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]

[xingu]

Forgot to add, one great thing about Logic 6 is the Freeze function, which renders your tracks as is (w/effects, etc.) as a separate audio file to free up CPU power so you can add more plugs or virtual instruments. I believe DP4 has a similar "Freeze Tracks" feature. Careful on that budget! It's very easy to go overboard.