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Posted by: Kaumbo Fri 22 Feb 2008, 11:31

Hello there. I'm new here I'm considering to get a Mac (I think it works better for making music - and this is a question I'd like you to answer).
I am new in music production either.
Should I get a Mac? Is it better?
thanks

Posted by: cidsinga Fri 22 Feb 2008, 14:43

Yes, you should! ;-)

Posted by: deaconblue Sat 23 Feb 2008, 07:20

The beauty of using a Mac is that the computer hardware and software are designed to work together 100%. PCs, even really good ones, are put together with pieces from various manufacturers and that means you need drivers from various vendors. The fewer vendors involved in getting your OS and hardware to work together, the less time you'll spend troubleshooting problems with your machine.

Relatively speaking, the Mac is much more integrated at all levels, so you'll have more time to spend learning your software and building your core skills in music production. And less time having to be a computer geek.

And I say that because I am a computer geek and love my Mac 'cause I don't have to be.

peace.

Posted by: mortalengines Sat 23 Feb 2008, 07:42

I love mine and it's old by current standards.

Posted by: Guitardaddy Sat 23 Feb 2008, 11:29

It really doesn't matter, they both do the same thing with regard to recording music on a computer
I would do some research on what is the best recording software for what you want to do and choose from there

Posted by: Kaumbo Sat 23 Feb 2008, 12:15

Thanks! I think (despite the buy of a Mac) I'll get the Logic studio.
Furthermore, what's your suggestion about:
--Nordlead 2
--TB 303
--a good soundcard
--a good monitor
?

Posted by: Mac Daddy Sat 23 Feb 2008, 15:11

Kaumbo,

{Friday February 22, 2008. 11:31
Hello there. I'm new here I'm considering to get a Mac (I think it works better for making music - and this is a question I'd like you to answer). I am new in music production either. Should I get a Mac? Is it better?
thanks}

Kaumbo... Both Mac and PC can accomplish the job of Music Production/Creation... If money is not a problem, get a Macintosh.

Posted by: qusp74 Sat 23 Feb 2008, 15:39

definitely you should. even taking money into it; these days macs pricing compares favourably with any QUALITY PC; sure you can get a peace of crap cheap PC for less but the amount of time spent keeping it breathing will soon increase that price. Its down to personal preference these days really, My preference is MAC all the way.

Posted by: qusp74 Sat 23 Feb 2008, 16:30

Really though, it sounds to me like you are shopping out of a catalog; and that you seem to be wanting to buy what other people are using. If budget really isn't an issue, I recomend that you go into your nearest quality music store, wave some money around and ask if you can try before you buy. Buy yourself a good computer (a mac pro will do fine), a monster synth (your Nord will do well here), a quality interface (anything by RME or MOTU, which model will depend on how many ins and outs you require), and as for your monitors ( my KRK's are great but with a larger bank balance I would buy Dynaudio), but with this section more than most is down to what sounds good to you; some would disagree because to the untrained ear, big sound sounds better but in the recording environment a fairly uncoloured sound is normally preferred. I like a little Flavour myself

That; I think, apart from the purchase of sequencing software (Logic, Cubase etc) is where you should pause and work with that for a while before breaking the bank buying what you think you need rather than what you actually need. Play with that for a while until you notice any gaps that need filling.

In finishing quality music doesn't come from a box, it comes from the heart. I wont comment further because I don't know what your musical background is. Get to know your gear, take some short courses if you have the time and Jam, Jam, Jam.

Posted by: mortalengines Sun 24 Feb 2008, 07:08

The money is not that much of an issue either....there are guys that are doing incredible stuff with Mac Minis even.....the Mac Pro is expensive but, for what it does, you will spend just as much if not more for an equivalent PC.

Posted by: Mac Daddy Sun 24 Feb 2008, 12:23

Kaumbo...

Well I guess the 440 Mac Church Congregation has welcomed you to the AudioMIDI House Of Creation with open arms...

However, I think it was our own DEACONblue who really preached the Gospel. (Nice Sermon Deacon).

From the Choir that beautiful voice you heard was from qusp74... I had no idea he sang so well. His rendition of "Jam, Jam, Jam" heavenly.

