mac computer advice

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artCROSS

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ok, i have a pc desktop right now, but i have the opportunity to trade it in for a mac. The desktop is athalon 1Ghz, 512ram, 40gigHD. I can trade it in for any mac that is $1500 or less, but not more. My question is, what kind should i get? I was looking at the iMacs and the ibooks. I need something that i can carry upstairs to my recording room and downstairs to my bedroom. I want to record at least 4 tracks simultaneously (i have a behringer eurorack w/ 4 sub outs, but if possible, i'd wanna use the direct outs per track...so if can be done...10 tracks at once). Think any ibook can handle that? or is the iMac portable enough?

I have no experience using the ibook or imac, all i've used before are the powermacs/books, but that's not in my budget now. Anyone who has used either the imac/book, please let me know of your experience. Thanks!
 
The imac G4 will handle four tracks. I use one combined with a MOTU 828 and Digital Performer/Audiodesk to record an average of 8-10 tracks with multiple plug ins on each track. The only sluggish part of the system (at least on my 800 MHz) is the “write” time to disk after recording. (A three minute track, for example, might take 15-20 secs.) For less than $1,500 you can choose from the 800 MHz ($999) or the 1GHz ($1,294). Both include the built-in 15” swivel monitor, a cd burner (internal), and somewhere between 256 and 512 RAM depending on the dealer and the offer. You would probably have to add some RAM to improve performance. I believe you can add up to a total of 1 Gb of RAM, although only a portion can be added by the user. Because the iMac is so compact (the base is about the size of a dinner plate) an authorized dealer or repair tech has to handle the maximum RAM upgrade. If you can spend slightly more than $1,500, there is also the 17” iMac G4 1GHz. It goes for $1,594 (MacMall) and includes a built-in Super Drive--Apple’s DVD-R/CD-RW drive. Keep in mind that the imac’s don’t support the use of an additional PCI sound card. They offer Firewire and USB so you would need an external interface.

Now the big question: Is it portable? Yes, compared to the vast majority of desktop computers. It weighs just over 20lbs. Would you rather transport a laptop? Yes. It’s sort of like carrying a very heavy lamp versus a flashlight! But if you only move it once after a recording session, it might not be that big of a deal.

The other option is a laptop. I know the older G3 ibooks can support a limited number of tracks. I used one for a while with cubase to mix from a Fostex VF-16 stand-alone recorder. I would guess that they would be capable of handling four tracks at once, but I have no personal experience using an ibook for that application. The drive speed of the ibook is 5400 and obviously most people suggest something faster (7200) for recording. But it would probably work.

The newer G4 ibooks range from the 800MHz G4($1,094) to the 1GHz ($1,494). They also have built-in cd burners (as opposed to the cd-rom drive in the old G3’s) and either 12” or 14” monitors. The maximum RAM on these machines is 640. Again, if your budget is slightly higher than $1,500, you can get a low-end 1GHz G4 PowerBook for about $1,594 at MacMall.
 
dwilis,
thanks for the reply. THere's a lot of useful information in there...my one question is, does mac make a docking station for the ibook? If so, that may solve my desktop/laptop decision. i guess i can go check out macmall for myself.

Also, are there any firewire interfaces that just have 4 TRS inputs? I don't need any midi or digital ins/outs, and i don't want to pay for features i'm not going to use. Perferably something under $400. Thanks !
 
Apple makes a docking station for the ibook:

http://www.macmall.com/macmall/shop/detail.asp?dpno=967457

For Firewire interfaces, check out:

http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/cat--Firewire-Audio-Interfaces--2420
http://www.audiomidi.com/master.cfm?SID=17

The M-Audio Firewire 410 and the Audiofile are in your price range, although I’m not sure about the 1/4 in/out specs. There is also the Edirol Fa101 which does have four 1/4 inputs. Unfortunately, I can't think of a simple Firewire interface with just 1/4 inputs. Most also have digital IN/OUT and some (like the M-Audio) have MIDI. I don't think they add signicantly to the price and you might actually use them some day down the road.
 
good point. i'm leaning towards the edirol right now, but i'm going to wait until i get the mac to buy one. Though i'm still a little torn between the iMac and ibook....its more of an aesthetic choice now...plus, i really would enjoy the 17in, easily adjustable monitor vs the 14in laptop. Are there any benefits from using a mac rather than pc? I know a lot of people use it for graphics/video production, just want to know specifically why its better.
 
artCROSS said:
Are there any benefits from using a mac rather than pc? I know a lot of people use it for graphics/video production, just want to know specifically why its better.
Click to expand...

I’m not sure that there is much of a difference between Mac and PC when it comes to recording. There is plenty of software for each type of system and certainly no shortage of hardware options. There might be less Freeware available for the Mac but that’s just a hunch. In the past, I’ve heard the claim that Macs are more reliable, but who knows! It does seem pretty clear that a PC would be cheaper, especially if you could put the machine together yourself. In some way, Apple limits your choices to one manufacturer and a couple of models/options. The PC world offers more choices which is good if you like choice and bad if you are overwhelmed with the prospect of making that kind of decision. I’ve always used a Mac because when I started Apple was the only choice for creative applications like graphics, video, desktop publishing, etc. I stayed with Apple mostly out of inertia and the unwillingness to learn “troubleshooting” on another type of machine/operating system. A small portion of DAW recording is always dedicated to troubleshooting. No matter how good your setup, something bad will eventually happen and it’s good to be able to solve the issue quickly based on your general knowledge of hardware/software issues associated with a given type of machine.
 
artCROSS said:
its more of an aesthetic choice now...plus, i really would enjoy the 17in, easily adjustable monitor vs the 14in laptop.
Click to expand...

It's pretty hard to top the flat panel i-mac on aesthetic grounds! They look great and offer the advantage of a comparatively quiet DAW system. In fact, I think the system is fanless. It also leaves you with a clutter-free desktop and a monitor that can be adjusted with your fingertips. There are some downsides such as the inability to use a PCI sound card and the extra steps to get the maximum RAM upgrade.
 
thanks dwillis, you've been very helpful. I'm going to go the mac store and just fiddle around with both the iMac and iBook and see which one feels more comfortable. and you made a good point about the fanless iMac...that's going to be crucial as i don't have a separate control room. thanks again!
 
Just a quick note on the fan/noise issue. I may have erred when I said "I think the system is fanless." The ibook has no fan which explains why my lap is always hot and I probably won't be having any additional children! The older iMacs (not the new flat panels) were fanless. They used some sort of convection system that worked in conjunction with the computer's large, colorful case. Apparently, the redesigned imac includes a fan, primarily to cool the hotter-running G4 processor. The new iMac fan is temperature-controlled so it comes on only when needed. There is some noise although Apple claims that the fan is no noisier than a hard disk in use, with an output of only 25dB.
Good luck. I hope your choice works out!
 
haha, i'll keep that in mind just if i do get the ibook. I'd like to be a father someday.
 
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