best hardware/software for MAC

[danieljvogel]

Hey now. I have an iBook G4 with 1.25G RAM, 1.33 GHz and 60 G hard drive. For around $6-7 hundred, what is the best hardware and software to get? I am open to bundled or individual components, so long as it's stable, has plenty of tracks/effects/instruments to mess around with. I want MIDI capabilities as well, and am leaning towards Firewire. In a perfect world, I would also have an interface with faders, but that's a bit of a stretch. Add a few bucks to the max price if it's really great...

 

[RhythmRmixd]

As far as Mac-based software, I use Digital Performer, which is one of the top MIDI sequencing software programs out there. If you were looking to spend 6 to 7 hundred on BOTH an interface and a sequencer, you'll definitely have to squeeze your options. DP alone runs for a little over $500.

 

[DigitalSmigital]

Yeah you'll be a little short...

but if you can find a deal on used hardware, the best is DP4 software, MOTU 828 interface, and an external HD w/ 40 gigs or more.

 

[RhythmRmixd]

but if you can find a deal on used hardware, the best is DP4 software, MOTU 828 interface, and an external HD w/ 40 gigs or more.

Exactly what I'm running, on a PowerMac G5. One day my knowledge will catch up to the ability of my equipment, hopefully before its outdated.

 

[resination808]

sure DP is a great price and records music just great, but wouldn't you rather spend hours in front of the computer staring off in to Lgoic 7 like me. I swear, if we could just join the bst parrt of all the programs, we would all be recording gods.

 

[RhythmRmixd]

sure DP is a great price and records music just great, but wouldn't you rather spend hours in front of the computer staring off in to Lgoic 7 like me.

No. That would've made all those hours I spent reading that 3 pound DP manual a freakin waste of time.

 

[sonnylarsen]

Hmmm...I'm also looking for Mac software. I just switched to an ibook g4 and I will be using my USB omnistudio from M-Audio with it and an 80 GB external HD, but I am clueless as to what software I should look at. What I am really looking for is an intuitive interface and sound quality. I used SONAR and before that Cakewalk Pro when I was on the PC...any recommendations?

 

[RhythmRmixd]

I am clueless as to what software I should look at. What I am really looking for is an intuitive interface and sound quality. I used SONAR and before that Cakewalk Pro when I was on the PC...any recommendations?

DP is great if your production work is based around MIDI. If your recording live instruments, or doing anything not centered around MIDI I would definitely look at your other options. I don't know much about Logic 7, from what I've read on it it looks like does most everything that DP does. Logic runs about $999 and DP4.5 will run you roughly $500. Both sequencers support sampling rates up to 24 bit, 192k.

 

[Alexbt]

Well, I used to use Deck 3 (which is pretty much the multi-track version of Peak), but upon getting my new G4, I was able to get my hands on an older copy of Cubase SX, which is pretty nice. (Though I understand that the newer versions are much nicer, and come with a price)

However, I have big faith in Apple and am looking to purchase Logic Express 7 within the next couple months. I was already sold with the Logic 6 featureset, so I am looking forward to 7.

But I have used Sonar on the PC, and Cubase SX is suprisingly similar to me. (Though I did have to read the Quick Start PDF to get going. )

 

[Wavlingth]

I use a Firepod and Logic Express. I like the setup a lot, and I think it would fall into your price range.