Regarding the Nordlead 2, open your Bible to chapter, soundonsound.com

Just keep on making dat music and Jam, Jam, Jam.

Posted by: qusp74 Mon 25 Feb 2008, 14:13

I think i'm blushing... Thankyou Father Mac...er MacDaddy

Posted by: Kaumbo Mon 25 Feb 2008, 18:53

Good guide good guide ...

Posted by: Mac Daddy Tue 26 Feb 2008, 13:28

qusp74... I actually laughed out loud. Too funny. Amen.

Posted by: qusp74 Tue 26 Feb 2008, 14:17

Mac Daddy,

yeah couldn't resist that one, just kind of fell into place.

Posted by: Mac Daddy Wed 27 Feb 2008, 05:48

qusp74, I'm still grinning. I really needed that. Thanks.

Posted by: qusp74 Wed 27 Feb 2008, 07:42

Mac Daddy,

Glad I could help I know how it is; its been a hard day for me too. Started @ 6am, : i'm not much of a morning person at the best of times and i've got a bad cold eeeerrrgh. Am I going to get told off for using this thread as a message service? is there a message service on here?, I havent searched the site very thoroughly. Just read the topics that interest me and help where I can.

Posted by: Kaumbo Thu 28 Feb 2008, 18:30

I think I'll buy a Mac and the Logic Studio 8, and after I get used with it I'll get a synth, monitors etc.
Something lelative to Logic?
I have bought Steinberg's Sequel but it is totally new, I'm searching for ways to sell it for 75 euros. Think of it, I've only opened the box. (Now I've decided to get Logic, it's useless, isn't it?

Posted by: qusp74 Fri 29 Feb 2008, 11:57

Hello,

What will you use until you get the monitors? Maybe some quality headphones, Senhieser are great. If you are buying the setup specifically to make music you really cant do without some sort of quality reference. I suppose if you've got a good home theatre or something that has an optical in you could get away with it for a while but it will be entirely inaccurate. better off buying a second hand G5 and your monitors /interface and use the softsynths supplied with logic; which are very good to supply the sounds. For making music the minijack and onboard sound card is inadequate IMHO i'm sorry to say I'm sorry but I don't even know what Steinberg's Seque IS so I cant comment on its use.

I'm taking it that you have no experience whatsoever; just enthusiasm which is all well and good but you have to really do your research before making acquisitions because it sounds like you have underestimated exactly how much this endeavor was going to cost you, tell me if i'm wrong. also what do you mean by 'lelative', I can't even draw assumptions by the context itis used in?

Hey I Just checked out the sequel sit.... looks pretty cool (very entry level) but i'm sure its a good starting point with all of the loops that are provided. More of a DJ too from what I can see though and not at all sophisticated. You are better off using it till you out grow it especially if you already have it in mac version. get yourself some monitors and an interface though even if its a simple one with only a few ins and outs.

ok thats about all the advice i've got time for tonight; I have to get to bed i'm sure some of the others will be able to help.

Posted by: Kaumbo Fri 29 Feb 2008, 13:07

Well thank you so mutch. It was supposed to be 'relative' but you know how the keybord acts...
Nevermind, thank you man. Frankly, I am very enthusiastic about making music and also to say I have lots of good (and really good) ideas.
About the Mac I'll buy, this event will take place not earlier than summer, so I assume I have a lot of time to make a research.
Steps:
--Buy a Mac (G5?) with good soundcard
--Buy an interface
--Buy monitors
-and then, either I'll buy Logic 8 or before that I'll use Sequel for a while. I have to say I was using Fruity Loops back in 2003 so the basic idea is acquired I suppose.
The rest will follow ofcourse, but I got a strong desire about analog hardware.
Moreover to say, I have Sony Soundforge 8.0 but not even tried it.

Posted by: qusp74 Sat 1 Mar 2008, 06:56

I'm sorry if I sounded a little condescending last night I was in a really bad mood and probably should've just gone to bed.

