Intro and some Advice?

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Member Since: Jan 20, 2008

Hey folks my name is john and I'm new to this forum. I reside in Virginia Beach and I've been recording demos since the first 4 track tascam came out.

I recently found myself having a renewed interest and passion for home recording and want to be computer based. This is what I was considering and I'd love anyone's input to my initial direction:

The computer I was looking at was an I-mac (2.8 version) with that standard bundle.

I think I'm leaning towards Cubase 4.0 but the 003 Pro-tool bundles look tempting.

The interface I'm looking into is the RME Fireface 400 as I've heard the preamps are top notch.

Now am I missing a component(s)? Does it sound like it would be a an upper end home recording studio and if not, how could I make it better. I'm on a budget but want it as professional as I can get it without spending... oh..10k??

I'm really new at this so I'd love any feedback and I'd like to thank you in advance.

I love guitar oriented music as I'm primarily a guitarist/vocalist. I record all types of rock from ballads to really gutsy stuff. I hope I gave ya's enough info to point me in the right direction.

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Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Jan 20, 2008 04:49 pm

Welcome to HRC first off.

I'll jump straight to the point here and not beat around the bush.

I as well as a good deal of others would recommend not going the PT route, for one simple reason. It is a very closed ended proprietary system. There is nothing you will find that is free for that system as far as pluggins and expansion of the software goes. It is an over priced bit of kit that has forced its way into what would be called the industry standard. Funny thing is I don't know but a small handful of studios here that still buy into that. Some still keep a PT system just for the sake of it, but rarely use them these days.

Many are like myself running either Sonar, Cubase, Logic or Nuendo on the higher end software.

Sonar which sadly is not ported to the Mac is right now the dominant software DAW out there. Fully customizable to look and feel like any type of DAW you would like.

But Cubase is a very good quality bit of recording software as it is and can accept all the freeware pluggins you will find on the net.

My suggestion would be running with that and the RME as that combination will not lock you down into one specific type of pluggin you can use and is very open ended. The interface will run on any software platform, and is a well built and easy to upgrade piece of hardware.

And bottom line is it will not set you back nearly as far as building a PT system will. Upgrading is about one quarter the price of upgrading a PT system if not less.

Just my 2 cents worth there.

Again, welcome to HRC.

Member
Since: Jul 02, 2003

Jan 20, 2008 05:16 pm

Welcome to the forum Zell and I'll just echo what Noize has said as far a equip.

Dan

Member
Since: Jan 20, 2008

Jan 20, 2008 06:52 pm

Thanks Noise and Old Dog. I can't tell you how glad I am to have found this forum.

So it sounds like you both pretty much agree with the RME/Cubase route then right? Noise, when you said it pretty much locks me down to one specific pluggin, what do you mean by that exactly? Are the free pluggins available by not going the PT route worth any salt?

Also, I could have sworn my old drummer was using Sonar on his Mac Laptop but I could be mistaken.

Should I reconsider going the MAC route so as to be able to use the Sonar DAW? I haven't bought a thing yet and won't until I understand things a bit better and have more of an opportunity to pick all of you'alls brains a bit more.

I have a lot to learn just to even catch up but it's been fun and interesting so far.

Thanks again for all of your advice and if you don't mind, keep the thoughts coming. I'm sure you've fielded this same question a thousand times so thanks for your patience and understanding.

Now back to the game! LOL

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Jan 20, 2008 07:45 pm

YA, actually I jump ahead here. I forget the name of the program but Mac has a windows emulator that allows you to run PC software on your Mac. I completely forgot about that one.

On the pluggin thing, indeed there are tons of third party VST pluggins out there that are ins a lot of respects better then some of the very expensive pluggins or bundles out there. Antress is one pluggin maker that give his stuff away and it is on the level of the $1000 Waves pluggin bundle which I do use. But the Antress stuff is free.

The thing with PT is that for instance, to encode an mp3 will cost you about $350 for the pluggin, it does not come standard with the application. Were as in Sonar and Cubase it is built into the app as is.

And that why we are here, pick away. This is what HRC is all about my friend.

And ya, I need to check the score as well.

Member
Since: Jan 20, 2008

Jan 20, 2008 08:26 pm

Hey again. It's halftime! LOL So knowing that, would you still suggest Sonar, stick with my Cubase direction, or does it really matter.

Can you tell me what some of the pro's and cons are over the two? Plus, does that IMAC sound like a good way to go as far as my computer is concerned?

My buddy has the Imac 2.o processor 20inch screen with 2g of ram running Cubase 3.0 with a presonus firepod thing-of-a-jig (interface). He has occasional glitches, but I think it's his firepod and not his computer.

