S
stashmanguitar
New member
I'm wrapping up my education as a sound designer for animation and film and since I won't be needing to carry my sessions between school and home anymore I want to get a desktop. I currently use my aging MacBook Pro with a Digi 002R w/ Complete Production Toolkit. While I mainly use these for editing and remixing, I would also like the ability to record and edit music (separate posts on that later).
Here's my dilemma:
I'm torn by two possibilities that have been presented to me: a PowerMac G5 Dual 2.5 with a PT HD1 (PCI-X) system & 96 i/o for under $2400, or a Mac Pro 2.66 Quad for ~$1500.
If I go the G5 route, I would sell off my 002R, bringing the price of the package closer to $2k. It would be more economical for me to upgrade to HD2 or HD3 with the cost of PCI-X cards floating around $900-$1100 on eBay, but only as long as Avid continues to support them. Then again, wouldn't the money I spent on Complete Production Toolkit be a waste? I'd also have to make adjustments from migrating from Intel to PowerPC.
OR
If I go the Intel route, I'd keep my current setup as is; RTAS only. I'd get to keep all the same functionality I have now (Snow Leopard, Intel-only apps). However, when I do decide to go HD the entry cost would be triple that than with the G5 (PCIe over PCI-X). I could use a Magma chassis and buy PCI-X cards then, but then that's at least another $1k in used gear.
I'm leaning towards the Intel side because I know that would not set me back at all and better prepare myself for upgrades in the future, but the price for essentially a "turn-key" HD system is hard to look away from. How would a G5 HD1 system compare to a native Intel one?
I've searched these forums many times. My lack of posts and recent registration is only because nearly all of my questions have been asked and answered by someone else here. I know this community is full of knowledge and I'm hoping a few of you would be able to help guide me through these first steps in becoming professional.
Here's my dilemma:
I'm torn by two possibilities that have been presented to me: a PowerMac G5 Dual 2.5 with a PT HD1 (PCI-X) system & 96 i/o for under $2400, or a Mac Pro 2.66 Quad for ~$1500.
If I go the G5 route, I would sell off my 002R, bringing the price of the package closer to $2k. It would be more economical for me to upgrade to HD2 or HD3 with the cost of PCI-X cards floating around $900-$1100 on eBay, but only as long as Avid continues to support them. Then again, wouldn't the money I spent on Complete Production Toolkit be a waste? I'd also have to make adjustments from migrating from Intel to PowerPC.
OR
If I go the Intel route, I'd keep my current setup as is; RTAS only. I'd get to keep all the same functionality I have now (Snow Leopard, Intel-only apps). However, when I do decide to go HD the entry cost would be triple that than with the G5 (PCIe over PCI-X). I could use a Magma chassis and buy PCI-X cards then, but then that's at least another $1k in used gear.
I'm leaning towards the Intel side because I know that would not set me back at all and better prepare myself for upgrades in the future, but the price for essentially a "turn-key" HD system is hard to look away from. How would a G5 HD1 system compare to a native Intel one?
I've searched these forums many times. My lack of posts and recent registration is only because nearly all of my questions have been asked and answered by someone else here. I know this community is full of knowledge and I'm hoping a few of you would be able to help guide me through these first steps in becoming professional.