap). If you want to have a more alround computer, compatible with almost all software and a bit cheaper, then go for the windows. The good thing from Mac is the great performand, the good thing from Windows is that they are most used, so mostly compatible.

Posted by: tonymiro Mar 14 2008, 04:52 PM

+1 with Kaznie_NL.

Still I'd guess that you may be able to run Windows/MS PC software in an emulator, particularly if you go with a Mac pc?

Cheers,
Tony

Posted by: Muris Mar 14 2008, 04:56 PM

Bit of topic...but I'm looking for an iPhone right now

Posted by: Nick Kellie Mar 14 2008, 05:00 PM

yeah... i have windows on mine too... i can choose which i want to boot up to... it runs super quick with windows too.
Muris - I have an ipod touch... they are fantastic! and the iphone man.... my friend has one - They are developing new software for them now too ... so great.

nick

Posted by: at lights end Mar 14 2008, 05:11 PM

have you tried quitting garageband and then reopening it rather than restart?
this is what my computer tells me to do:

Depending on the computer and audio hardware you are using, you may hear a slight delay when playing and recording Real or Software Instruments.

This delay, called “latency,” can happen because it takes a short amount of time for the input of a Real Instrument to reach the computer’s input port and be processed.

Latency can also be caused when the Ducking Amount slider for the master track is set to a value other than zero. Ducking can result in latency for both Real and Software Instrument instruments.

To reduce latency, do one of the following:
For Real Instruments, choose GarageBand > Preferences, click Audio/MIDI, then click the “Minimum delay when playing instruments live” button in the “Optimize for” section.

For both Real and Software Instruments, open the Track Info pane, click Master Track, then set the Ducking Amount slider to zero.

Selecting “Minimum delay when playing instruments live” uses more of the computer’s processing power. This can affect perfomance, especially on slower computers.

Posted by: stratman33 Mar 14 2008, 10:38 PM

we have a normal white iMac at my house and its great, ultra fast

Posted by: Muris Mar 15 2008, 12:34 AM

I have iPod as well(not sure what touch version is )
Apple really has great design of products,all rounded,kind a sweet.

Posted by: Nemanja Mar 15 2008, 12:41 AM

Mac Pro...well....8 core,goes to 16 GB ram....but to expencive....about 4-5 000 $ or more...but that machine and Logic 8...you are happy for life....off course if you have + 13 000 $..you can buy HD3 pro tools system(including 3 DSP cards)with bundle of best plug ins ....and that is the best in the world,absolute standard in music production.......ah...I am dreaming know....

Posted by: Nick Kellie Mar 15 2008, 01:05 AM

muris, this is the ipod touch - http://www.apple.com/ipodtouch/

nick

Posted by: Muris Mar 15 2008, 01:09 AM

Ahh,same as iPhone but without Phone.

Nope,mine is regular iPod then.

Posted by: rokchik Mar 15 2008, 06:09 PM

I just ordered a new Macbook, should have it anyday now...ordered direct from Apple as no dealer where I live.

2.4GHz with 2 GB ram, and 250GB memory. Not that I know what any of that means, all I understand is that it's black I'm not very computer savvy.

Posted by: daimeon Mar 17 2008, 09:49 AM

I second that.
Guitar Pro is easy to use and produces really goog looking tabs.

Posted by: Nick Kellie Mar 17 2008, 11:24 PM

my dad has a black macbook - they're brilliant

Posted by: Goliath Mar 18 2008, 02:09 AM

I had an old 1.3ghz powerbook that was stolen recently, I looked at replacing it and it was too darn expensive to replace, so I sprung for an HP pavillion that is worth less than half of what I paid for the powerbook new.

I miss the mac, but having Vista isn't so bad, since it pretends to run like OSX.

As for memory, I bought an extra 512MB for my powerbook right before it was stolen, Apple.com wanted $150 for it and in the store they wanted 30 to install it. I laughed in their face, went to Newegg.com bought the EXACT SAME stick of memory (Kingston) for $42 shipped, installed it myself. They're overpriced but they are phenomenally stable. I hadn't considered a mini mac to get for home. I might check into that.