You run PC I take it. I'm using a pretty powerful Sony Vio laptop as we speak, but for music I wanted something designated just for HBR. Of course you have the whole PC/Mac feud between people but I'm not interested in that nonsense.

Again, thanks a bunch!

I wish I had a profile picture
Inactive
Since: Nov 11, 2007

Jan 20, 2008 08:30 pm

I'm going to throw a question in here.

Reason can't be used for recording can it? Can it be used for editing after recording?

Frisco's Most Underrated
Member
Since: Jan 28, 2003

Jan 21, 2008 01:57 am

No, reason cannot be used for recording audio. And it cannot be used for using 3rd party plugins. It also cannot be used for editing. It is primarily a sequencer, with a variety of softsynths and soft-samplers to go along with it (and some effects plug ins).

In terms of if you should go mac or pc, sonar or cubase...etc, I think any of those choices are valid, and all will work. You may want to see if there are trial versions of cubase and sonar, to see which one you like better.

Member
Since: Jul 02, 2003

Jan 21, 2008 04:22 am

Regardless of the computer you chose you will likely have a few glitches here and there, it just comes down to personal choice. Sonar has a fully functional 30 day demo if you have a PC to try it on (a fairly recent one), I don't know if Cubase does or not for Mac or PC. I'm not familiar enough with Mac's to say whether the one your considering is a good choice so I'll leave that to someone else. :)

Dan

I wish I had a profile picture
Inactive
Since: Nov 11, 2007

Jan 21, 2008 12:10 pm

Are Sonar and Cubase comparable to Reason when it comes to sequencing and softsynths?

Frisco's Most Underrated
Member
Since: Jan 28, 2003

Jan 21, 2008 07:44 pm

A lot of people don't seem to like the reason sequencer for soem reason, but I'm not sure why. Never been able to get anyone to explain it to me. Anyhow, for me the reason sequencer works well. I don't really know how cubase and sonar work for sequencing, though, I think i've heard some people say they have issues with cubase and midi? but not too positive on that.

As for softsynths, i think sonar comes with a couple, but the really cool ones you have to purchase seperately (I think?). Reason has a couple very cool soft synths that come with it. I tend to think that reason does what it does (sequencing/softsynth) very well. And Sonar and Cubase do what they do very well (recording/mixing), and then do the sequencing/softsynt thing ok in addition. Oh yeah, you can also use vst synths in Cubase/Sonar, but you cannot do that in Reason.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Jan 21, 2008 07:52 pm

Actually Sonar 7 PE now comes with a decent selection of soft synths. And to be honest there are a lot of really great free ones out there as well. I use many different freeware synts as well as some high end software synths that are in the upper price range. I find uses for them all.

The fact that Sonar can be configured to fit your work flow is a big plus in my book. It comes with a very good set up by default but there are certain functions that I prefer to use shortcuts for and simply set them up in my preferences.

They are probably best known for having the easiest manual to understand and the tutorials that are out there are killer. AS well as the tutorials that are included and install with the help files.

I wish I had a profile picture
Inactive
Since: Nov 11, 2007

Jan 21, 2008 08:04 pm

Do Sonar and Cubase edit too?

Member
Since: Jan 20, 2008

Jan 21, 2008 08:44 pm

Hmm, if I can just redirect this thread again, Noize is it possible for you to perhaps give some of the biggest pro's and cons of Sonar vs Cubase?

And as luck would have it, just when I was about ready to forget PT all together, another friend of mine tried to talk me into the PT route all over again.

I've heard his CD and it sounds awesome making his basic argument for it being, "You've heard the CD right?". A strong argument indeed especially considering it was one of the first versions of the program.

Now I'm just a little more confused than I was before and I haven't even looked into the Sonar option yet.

Is one more user friendly than the other? Again, if could throw out some of the more common pro's and cons of them I think it would help me a lot.

Thanks again,
Jon

Czar of Turd Polish
Member
Since: Jun 20, 2006

Jan 22, 2008 12:31 pm

I'm gonna chime in, I have heard excellence from Pro Tools, but I have also heard crap. It all depends on the engineer, maybe your buddy is just good at it?

It is a great piece of software, but not better than the other solutions you are looking at. I don't think anyone here thinks pro tools is bad quality wise, they just wallet rape you every chance they get. I spent $300 on Adobe Audition and love it to death.

