Hello,

I am a longtime PC user making the switch. I will be getting the imac G5, and already have the Tascam US-428 interface from my PC. Is there any sequencer/DAW option that will work best with OSX? I have been using Sonar and am looking for the easiest Software to switch to that is compatible... Cubase/Logic/DP...?

Thanks
Mike

Your new iMac G5 will come with a free copy of Apple iLife 5, which has just been released. (probably on a separate CD/DVD).

iLife 5 contains GarageBand 2, which has been greatly expanded. It provides 8 tracks of digital audio recording, a large multisample library in Apple AU format, MIDI sequencing and loop recording and editing. Its files will be compatible with Logic Express and Logic.

There are shareware utilities available for importing existing MIDI sequences and audio files into GarageBand format.

If I were you, I would work with GarageBand first. Apple sells various expansion packs for additional soft synths, multisample libraries, and loop libraries, and third party companies are bringing out products as well.

Once you outgrow that, you can move up to Logic Express for $300.

Other good options are the Steinberg Cubase family (Cubase SE, SL, SX) and Mackie Tracktion. You can get Tracktion 1 for Mac for free right now from the Mackie web site. They have announced Tracktion 2, but it will not be shipping for a couple more months (we hope) and it will cost $200.

If you have purchased any sequencing or recording software or VST plug-ins for the PC, be aware that many of those companies offer their products in both Windows VSTi and Mac VSTi and Mac AU formats. You may be able to get the Mac versions for free or for a small cross-grade price. Check with the manufacturer.

Thanks for the info! I will try GarageBand forsure...

But do these work with my Tascam US-428? Or should I use the internal sound card of the G5?

Thanks
Mike

Have you considered Ableton's Live 4?
Extremely responsive DAW that does a lot.
VST and AU support, MIDI and Realtime Audio
Download the demo if you are interested.

Ableton Live 4

I have used Garageband and it is great for the price,
but it is at times sluggish and does have some limitations.

I have also been using DP 4. Digital Performer is a nice
app with a lot of features, but it isn't easy to learn. Also,
it is less stable than the above mentioned apps unless you
are on a monster machine.

My suggestion is to give Live 4 a try, especially if you
find Garageband a touch limiting.

Sure, I'll try it! I am still hoping to find someone with the same hardware as me who has had a good experience with a DAW...
Thanks

You might want to ask this guy:

Ben Up the Tree

that is his username on these forums

I believe he has this USB Tascam US-122 and Live 4.
He just bought Live 4 and seems happy with it.

But alas that isn't the 428, but I am using Live 4 with a
M-Audio FW 410 and it is working well.

So try it man.

I have a 428 and an iMac G4, so somewhat similar I guess. Have been running Logic 6 for quite some time and it works like a charm. If you're looking for control surface support, it's built into Logic, I know Cubase has it, as well as DP. I think you'll find happy users (as well as unhappy ones) of all of the above. Don't see any reason why you couldn't use the 428 as an audio interface for GB2 to start out.

Cool, a 428 user!

I will try logic too, if that worked for you. I guess I will need to find a way to try all of these at some point.
Best
Mike

Trying them out first is a good idea, to see how comfortable you are with the workflow. Unfortunately, there is no demo for Logic, and I'm not so sure about the others either. Your best bet is to find a friend that can walk you through one or more of them, or find a local music store that is willing to do the same.