What to use with Mac G3

[DouglasD]

I am getting a free G3 and wondered what my options are for a low-buck set up?

I'd like to get started for around $500 if possible.

If I go with something like the $99 Cubase, what type of interface/hardware will I need?

I'm only vaguely familier with the PT Mbox type stuff but have heard that there are much better ways to go...?

Please be specific as I don't know much about any of this...

Thanks.

[whyseye]

Welcome to the board! Most folks here will give you lots of info to work with. The search function up top has tons of info, easily accessed, too. If you've got the patience to read it, the info is there by the ton!

So what do you want to set up to do? Voice only, voice & guitar, full-multi-track setup? Many questions - the more specific info you can give, the more specifically helpful the members can be in helping you.

I just started using a G3 for recording (voice only) myself....here's what I'm doing. I got an M-Audio Delta 410 PCI soundcard; you can get them new for more or less $100, and they're compatible with the slower machines & older OS. I also have an M-Audio DMP2 microphone preamp (an older model - new DMP3 is about $150-175), and some Audio Technica & Shure dynamic mics (all used, average $20) - there are more mics in my future, but that's another story.....

I use Audacity for tracking & editing, which is free software that is Mac friendly and easy to download & install. I've also used and enjoyed GarageBand, which is about $50 as part of iLife '05. It's more loops/music oriented, but a very friendly interface.

I think that a mixer would be useful as well, but that's where the others on the board will be of more help than myself.

Hope that helps some - good luck!

[DouglasD]

Good point about intended uses...

I wanted to start out using the system for voice and guitar plus the ability to layer additional tracks over. I didn't want to be limited to only two tracks.

A friend recommended that I try to pick up an older motu 828 to use with audiodesk (I think)...

any suggestions are appreciated...

[whyseye]

The main problem that I encountered with setting up the G3 is that many of the programs/drivers which are Mac compatible require either a faster processor, more memory, or a newer OS than is normally found on the G3, unless it's already been used for those purposes.

Read the system requirements carefully.......you may save yourself money, time and frustration. (Example - from a quick peek at the specs, it looks like Cubase requires a G4.)

I'm only doing voiceover work on my system, which it handles beautifully. My few attempts at multitracking choked up the machine pretty quickly, though, so it may be something to bear in mind.

Wish I had more comprehensive experience and info to share.....