Audio And Midi On G4 Imacs, What can new iMac do without added DSP? Options

[yingtong]

I'm thinking of converting to the iMac from PC, but I'm concerned from stuff I've read that I'd need an equivalent to a PCI soundcard - which they don't accept do they? Reason for thinking iMac rather than standard G4/G5 is price.

But can a 1Ghz iMac deal with 16 tracks of stereo audio plus VST plugins without any extra hardware?

For good quality sound to record out to my AKAI D12 hard disk recorder - plus MIDI - can an iMac really cut it? If so, what extras (MIDI /audio interfaces) would I need? And is it sensible to use Cubase (SX?) on the Mac or is it a poor second to say Logic or Pro Tools?

Would really appreciate some help. Cheers.

[My 'stuff' background: I cut up loops and beats with ReCycle etc and layer them into VST as audio while sequencing a Yamaha CS1x and AKAI S200 sampler all ending up in an AKAI D12 hard disk recorder (including my mixed down VST audio tracks). But I need more power and my current set up is on its last legs]

[yingtong]

Thanks xingu - really appreciate your help.

Just trying to get a feel for what these little beauties can do: the 8 tracks of audio you can get running on your iMac - are they mono or stereo? - and does that include plug-ins/v-instruments?

I was thinking of splurging on the 1Ghz superdrive (and based on your thoughts and esp if you're talking 8 stereo rather than mono, sounds like a 1Ghz would be well up to what I need).

I was thinking that if I did shift to an iMac, I'd go the whole hog and move to Logic (because of the emagic thing) - sounds like the compatibility will be hard for Steinberg to beat (I'm currently a VST man). They also apparently do a rather tasty Fender Rhodes v-instrument for Logic don't they?

Cheers again.