Will my Mac work for a home studio?

[43% burnt]

Ok, I know there are a few threads on here for newbie home studio enthusiasts. But I wanted to get some specific thoughts on my machine/setup. I am a total beginner when it comes to this. I want to start building a basic home studio using my computer to record and edit tracks. I am not looking to build a vocal booth, or seperate room for drums, etc...(at this point). I basically want to familiarize myself w/recording guitar riffs, bass lines, some vocals, etc.

I have a mac g4, 400mz, 512mb ram, 250gig firewire hd. I've had this machine for a long time now, and its nothing compared to the new macs on the market. But i'm wondering if I added some ram, could I use what I already have? Or, should I invest in a newer more powerfull machine first?

Also, I bought an imic yesterday to use as an interface. Are these things decent? If not, any recommendations?

What about software? There are so many programs out there, I don't know where to start.

 

[Kevin Deschwazi]

If you're not wanting to record loads of tracks at the moment that machine should be fine (especially if you're adding more RAM, 512mb is usually a minimum for recording duties).

Software? As you say there are many options so I'll just say what I use- Cubase SE ($100). A stripped down version of the full SX version (there is also SL which falls somewhere in between). SE is still feature packed and I don't find myself wanting for any of the features that are exclusive to the fuller versions. And if you did want to upgrade the price of SE would be deducted so you wouldn't be spending extra money.

edit: interfaces- I don't have any experience with the imic. I use M Audio (1010LT) and think it's a decent interface for the money. How many tracks will you be wanting to record simultaneously?

 

[apl]

I use an older PC, a 750MHz Duron, so you've probably got plenty of computer to get started. Add all the RAM you can. You've got plenty of disk space. The imic doesn't really move you up that much from the computer's soundcard. I've got a TASCAM US122 that works very well. I'm not sure what software to recommend. The US122 comes bundled with Cubase which is nice, but I'm not sure if it'll run on a Mac.

 

[43% burnt]

interesting thoughts. At this point I think I would only record one track at a time, however i would like the ability to do more in the future. From what I've gathered the imic is very basic, 1 input, 1 out. I got it to record riffs to my computer so I dont forget them. Should a good interface be my first purchase? What is better a card, usb, or firewire? I like the idea of software coming with it. My budget is max $400 for the interface...any suggestions?

how is Logic Express? is this a good program?

As far as ram, I'd prefer to use what I have to learn some basics.I'm reluctant to put any more money into my machine, because I'm going to upgrade to a g5 soon. I'd rather put that $ towards that.

 

[apl]

Here's the US122. It comes with Cubase LE and it says "This software provides 48 tracks of recording and playback with a TASCAM interface and a Mac OS X...". The bundle's about $200.

Then you've got some $ for a mic. I've got a RØDE NT3 that was on sale at Guitar Center for $99, which was unusual. You'll eventually need monitors.

 

[43% burnt]

thanks alot. That looks pretty good, I like the price. That might be the one.

Any thoughts on the m-box? It comes with pro-tools LE. I'm eventually going to want to learn pro-tools if I really get into this. Would this be a product to start with?

 

[apl]

...pro-tools LE...

Protools is widely considered to be overrated, but I have no experience with it.

 

[43% burnt]

really? I thought pro-tools is the industry standard?

 

[43% burnt]

Do you use a mac w/ your tascam?

I read some reviews on Harmony central, and there were more than a few mac users complaining about compatability issues w/ os x.

 

[43% burnt]

OK...I've decided to go with Protools. I am going to get the mbox factory bundle w/ PT 6.7 LE. I'm still unsure if my mac using os x will run it. It seems like it would according to digi's specs. Does anyone know why it wouldn't??

So, should I buy the mbox and some ram for my current machine. Use it for a little while to get familiar with it. In the meantime save up for a g5?

Or, should I put the $500 towards a new computer, then get the mbox??

 

[43% burnt]

According to digi's specs I cannot run PT LE with OS X on my mac, I believe I have the G4 pci graphics edition, which is not compatable. I don't want to run classic, It's not very stable on my system.

I've looked into processor upgrades a bit. Seems like when all is said and done it will cost at least $500. Which could be a nice chunk out of a new machine. And I still don't know whether it would be compatable. So I guess I have to get the new machine first. Unless anybody knows for sure about my specific machine, and it's compatabilty with PT LE on OS X, that can tell me otherwise.

I'm bummed now, because I was ready to buy it today.

 

[mob]

Go whith mbox, use protools and go from there.

 

[Kevin Deschwazi]

Go whith mbox, use protools and go from there.

It seems to me that protools is the root of the problem. Compatability this, can't upgrade that. Fuck 'em, doesn't sound to me like the folks at digidesign are doing you any favours at all. I'm sure they look after the pros with the big rigs though.

I just don't get the obsession with protools? I guess having "pro" in the name really does work as a branding strategy.

You mentioned Logic earlier burnt. I used it a bit back in the PC days and liked it. It's not the most user friendly though.

Still if I used a Mac I'd prolly use logic.

 

[decadex]

Go on ebay

Go on ebay and get a 001. That will work fine on your machine... and you'll have more I/O's.
But for right now if your running os 9 you can use pro tools free. goto digidesign.com
Use the line in on your cpu to do your demos and familiarize yourself with the software....until you get your 001

 

[junplugged]

pt free ng on my old pc celeron 400 256mb so upgrading to Sempron 2400,256mb,64mb vid and starting there, and that was only editing one track!

 

[Carter]

It seems to me that protools is the root of the problem. Compatability this, can't upgrade that. Fuck 'em, doesn't sound to me like the folks at digidesign are doing you any favours at all. I'm sure they look after the pros with the big rigs though..

I totally agree, Thats why I sold my 002 rack and got Cubase SL3 and a Mackie Control Universal and Im much happier!!!

 

[blazingstrings]

Protool UGH!

I have to admit to having more than one protools nightmare.
Once with a 600mhz g3 I book and a 400 mhz G4 Sawtooth(AGP Graphics).
On the g3 some days it would load and some days not. Protools would give me errors...... The G4 was the same deal.

I will never buy an M-Box again......
Protools is the industry standard if you own a REAL protools system HD mix whatever.

PT LE is just a lame native version.......