Mac vs. PC and other gear questions

[DrewPeterson7]

You get a little streak of lightning against the Thundebolt sockets.
If it all works, I will get 32 audio outs and 32 audio ins plus the PC stereo out over the Thunderbolt cable to my audio interface.

32/32 probably IS brushing up at the point where you are going to want Thunderbolt over USB-C at that.

I'm still running an older Apogee Ensemble that's been awesome for a decade or so now. But, when it does come time to retire that interface, even though I don't have the outboard preamps yet, I do want something that can support at least 16 in (outputs are at present less of a concern). 16 is maybe a little low for a "metal" drum kit production, but it's certainly a workable number of inputs for a drum kit where you're planning on using close mics extensively, and I think having the option to track live drums is a pretty good benchmark, even if these days I just program.

 

[Slouching Raymond]

But, when it does come time to retire that interface, even though I don't have the outboard preamps yet, I do want something that can support at least 16 in (outputs are at present less of a concern). 16 is maybe a little low for a "metal" drum kit production, but it's certainly a workable number of inputs for a drum kit where you're planning on using close mics extensively, and I think having the option to track live drums is a pretty good benchmark, even if these days I just program.

That is roughly my plan. There are 8 preamps on my desk. I'll be looking for at least another 8 outboard, to allow 16 mics for my big drum kit.

 

[TalismanRich]

FYI, USB-C isn't a protocol. It's a connector format. The protocol is either USB (3.0, 3.1, 3.2 or 4) or Thunderbolt.

 

[scottmartin]

When I used to record a little, I used an older iMac, Digital Performer, Kontakt, EZ Drummer, etc. But I found out the hard way that upgrading your OS makes other things incompatible.

Q#1 - Do you think you can run longer upgrading a PC before your plugins and virtual instruments become incompatible as opposed to doing the same with a Mac?

Q#2 - Is using a Mac or PC better for recording and outside gear, plugins, VIs, or is it just personal preference?

Q#3 - Is it best just to leave the OS as is (workout upgrading) if you're just using that device for recording?

Let's start there.

Thanks,
The cost of updating your home’s look can vary widely depending on size, materials, and labor. On average, interior house painting cost falls between $2,000 and $5,000 for a standard-sized home, but it can increase for premium finishes or intricate designs. Factors like wall preparation, number of rooms, and quality of paint also play a big role. Hiring professional painters ensures a smooth, long-lasting finish, while DIY projects might save money but take more time. Always get multiple quotes and check references to balance quality and budget effectively.

Hi Matt, In general, a Windows PC can often run longer before plugins and virtual instruments become incompatible because many developers continue supporting older versions of Windows, whereas Macs tend to drop support faster, especially for 32-bit plugins, when the OS is upgraded. That said, both Macs and PCs are capable of handling recording, external gear, plugins, and virtual instruments well; the difference usually comes down to personal preference, workflow, and budget. If your current setup is stable and everything works, it is usually best to leave the OS as it is rather than risk breaking compatibility by upgrading.

 

[Steenamaroo]

This isn't really a trend so much as an exceptional paradigm changing event.
Apple dropped 32 bit app support about 8 years ago. I'm sure it affected someone but I don't recall it being a big deal.
They then moved to ARM System-on-chip but wrote a compatibility layer so x86_64 applications still run just fine.

You could view that as Apple being a more volatile platform - one with reduced longevity - or you could view it that Apple's done the major tech shifts
and the possibility remains for the same, or similar, to happen in the wider PC world.

Intel, as far as I know, have been making noise about moving towards 64 bit only CPUs and it's entirely possible that Microsoft embraces arm.
There's potential for the same thing to happen in the wider PC world, just some years later.

Let's not forget the TPM fiasco...lol.

I take your point, though. Maintenance of backward compatibility is certainly given greater priority in the Intel/Microsoft world.

I'd underline your last statement - Reliance on remote servers aside, if you don't update it it's not going to break,
at least not in terms of compatibility.

There's no reason anyone in here couldn't be making a great record on XP or 10.5 Leopard.