Hey all...glad to be a part of this site\forum..happy 2005./...

I just have 2 quick questions about the new Mac Mini...

Due to budget constraints I ordered the Mac Mini as a better DAW than what I am using....after countless blue screens and crashes im switching to a Mac......but anyway how do you all think the Mac Mini will stack up in recording music?? I mainly do hip hope so I really only need about 10 tracks....I purchased the 1.4 g4 mini with 512 ram.....and the 80gig hard drive......Please any insights are welcome ...THANKS!!!!!!!

Also thinking about actual devices I was leaning toward Pro Tools Mbox but also have been doing a little research and for about the same amount of money I could get the cheapest MOTU ..... Could anyone point me in the right direction?

Glad to be a part of the forums....Thanks to everyone in advance,..!!!

Best to check out system requirements for what you are going to use at their web sites. You may need an external 7200 rpm FW hard drive to record to as the MacMini uses a slower laptop internal hard drive. It really depends on what you are doing so try the MacMini without an external HD first and see if it will work for you. If you get a lot of pops and clicks then an external HD will be needed. If you are on a budget there are less expensive solutions than Pro Tools or MOTU. Do a little research with searches here and else where.

I have been in the Mac mini product test for the last 2 months, using it with every music program I use. I haven't had a problem of any kind, and I'm even using it to DJ full shifts at the clubs I work. Got a small 12in LCD flat screen on ebay for 100 bucks and a wireless trackball mouse and I don't even have to have a keyboard. I have used it with Pro-Tools, Megaseg & Final Scratch, I have also experimented with and without external drives and had no problems either way.

I mainly use reason 2.5 I got off ebay for under 200 plus I have a MIDI controller.. I'm looking to get more but thats after I have mastered reason.

Nooo not the Mbox! take if from one who knows - unless you NEED Pro Tools, the Mbox and OS X just dont mix. its issue after issue, compounded with bad efficiency and bad latency...

The Presonus Firebox is the one I am keeping my eyes on, if they ever decide to make it avaiable! ("shippinging december" changes to "shipping this month", a decidedly Orwellian timeframe!)

This post has been edited by arvidtp: Mon 17 Jan 2005, 23:54

Thanks everyone for all the replies.....im more excited than ever now to recieve my mac mini.....they said it will be here on jan 21st....right in time for the weekend....

As for the hardware...ill look around..... the firebox sounds interesting...just looking up the specs.....I also just emailed them so hopefully I get a response soon from them.....

DJPHATT:: in comparison to the mac powerbooks..how well does the mini mac run?? and also in comparison to the G5's?? Thanks a lot!!!

Thanks again everyone for your insights!!!!

In reply to my own post...i was just looking around the internet and apparently sweetwater HAS the firebox...


http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/FireBox/


but then again maybe its still delayed........dunno....

in RE Reply to the other posts I just got an email back from a guy at Presonus....the email is as follows:

Hi Mike,
The Firebox MSRP is $599.95. The release date is Friday. Please
let me know if you have any further questions.

Regards,

Mark Williams
International Sales Manager
www.presonus.com
Tel: 225-216-7887 ext. 113
Fax: 225-926-8347
7257 Florida Blvd.
Baton Rouge, La.
70806

Apperntly there is a lot of things coming out friday....firebox...mac mini....good day friday!!!!

sweetwater is the only company I'll deal with.

It's NAMM week, that's why