My father in law's only good act since creating my wife...

[AlexHall74]

...So he visits us for new years and after all the usual nauseating hub-bub he tells me that he has a dual processor Mac G4 at his house that he is getting rid of if I don't take it. His company is now using some proprietary PC software and everyone got DELL laptops.

I have been wanting a computer just for music and although everything else I have is PC, this is tempting...

Is the processing power/stability of a Mac dual G4 that much better than a P4 2.66 GHZ w/ 1 GB RAM?

I can't remember the RAM of the Mac, it was low, like 256 MB...

If I do get this Mac, should I go Cubase or Logic?
I am using an old version of Cubasis that came with my Tascam US-428 now so I have not invested any $ in a sequencer.

Has anyone here used both machines that has time to comment?

Thanks in advance!

-AlexHall74

[jasedee]

Dude.....if he is gonna get rid of it, take it!

I used to use PC, switched to Mac last year, and couldnt be happier....

Im using Cubase SX, only because I was using VST32 on PC, and I was familiar with the sequencer. I find the Mac OS very stable and easy/intuitive.

Good luck!

[AlexHall74]

Jasedee wrote:
Dude.....if he is gonna get rid of it, take it!

That's what I'm thinking; I can't afford a new PC for a while, this is kind of a surprise.

Jasedee wrote:
I used to use PC, switched to Mac last year, and couldnt be happier....

That's what I keep hearing from people...

Jasedee wrote:
Im using Cubase SX, only because I was using VST32 on PC, and I was familiar with the sequencer. I find the Mac OS very stable and easy/intuitive.

I'm using stripped down Cubasis so any real sequencer will be an adjustment for me.

Jasedee wrote:
Good luck!

Thanks!

-AlexHall74

[Tomer=Trance]

a dual g4 is a very powerful and stable machine.
i would take it even if you need to pay a bit for it.

[AlexHall74]

That's what it looks like is going to happen.

I will get it and get it wiped so his shite is gone from it.

Then I will get an evaluation copy of Cubase and Logic to test them out and see which I prefer.

I really can't believe he offered this.

He's been such a pain in my ass (and my wife's) for ten years; this really is a shock!

Do you all know of any other software to check out for the Mac?

Obviously NI Komplete is cool but $1500!

[jasedee]

The obvious choice is either ProTools or, of course Logic. Cubase doesnt seem to be the first choice for people using Mac.

But I guess choose whichever u find most intuitive and proficient. Your work flow is key here, and getting ideas down quick helps.

Sweet score.....I have a G5, but definately would'nt pass up a G4 if someone offered! Hope he was being sincere....

[Merlot]

On a mac powerbook g4 1Ghz here using Logic Pro 7. Love it. I would say jump at the chance man. Dual g4's are nice especially if you can get it for a good price.

Jase,
Are you using SX3? I have SX1 and have not ordered the upgrade b/c I am using LP7, but am tempted due to the Audio warp. That would mean I could get rid of rewiring live to logic.

[jasedee]

Jase,
Are you using SX3? I have SX1 and have not ordered the upgrade b/c I am using LP7, but am tempted due to the Audio warp. That would mean I could get rid of rewiring live to logic.
I havent jumped ship just yet....still using SX2

I just have a few things on my wishlist before updating my sequencer, but yeah, Audiowarp looks damn cool!

I hear LP7 has the ability to use multiple computers, harnessing processinf power from each one! Is this true?

[Merlot]

I hear LP7 has the ability to use multiple computers, harnessing processinf power from each one! Is this true?

Yeah, it is called node mode. I have not tried it(only have 1), but everyone says it is pretty cool. Good if you are on a g4, they say on a g5, just get a dual G5 instead.

WHats going to be cool is supposedly at macworld next week, apple is going to announce a screenless imac for less than $500. THat would make a good computer to run as a node I think.

[blay]

alex if you dont want it my powerbook could do with a friend :wink:

the dual g4's had some issues with noise - but im sure you will be more than happy with the stability this machine will provide.

one more warning - if using supposed "hot pluggable" firewire devices such as the m-audio range - do not attempt to hot-swap the unit. apparently a lot of people destroyed their g4 firewire cards doing so...

good luck with your new dual g4 - and if you need any help just ask :D

[AlexHall74]

Merlot wrote:
WHats going to be cool is supposedly at macworld next week, apple is going to announce a screenless imac for less than $500. THat would make a good computer to run as a node I think.

That will be cool. It sounds like it will possible to link up enough of these to basically create a super DAW, maybe to the point to where you can run specialized processes on each box?

Blay wrote:
alex if you dont want it my powerbook could do with a friend

I'll keep that in mind. :wink:

Blay wrote:
the dual g4's had some issues with noise - but im sure you will be more than happy with the stability this machine will provide.

My wife says I have problems with noise. Me and this machine might get a long just fine!

Blay wrote:
one more warning - if using supposed "hot pluggable" firewire devices such as the m-audio range - do not attempt to hot-swap the unit. apparently a lot of people destroyed their g4 firewire cards doing so...

Good to know! I am actually using an M-Audio 2496 hooked into an Alto AMX-220 mixer. I also use a Tascam US-428 but it is USB and not hot swappable. I missed the Firewire revolution!

Blay wrote:
good luck with your new dual g4 - and if you need any help just ask

Thank you Blay, I appreciate it! 8)

-AlexHall74