As far as I know, all of the current line of macs come with the same onboard audio chipset with a stereo minijack/toslink connector in and out; so you really dont have a choice of audio card like Pc's. While its enough to get you started its really only for consumer applications. For any decent input or output you will need an interface. I would suggest getting a firewire based interface as chances are it will outlast your computer; computer manufacturers have a tendency to change the expansion bus of their new ranges eg. PCI/PCI-X/PCI express. Firewire will be a standard for years to come so its a pretty safe bet that ou will be able to port your system with you when you upgrade instead of buying a new interface when you get a new computer. Also although firewire interfaces did have some latency issues when they first arrived but they are well and truly sorted out by now.
I suggested a G5 because I got the impression you might be wanting to save some money to enable you to buy the other bits and pieces and I have to say i'm still running a Dual G5 with no need to upgrade for a fair while yet, it has the power I need to run as many audio and Virtual instrument tracks as I desire for my purposes. If you've got the money though a Mac pro would be a dream come true for you though i'm sure.

Posted by: Mac Daddy Sat 1 Mar 2008, 10:24

Kaumbo

{Frankly, I am very enthusiastic about making music and also to say I have lots of good (and really good) ideas.}

Grasshopper, "Chillax"... let your music speak for itself. What you hear in your "Head" may indeed be REALLY GOOD, hearing it in the Real World can be a humbling experience.

Why not wait until you actually get your gear and hear before saying: "Lots of good and REALLY GOOD ideas you have". When making such statements your music better be "REALLY GOOD".

Such words get an Ummmmmmmmmmmmm. Not a Om.

Posted by: deaconblue Sat 1 Mar 2008, 16:31

Kaumbo,

I use a G5 DP2.0Ghz machine (as mortalengines stated, 'old by current standards') and it handles Logic 8 very well. If you can find one used (ebay or craigslist or Mac Music classifieds, etc.) it'd be a great first Mac for music production.

If you end up buying new, a Mac Pro will be your best choice for long term. Expandability being the primary concern.

For soundcards, qusp74 is correct, the Macs use a 'built in' sound card (audio interface) that is a part of the Main Logic Board, but I would recommend a USB or FireWire interface to get your audio in and out instead of relying on the AD converters on the Mac's audio interface.

MOTU, M-Audio (pre- Leopard drivers), Alesis, ... There are a lot of great choices. You can scan these very forums for a wealth of information on various interfaces and their pros and cons. I personally use a MOTU 828, an Alesis io|26 and an M-Audio USB Pre depending on the task at hand (the io|26 and USB Pre are my portable devices so I can capture in the field/live recordings).

If you buy a new Mac, it should come with iLife (GarageBand is the audio app in that suite) and will get you making music quickly. If you get a used Mac, iLife is ~ $79 and you get a lot for that price. Plus, if you are really going to be using Logic eventually, this gives you the ability to open up ANY GarageBand project in either Logic Express or Logic Pro/Studio by simply opening Logic and then selecting that existing project. All your loops, patches, etc. will transfer over.

You can get some decent monitors for around $350 from http://nav.440network.com/out.php?mmsc=forums&url=http://java%20script:submitCJ10394061X398('CJ10394061X398',null);. Powered is recommended since you won't need an external amplifier. Get a good set of closed back headphones if you plan on recording anything live (vocals, acoustic instruments, etc.) or you can get bleed into the mic from monitoring with open back headphones. If everything is going direct, then it doesn't really matter, but open backed phones will relive some of the SPL from your eardrums. (IMHO)

Good luck! Looking forward to checking out your Mac produced trax.

peace.

Posted by: qusp74 Sun 2 Mar 2008, 14:56

Mac Daddy,

Thought I may have been a bit harsh on the poor guy glad I wasn't the only person left wondering

kaumbo,

please remember the only reason i'm spending time here on this thread is to put back into this website that has helped me a great deal; not because I like telling people what to do . I just thought it sounded like you were getting a bit ahead of yourself without realizing the time or money involved; I know because i've been there. chillout and take a breath.... you cant rush a good thing.........

peace

Posted by: Mac Daddy Mon 3 Mar 2008, 12:59

qusp74, you were NOT wrong... No way....

