I am currently planning to purchase a 1.8 GHz Power Mac G5. I am pretty sure this is fast enough to run almost any program flawlessly. But I am not sure what sequencer to get.

I have heard innumerable great things about Reason 2.5, which I'm leaning heavily toward. But what about Logic or Cubase?

I am also looking into a full-size 88-key keyboard for piano parts. Can anyone recommend a good value in this area?

Thanks,

Cepheid

NOTE: Just want to make it clear that all I need is a weightet 88-key keyboard controller (preferably with knobs and sliders), not a whole synthesizer. I'm looking at under 500 USD. Thanks!

Cepheid

Your first 2 questions have been rehearsed a lot already (no? I've never thought of it , check the forums

the "search" button is great (lots of reading handy…)

But we can do with a 88 weighted keys round up!

Reason is a fun everything-in-one-package. Great sounds and effects - *but*, the sequencer tool is rather limited.

A good solution is to have Logic 6 Xpress or Cubase SL as the main sequencer/audio workstation, and then running Reason 2.5 through ReWire. This way you get a good studio setup with nice recording performance at a good price. Best of both worlds?

As for Logic and Cubase... Well... Logic supports Apple's own virtual synth format (Audio Units), Cubase has their own (VST). Many software synths and effects are made for both AU and VST, it also exist programs which lets you run VST synths through AU (so you can run VST synths with Logic).

Choosing between Logic and Cubase is like the old discussion about Atari vs Amiga, Mac vs PC etc. They have their pro's and con's, and it's basically a personal thing about how you like to work and how you like the user interface. But, Logic is done by Emagic and Emagic is owned by Apple - so when new hardware and OS versions comes, Logic will probably be updated faster than Cubase. The Logic developers has a commitment to follow Apple guidelines and to make the package work with new technologies and new standards (Apple has said that future versions of Logic is going to suppoert GarageBand projects, Apples new budget music software).

But, the choice is yours... Try them out yourself...

Thanks cosmosoul, that's exactly why I invited our friend to check the zillion threads cubase vs DP vs PT vs my toaster popping out all the time. There's enough in them right now