Posted by: a4rock Mar 18 2008, 09:56 AM

Yep, you can use a virtual machine like Parallels, or choose to use boot camp, lo choose what OS to load at startup

Personally I'm on a Mac since one year, and never looked back

Posted by: bmh1109 Mar 20 2008, 03:33 AM

if i may make a suggestion as a computer nerd, you can build your own computer if your up for it for much much cheaper than you can buy one, then you can choose which operating system you wanted to go with and since you stated you wanted a Mac, you can easily install the Mac OS on to a comp you build. For example i have a gaming computer which has a new intel quad core CPU at over 3ghz with 2gb of ram and i have well under $2000 in it and that includes my $400 graphics card. So I guess what im trying to say is its worth while to research building your own and installing the os of your choice. Another thing you can do with a comp you build yourself is spec a good studio sound card to record straight into it and save money on a firewire or other interface box for the comp. If your interested I can help spec out a PC build to fit your budget and taste, just post up on here or shoot me a PM.

Posted by: MickeM Mar 23 2008, 12:58 PM

I've been back and forth, as usual when I'm going to decide on somehting. From what I've learned so far Mac is still a tad in advantage before a PC, mainly for the stability. My freind who's a professional in the area said to get a firewire for the same reason, it's more stable than USB.

Just rescently I for the POD X3 Live, I tried recording with it as if it were a soundcard into my Dell Inspiron 6000 Win XP 1,7GHz 1GB RAM. The sound quality from the X3 was teriffic but the computer can't handle it as far as I can tell... Maybe too little RAM. It's one of my two work computers, I rarely use it and my employer told me I could do whatever I want with it.
Check this clip, sounds like an old LP
I recorded it with Reaper since it runs better than ACID Pro which dies at about five audio tracks, I can get responsetimes up to 30-60 seconds. And btw, it's clean from asware, virus etc.

If that DELL is something I could improve, just by putting more memory in it, that would be great. It seems like the POD X3 Live can manage the recordings just fine and I can record bass and vocals with it aswell. I don't have money so I can get just about anything but I'm rather in a budget so the cheaper the better.
One problem with Dell as far as I understand is that it doesn't handle Firewire well... Something about the hardware being of the cheaper and less quality kind.

So, please, I'd very much like your input since you know computers well.
What I'm looking for in the end is the possibility to record one track at the time and playback up to say 16 tracks without my computer starting to sag (like the soundclip)
I have extrernal drive and can hook up to USB and the X3 POD also to USB. The only think I miss is MIDI but my keyboard runs through USB aswell so I can manage.

1) Is it possible to upgrade the Dell Inspiron 6000 into a descent machine?
2) A cheapo PC which is made only for music production, nothing else. (Rather a stationary, no laptop, since that's a cost save). Soundcard selection as you please, internal or external. Whatever you find to be smarter.

Thanks!

Posted by: MickeM Mar 23 2008, 01:01 PM

ADDITION (can't edit my old post due to some problems): The PC is to build myself i.e. - 230V/50Hz

Posted by: MickeM Mar 23 2008, 01:36 PM

Due to some proxy issues I never got to the upload selection, so I couldn't add the sound clip.

Again: I can't EDIT my post

Posted by: bmh1109 Mar 25 2008, 12:25 AM

Ill check out some items that may work out for you and let you know. If the dell is having issues keeping up with multi-track playback, its likely a combination of underequipped processor and too little ram. As far as pricing goes for things, i can really only quote prices for USDM stuff, however i can just make up a list of things that you could find in your area, although im imagining that it would be more expensive over there. Give me a day or so and i'll try to come up with a descent computer build for you and see what you think

Posted by: MickeM Mar 25 2008, 12:53 AM

Thanks! No hurry, I'm never quick on desicions anyway ;-)

Oh, and I tried today to record a song with the X3, and both recording and playback was flawless.
Then I disconnected the X3 and hooked up my older Line6 Guitarport and all of a sudden playback was skippy.

To me it seems the X3 works in full duplex handling sound while guitar port either is less efficient as a sound card or only works while recording and for playback leaves it to the internal soundcard.
I did record about 5 tracks with the X3, something that was almost impossible before as the playback was skippy while recording still was at ~0 latency.
I tried to find facts on the Guitarport whether it's it's single duplex as I think or not.

Never the less, it seems like the X3 can work as a soundcard and my Dell would then work for recording.
If you still assemble a suggestion for a computer I think that would be a nice reference for everyone to read so please go ahead if you like.

Posted by: bmh1109 Mar 25 2008, 01:32 AM

I already sent you a PM with a suggestion computer since i found I have more free time then i thought, but if you'd like to copy and paste it back up that would be great since i don't have a copy of it.

Posted by: MickeM Mar 25 2008, 01:43 AM

Many thanks! I will check into the details tomorrow :-)

Posted by: Asphyxia Feeling Mar 25 2008, 04:07 AM

any NEW mac with 2GB of ram will be more then good enough to handle music applications- end.
WIN/10.