Mac for Digi 002

[Richard Monroe]

I'm getting a Digi 002 soon, and have decided to pair it up with a dedicated Mac. Now, we've got a list of minimum system requirements. My wife is the IT manager of a Fortune 500 company, so we know we can weasel good prices, that's not really the issue. However, we don't want to get more (or less) computer than we need. I know what the recording requirements are, but I know diddly about computers, especially Macs.
As I understand it, greater processing capability and RAM becomes more significant when a lot of plug-ins are used, and as mixes increase in density. Let's say I won't be recording more than 8 tracks in simultaneously, and the mix is unlikely to ever exceed 24 tracks. Most of the tracks will be fairly dry, but compression, reverb, or delay is likely to be used on selected tracks, and we need the capability to mixdown and store at least one complete CD, say 12-14 songs, and the ability to store 2 entire albums would be much better.
From that perspective, what are the real system requirements? We know memory and RAM can be added if more is needed. Should we have a dual hard drive? Do we need 2 gigs of RAM, and how fast should the processor be? Frankly, I don't think I'll ever really use all the processing potential of Pro Tools LE, but I want to make sure I've got a little more computer than I'll ever really need. Thanks in advance for any help.-Richie

 

[SonicAlbert]

A dual 1gHz G4 with a gig of RAM would probably do it fine for you. You do want dedicated HD's to record the audio to. Maybe a firewire docking bay that you just swap drives in and out as you need them. In addition to that, you should also put a second BIG drive in the Mac as well.

 

[vatic]

can't say i know too much about hardware, but i would say if you're using macs be careful what type and OS you use; i'm currently doing a course in sound engineering and MIDI and recording is part of it, and we've had a bloody nightmare with some of the iMacs and OS8+9, but you might find it works a lot smoother with a dedicated machine, providing its not internet enabled. Im trying to put together a system as well, and im having a hard time finding stuff that's compatible with what i need...