Newbie With A Couple Of Questions Options

[dalty52]

Hi, I've decided to invest in a quality, but affordable audio/MIDI sequencing setup. I've pretty much made up my mind on getting a MOTU 828 audio interface, yet I'm still undecided as to what computer to buy and what sequencing software I should get. I want to be able to sequence a professional sounding background track and have the ability to record digital audio over the sequence(i.e. possibly some Jingle writing or even songwriting demos). I've been looking at DP4 and Logic Platinum.......any comments regarding these two programs? I know that I can sync music to video using Logic. Is this possible in DP4, as well? I've heard the learning curve on Logic is high, so I've been thinking DP4 would be more suitable, however many say Logic is the way to go, regardless of the learning curve. Am I sacrificing a great by choosing the program with the user-friendly interface?
As far as the computer goes, I've been looking at the G5 dual 2GHZ with 1GB of Ram. Would a dual 1.8 with 2GB of Ram provide better performance? Also, if I were to purchase a powerbook instead(obviously for the portability factor) would I be sacrificing a great deal of performance? Any comments are greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Dalton

[dalty52]

I was also wondering..........would a G5 with 1.8 dual and 2 gigs of Ram be superior to a G5 with 2.0 dual and 1 gig of Ram?

[rickenbacker]

There's going to be a learning curve with DP4, too. Logic Platinum (or Pro, as it will now be known) is superb. That's not to say that DP4 isn't - but I use Logic and I know it's amazing.

A Powerbook will look cool, but if you're serious about making music with it as your sole machine, get the PowerMac. A G5 will blow a G4 away every time. As for choosing between two G5s, why not get the 2.0GHz dual and upgrade the RAM in the future?

On the other hand, there aren't many programs or plug-ins that will seriously test a 1.8 dual with 2Gb of RAM - that set-up would keep you happy for years. And you'll probably save a fat sack of cash to put towards Logic and the 828.

[Panopticon]

I switched over to DP4/dual 2.0 G5 6 weeks ago (from Pentium 4/ Cubase SX). I am also using the 828mkII.

Not to sound too much like a fanboy, but I have had nothing but good luck since switching. The stability and performance ghosts that haunted me have left...now I am always able to be productive and get a lot done.

As for DP4 or Logic? Either sequencer will be up to the task; they're both excellent, professional level programs. But if you decide to get a 828mkII, you can get DP4 for only $395; so you'd save $155 that could go towards more memory or plug-ins or something. But either program is excellent...