Studio Package for MAC.

[rosaflako]

This is what I have:

Dual G4 533mhz; 640 ram; 80 gb, 40 gb. Running OS X 10.2
Deck/Peak

I have been recording with a 4 input mackie mixer plugged directly into my soundcard's mic input. Ive gotten fed up with the fact that I can only record one track at one time. And I dont like messing so much with the computer program. I like to see everything in front of me, hands on.

but since I have no intention of getting rid of my MAC. I would like to setup my home studio up with something that is a cross between manual and digital recording. A setup where I efficiently use my Mac. Something where I dont constantly have to use the mouse and do everything on the computer.

SO , I was looking at these Pro studio packages in the sam ash cataloge.

There arent many, but the ones they have look cool.

The "Roland Studio Package Pro" has a hardware control surface with eight 24-bit/96kHz audio inputs and outputs (SI-24), a PCI audio card (RPC-1), and powerful Logic 5 RPC sequencing and recording software from Emagic.
$1,295.99

http://www.samash.com/catalog/showi...&Search_Type=SEARCH&GroupCode=nonetodaythanks

I like the fact that I will be able to control many of the program's functions FROM the mixing board. But the only thing that kind of gets me is the pci card. I have a feeling one day in the future, I'm going to buy a g4 laptop. Its not too important of an issue, but I noticed other packages that dont use a pci card and use firewire/usb. And that shows Ill be able to use it with anycomputer, laptop or desktop. Which is a pluss.

There are some other, more expensive setups made by "mark of the unicorn" with Nuendo stuff. I dont know anything about them, though.

I'll be doing fairly simple recordings, indie rock style. Most of them where I do all of the instruments. But I like the fact that you can do mulitple tracks at once with one of these packages.

I'm not necessarily pressed for cash, but I dont want to spend a lot, and I dont want to get ripped off. Im just wondering if anyone has ever used a pro studio setup like I described. And what they recommend. If I shouldnt get one, etc.

Thanks!!

 

[justwantyou2kno]

usb or firewire

If you'd like to one day step up to laptop recording (which I would advise you not to unless you have to) and you want to be able to record on your mac that you have now you'll need a firewire or USB interface. It sounds like you want/need at least 4 inputs and a mixer style recorder so check this out it http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7...9033196901/search/g=home/detail/base_id/49384
I've never used it nor have I heard anything it's done, but it's an option for you.

 

[gdoubleyou]

I would go with the Roland setup, it's capable of recording eight tracks at a time.

The version of Logic that comes with it is interesting. It's only 24 audio tracks, but it has surround mixing! That feature is only in the $700 Logic Platinum!

I'm currently running Logic Audio under OSX. Audio gives you 48 audio tracks. I'm not sure what level of fx plugs are included, but the Gold and Platunum include higher quality fx.

The built-in soft-synths are usable right out of the box. You can purchase licences for the other synths and sampler.

Add a second 7200rpm IDE drive and you should be good to go.