Regarding our "New Kid On The Mac", there are no bigger dreamer than we musicians... Sex, Drugs and Rock & Roll... Actually, very few play Rock & Roll anymore, and those that do certainly are not doing it on a PowerBook! Can you imagine Keith Richards saying: "Mick, will you pass me the bloody USB Cable"? Not gonna happen, Rock & Roll has almost become cliche. I digress, yet again.

When I heard this "New Kid On The Mac" talkin' trash to those who are giving advice I had to jump in, especially when I heard the "I've got a lot of REALLY GOOD ideas" remark... It was like: "You don't have one piece of Hard or Software so spare the I wannabe a Fireman when I grow up crap". Let's see if you get out of Jr. High first.

You never, ever walk in to the new school and talk trash... unless you are really tough, very pretty or rich.

"Grasshopper San... you must first be able to grab the pebble from my hand before you talk trash".

Posted by: deaconblue Mon 3 Mar 2008, 15:05

And now, turn to page 87 in the hymnal...

This is why I love this place. Everyone willing to jump in to help. And self police. Ah, if only the 'real world' operated thusly...

Y'all rock!

"Johnny was a school boy when he
heard his first Beatles song
Love Me Do, I think it was and from
there it didn't take him long
Got himself a guitar, used to play every night
Now he's in a rock & roll outfit,
and everything's all right
Don't you know?"

peace.

Posted by: qusp74 Mon 3 Mar 2008, 15:21

Mac Daddy,

I'm not that well known for my patience in the face of stupidity; naivety I can stomach with more ease so I cut the kid a break and bit my tongue. Thanks for the backup though.

Oh, and as for 'rock and roll', the rock and roll we knew and loved (me only just because I am 33) is well and truly in the land where cliches go to die IMHO. (I'm sure that comment will get me a few flames), its spirit however lives on in the people that were there and even some that weren't; the rules have changed but the game remains the same. Some would say that all modern rock and electronic music is soulless crap and in a lot of cases they are right, the machine that is the commercial music industry means that money and productivity is the name of the game. Happily though; the wider distribution and ease of access to modern recording equipment means that there is a whole new world of people producing there own 'gems' and 'polished turds',

ROCK ON

Posted by: qusp74 Mon 3 Mar 2008, 15:48

I'm with you deacon, it would be a lot simpler if the 'real world' could be relied upon to operate in this manner. Then Anarchism wouldn't just be a cool IDEA it might just work.

this place and y'all RULE OK he he

Posted by: Kaumbo Mon 3 Mar 2008, 18:51

1st 'apology'-- Sorry but I have no internet connection at home so that's why I'm late about checking your posts.
2ndly I have to say I'll buy a new Mac and very possible a Mac Pro (and by telling this does not mean I have a lot of money to spend).

Motu 828 firewire looks very attractive to me.

As for gusp74, I very pleased you fill me up with infos about the equipment.
Mac Daddy, you'r right about the expression 'relly good ideas'. Maybe I'm very enthusiastic.
No I am not that rich or tough but I CAN love the quality in psytrance/ambient and shit after watching this scene for 8 years (OK I agree with you, maybe 8 yrs are nothing). The only I ask is a guide from people who know things about Macs and music.

Could anyone tell me something about Sound Forge 8.0?
Shall I combine this with Logic?

thank you once more...

Posted by: qusp74 Tue 4 Mar 2008, 01:08

There is no Mac version of SoundForge, SoundForge will only work if you run windows on an Intel MAC; Blasphemy as far as i'm concerned and you will need at least 3-4gig ram to Run both OS X an Windows at the same time while running intensive Audio applications. An equivalent program for audio clip and loop editing might be Recycle or PEAK pro 6.

The MOTU 828 Firewire has the advantage of having a set of Audio Units that will run natively using the MOTU to do the processing and leaving your CPU to do the rest.

Posted by: Kaumbo Wed 5 Mar 2008, 18:50

'A set of audio units', what do you mean by that, sorry

Posted by: gdoubleyou Wed 5 Mar 2008, 19:24

Audio Units are the native OSX plugin format, there are some Mac VST plugs, but most Mac DAWs support Audio Units.