I need to replace my old 350 mhz G4 with a newer machine. I'll be working with a lot of processor intensive virtual synths in Cubase SX as well as linking to Reason through Rewire. Naturally, the dual 1.8/2.0 G5 is the best choice as far as processing power. However, I'm on a tight budget--real tight!--and right now, dual G4s run about a thousand dollars less than the G5s. I can certainly put that extra thousand to good use in other studio equipment. Is the Dual G4 enough processor for runnning, say, up to ten soft synths? How obsolete will that be in two years? Is it worth saving the money or going with a more modern machine?

Any advice is appreciated.

good question. NOT!!

G5 all the way bro.. However, running 10 synthes all at once in my opinion is not a good idea , i would export as much as possible or use the freez option..

i know your on a tight budget, therfore your other option is to get a cheep 133 bus speed g4 and upgrade the processer to a dual 1.4 by Powerlogix.., in the end will cost you few dollars less than the G5 dual 2gig which is way way faster.

thats why i say g5 all the way.

So suck up my patience and save, save, save... I figured as much. Thanks. Incidentally, do you or does anyone else know what the implications of the 64 bit architecture on the G5 are going to be for pro-audio?

it means, you will need a new PCI audio card unless your going firewiire.


check out the January Issue of Sound on Sound the US/international version.

there is a grea 3 page article about the g5 and all the various aspects to consider before making decisions.

ohhh,,, some problems with the g5 and audio people

sound on sound

Hi, after sitting on the fence for a while I've made my mind up to go for a G5. Although I wonder if its worth holding out a couple of months till the next crop of upgraded G5's come out, I should think a few good discounts will be on offer as dealers try to shift their old stock. I notice in magazines such as 'sound on sound' that a few mail order companies offer to 'pre configure' new macs for music/audio requirements.
Apart from asking them to stuff it full of extra RAM, what other stuff should I ask for, bearing in mind that I'm unlikely to do any 'audio' recording of vocals etc as most of my stuff is likely to be midi based instrumental.
Also can anyone recommend a good flat screen monitor which is a bit cheaper than the cripplingly expensive apple cinema display?
cheers.