G4 Powerbook For "real" Audio, Any good for guitars and stuff? Options

[themightypig]

Hi,

Apols if this topic has come up b4. I'm new on here... Anyway, I'm a PC person who has thusfar hasted recording with computers but who really wants an excuse to buy a G4 laptop - because they look nice and stuff (and because I travel a lot).

With Protools etc. how useable is a G4 (of, say, 1/1.5 Ghz and 500+ RAM) as a workable multitrack studio for 16+ tracks of audio (guitars, vocals and such)? I've had terrible "jitter" problems with PCs inthe past so I don't want to waste my cash if its not a realistic prospect.

Yoda-like advice welcome.

Cheers,

Tim.

P.S. Is there a G5 laptop coming out?

This post has been edited by themightypig: Mon 11 Oct 2004, 13:34

[nreyes]

The spec of the G4 laptop you quote is 'more than adequate', but of course, it all depends on the number of instances of a certain plug-in you use before it maxes out.

The only thing I will say (as a G4 Powerbook / ProTools user) is that you have to consider the need to lug your Pro Tools hardware everywhere you go, because Pro Tools is not standalone (and always needs to detect the hardware when launching). It is disappointing, because many users would like to work 'offline' from time to time when away from the studio.

Otherwise, no probs with the G4 spec you quote.
I have a 1GHz with 1G of RAM, and can easily have, say 12 tracks of audio with 2 or 3 plugins on each before I get any stuttering. By reducing the number of plug-ins etc., you should be able to get the 16 + tracks you are aiming for. In reality, you should be able to bounce tracks down as you create your session to avoid any problems - i.e. a faster computer is not necessarily a substitute for judicious working.

In general, the type of G4 spec you are quoting will give you no problems in coping with recording etc., though, of course, a 7200 rpm external firewire drive is a must for working with a lot of audio.

This post has been edited by nreyes: Mon 11 Oct 2004, 14:46

[themightypig]

Thanks for that.

Any advice on alternative recroding software for a more mobile approach?

[tromba]

I have a 1GHz with 1G of RAM, and can easily have, say 12 tracks of audio with 2 or 3 plugins on each before I get any stuttering.

I'm interested in two track stereo live recording. Can you do this on your powerbook without an external drive? or do you need the external drive??

[shaneblyth]

how portable do you have to be... i mean are u really gonna run off batteries and sit in th park?
cause if u want something more powerfull and still not to bad to lug about look at the G5 Imacs.. not much thicker than a powerbook and alls u need to do is carry a keyboard and mouse as well.
I use powerbook G4 but if the imac had been the G5 I would of grabbed it.. still i love my widescreen 17" powerbook it sure does he job no worries

[tunetwister]

I like Digitail performer and it will run ProtoolsTDM systems, expacialy the new udated DP 4.5. DP is easy to use and work well that is 4.12 and we will see about 4.5. In Protools systems Tdm systems are the real pro system the small and inexpensive Protools systems are not the same as Tdm. Most systems will be ok. MOTU makes a real nice usb interface that is portable, as long as you have power. Best to go to a place where you can play with different software ect.
Todays quote; the best thing in the store is what the salesman wants to sell you.