Getting The Right Software N Mac Options

[janiesammut]

Hey guys n gals,
I need some help!!

Here's the deal, ma dad WAS going to get me a pc to do the cubasis route BUT now I have been accepted onto a music tech course which uses macs and logic.

As I want to get into music production seriously I guess now is a better time than any to pursuade ma dad to get me a mac rite

I know the spec for a pc using cubasis and was set, but now I don't know what mac to get and whether to invest in pt or logic and then which version of this. so u see my dilemma


+So that's what I ask of you.

*which is better, pt or logic? AND Which version?? (I'm workin on about an 800 budget here for a home thang goin on)

*Second of all what is the spec needed for a mac and which type works best

I have a great midi keyboard/piano, a lil mixer, a dynamic mic and, that's about it.

I am very serious about this, even though I am aware of the extra hardware needed for macs.

Which leads me to my final question.

*What is all the hardware needed and what are the best ones?? (please give me a range if poss where money is not an object i.e sound cards etc)

The type of music I am working on is RnB/Soul and some hip hop aswell as classical and whatever else the course throws at me.

I'll be using the midi keyboard a lot and using a dynamic mic for vocal input (being a singer and all )

So, that is me, thank you for reading

(hope someone replys)


Bless

Jane

[janiesammut]

I have done some reserch for spec, and macs.

The only thing I am caught up on is 'Low-latency multi-I/O audio hardware '
multi in/out i'm guessing, Would this be a mixer? or midi interface hardware?

DO I need to buy a sound card extra or does it come with the package?

THANKS

This post has been edited by janiesammut: Sun 12 Jun 2005, 17:50

[hahaworld]

Logic is now an official Apple software product, so you can count on support straight from Apple. You can't use the latest versions of Logic on PCs any more. I suggest using Logic instead of Pro Tools, because Digidesign is very sluggish about keeping up with Mac software upgrades. I don't know what it is about the folks at Digidesign, but they've obviously got something against Mac users. Actually, I've stopped using Pro Tools because they are so slow about keeping up. Plus, their consumer-level hardware is cheaply made. I use a solid PreSonus Firebox for my audio interface. That little guy rocks! If you get a Mac, get one with at least a 1.33 GHz processor and at least a gig of RAM. You should also buy a separate hard drive (external or internal) so you can save all your audio elsewhere to save space. I use a 1.33GHz PowerBook with 1.5G Ram, and it runs Logic fine. You don't have to buy a separate sound card, and you don't have to buy a lot of external hardware. If you have the Firebox and an extra hard drive for storage, you're good to go. The Firebox has phantom power on it, so you can use your microphone easily. You'll love the keyboards that come with Logic Pro, too. I recommend Logic Pro, because then your options will be pretty much limitless, and if you do this full time, you can use the cost of the software as a tax writeoff!

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any more questions.

[ourmanflinty]

so you need a mac, some software and an audio and midi interface?
well, if it's on a budget then second hand may be the way.
An ibook will be sufficient, a powerbook will run faster, an imac is cool too, a new g5 imac will fly with logic.

Logicpro gives you a lot for the money, a sampler, synths, drum machine , fx etc etc..it doesn't come with hardware so you'll need some kind of interface, although the mac in/out works fine if your model has them. Also, if you know someone that works at your local apple store, they get 50%!! off software
A midi interface with a usb connection to the computer, cheap as chips1 in 1 out, 2 in 2 out bigger..

You can find a few bits on the Apple website..go to the apple store and browse around the acessories and keyboards.

[Adrian Delso]

What these guys said!

Your Mac should have at least a Gigabyte of RAM and a speedy drive - 7200rpm. A separate drive for storing samples and projects is a good idea. A G4 Dual Processor 7-800mhz would run most apps.

There've been other posts on the best software - do a search! Logic is a b*tch to get into and PT is more widely accepted in professional recording, but MIDI implementation isn't as good as Logic's. If you are serious about a career, it's a good thing to know more than one software DAW.

For vocals, consider a condenser mic/phantom power.

Interface (for getting your vocals into your Mac) - either get one with a good pre-amps or buy a separate pre-amp.

Again, targetted searches in Google and dedicated recording forums will produce lots of ideas.

Good luck.

[B3 Basher]

I'd wait until you start the course and your tutors will guide you right.

[Lotus17]

Yeah, like Basher said. I would call one of the professors or send them an e-mail. I am going to Ball State for Music Technology and I know they were using Digital Performer as their Midi Interpreter on their Pro Tools|HD Systems, but they might have upgraded/switched to Logic, so I definately need to call. Also, if you are going to a new school/college, check out the Apple EDUCATION store on the right hand side of the Apple Store Homepage. You can search for your school on there and get a nice discount. I am hopefully getting a G5 Dual 2.0GHZ for like $2,100ish with the Radeon 9650, an extra 512MB ram, and the Apple Warranty. Then I am going to www.crucial.com to get the extra 2GB of ram so then I'll have 2.5GB ram for an extra $225ish. I'm sure that system will hold it's own for awhile.

[janiesammut]

thanks guys,
I have been trying to contact the college for guidence too. It's good to have other opinions.

[B3 Basher]

Hey guys n gals,
                      I need some help!!

*which is better, pt or logic? AND Which version?? (I'm workin on about an 800 budget here for a home thang goin on)

If you want to 'groove' then the capabilities of Logic outstrip ProTools - Their simplistic yet effective quantize options make the most of your ideas. It's understated Loop Utility allows you to rip your favourite beats and import them into your sequences (Just Like ReCycle on your PC). The budget would be stretched for either platform.

*Second of all what is the spec needed for a mac and which type works best

I'd stay clear of the new IMac range as the 'all in one' screen/computer/fan/hard drive means that it has to blow hard to get rid of all that heat from an overworked processor. Consequently, vocal takes anywhere near an I-Mac will suffering the whine of their noisy fans. Get a PowerMac and hide it away from your microphones.

I have a great midi keyboard/piano, a lil mixer, a dynamic mic and, that's about it.

Then you'll need an Audio Interface and Monitors. Read the other threads here to make up your mind. Make sure you have separate headphone and monitor controls. USB interfaces are just as capable as Firewire for a small set up like your own.

*What is all the hardware needed and what are the best ones?? (please give me a range if poss where money is not an object i.e sound cards etc). The type of music I am working on is RnB/Soul and some hip hop aswell as classical and whatever else the course throws at me.

See above - But you should be considering Plug-Ins - If you get Logic 7 you have enough to go with except limited Orchestral samples - There are many options there, with new sample sets coming out monthly.

Good Luck with your career.

This post has been edited by B3 Basher: Thu 16 Jun 2005, 13:27

[janiesammut]

g4s?

will that perform well for me?
and what MHZ am I looking for?

This post has been edited by janiesammut: Mon 20 Jun 2005, 17:25