Setting Up A Mac-Based Recording Rig

[DDev]

I had an interesting conversation with a kid tonight that led into a request from him for me to help him develop a Mac-based recording rig. I'm a PC/Cubase user myself, but I want help this kid out. He is graduating in May and is getting a G4 I believe for his graduation present from his parents. He has about $3000 of his own money saved that he wants to put towards recording equipment which will include mics, preamps, etc. as well as recording software and an interface.

What are the generally favorite choices for Mac software and interface hardware? I was thinking about Digital Performer and possibly a MOTU 828 interface. He originally was thinking about a Digi002 but he didn't know that there was a 32 track limitation with PTLE, so he wants to look into something with a higher track count.

Any feedback from experienced Mac users would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Darryl.....

 

[brzilian]

I think I'd start off by pointing out to this kid that his money would go much further with a PC setup.

 

[Richard Monroe]

I'd start out asking him what he is going to do with track 33.-Richie

 

[DDev]

He is dead set on a Mac for some reason. I tried to explain the economics of going PC, but he didn't want to hear it.

As far as track count goes, he told me that he was working on a friends PC with Sonar and had a song they just finished with his band that had 45 guitar tracks alone (what for, I don't know, but it's his music, not mine).

So, that sets the stage.

Any Mac gear/software recommendations?

Darryl.....

 

[dwillis45]

Any Mac gear/software recommendations?

Once he buys a Mac G4 there are not that many other mac-specific gear suggestions to make. Digital performer would be at the top of the list, but he can also go with any number of software programs that run on Mac and PC. With a budget of 3k, I would buy a good preamp (John Hardy M1,Great River Me-1Nv), a good A/D converter (Lucid 9624 or Apogee Rosetta), and a sound card that would accept digital IN from the A/D converter. That should leave about $500 or so to blow on DP. The MOTU 828 would also do the trick if he needs multiple preamps/converters. The only downside is that he is stuck with "average" preamps/converters and the poor service reputation enjoyed by the 828 and MOTU in general.

 

[maddrummer]

With a student discount from apple you can get Logic Pro 6 for $500. It comes with all their soft synths and plugins from emagic and ive heard nothing but good things about it, but i have no personal experience.