In the end you will spend far more money on a ProTools setup for the same functions. I would spend that money on a nice interface or three :) Also, don't forget to look at Motu when shopping interfaces, the 8Pre is reviewed as an excellent piece of gear, has 8 high quality pre's and is very reasonable pricewise. You could link up three units, have 24 inputs with pre's and still be around $1500.

Just food for thought.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002

Jan 22, 2008 12:41 pm

When you are talking about the quality of the finished product, Sonar, Cubase, ProTools and any other high end gear are all capable of the same, the engineer matters more than anything else.

I use Sonar, to me it's the easiest and most logical operating...for that, you need to try demo's or check them out in a store and just see which one makes sense to you.

ProTools is a totally viable option, but in the long run many home studio owners regret it.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Jan 22, 2008 08:15 pm

Yep, PT is a very expensive application to get into. Both on the hardware end and the software end. They do not supply you with a means to burn to CD, without charging you extra for it. They do not supply you with any export options other then wav and their proprietary project formats. If you want an mp3 or wma or anything else, you will have to pay and extra $300 or so for the pluggin to do that. Anything above the standard run of the mill pluggins will cost you extra. And I mean a whole lot extra as they only accept one type of pluggin and any third party developers which there are only a few of charge you ten times the amount a VST pluggin suite would cost you.

While PT is a very high end application it does require a lot of money to be spent to get there. I am sure I can send you a CD that will give you the same feeling your buddies does and I am also willing to bet mine was done with less then a quarter of the expense to complete it as far as gear and software goes.

Just so you know I am not blowing smoke up your wazuu I do music for commercials, probably seen some of them on TV for cars and beer. I also do music for TV, games, large format video games and movies. I do this with a bare minimum of money invested and no one has complained about the sound of the finished product. I also mix for bands that are national and international and many are on national and international air play. I would not be doing that if it were not good recording software and hardware here.

On the Sonar side of things, as I hinted to, the workflow can be customized to suit your needs and fit you view of how it should be laid out. The pluggins that it comes with in standard form, no extra charge are puggins that are capable of finishing a product, in other words they are mastering quality pluggins. The soft synths that are supplied with the software are of the quality as some of my $00 to $600 dollar software synths and samplers, and they come with at no extra charge.

And the argument you might get about PT mixing panel is just not relevant anymore. I can lay out a 64 channel or larger mixer with as many busses as I need, and only show the attributes I need as far as the EQ strip and so on goes. And I can do all my automation with the click of a mouse or the push of a slider via midi. That will cost you extra in PT as well.

As stated above, PT and Sonar are both very high end applications. Head over the Cakewalk website and download the 30 day trial of Sonar. It is a complete and full install that times out after 30 days. No limits on track count or pluggin use. And no annoying bleeping every 30 seconds. Give it a shot and see what you think.

I wish I had a profile picture
Inactive
Since: Nov 11, 2007

Jan 22, 2008 08:51 pm

What is the difference between the different CakeWalk packages?

Maybe there's even a site that has a comparison chart.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Jan 22, 2008 09:30 pm

www.cakewalk.com

They have all the info you could ever want, and more.

Member
Since: Jan 20, 2008

Jan 23, 2008 12:52 pm

WOW! Simply mind-blowing. I've been over there for a couple of hours now and am simply in awe. I'm not much of a synth guy...OOPS wait; I should say wasn't because I am now after listening to all that. What power.

Just as you stated Noize, top end all the way. Of course it may end up taking about a decade to learn how to use all of that but it seems to have everything one could ever need from tracking to mixing to mastering.

Perfect vocals and all those vocal tools are amazing and something that if I personally lay a vocal track down would definitely need! LOL

I'm going back over there to see what packages they offer but I just had to poke my nose in here to say .... WOW

Does their latest version come with all that...stuff?? Or are they extra plugins? I'm having a little trouble navigating over there, which may explain why it would take me a decade to learn the program... HA! I'm cracking myself up.

Oh, one more thing for now and that is while I'm completely sold on Sonar, I would be remiss if I didn't ask your opinion on Mac's Studio 8 program. I think it's just a mental formality but I'm curious as to you all's take on that one.

Thanks again all,
John

Frisco's Most Underrated
Member
Since: Jan 28, 2003

Jan 23, 2008 01:29 pm

Quote:
Do Sonar and Cubase edit too?

If by edit you mean wave edit...I'm not positive, but I don't think so...

I wish I had a profile picture
Inactive
Since: Nov 11, 2007

Jan 23, 2008 06:30 pm

I don't even know what wave editing is.

I meant just chopping it up, touching it up, and adding effects to it.


And Noize, I was at the Cakewalk site already...I just got confused. They don't organize the information very well...

Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004

Jan 23, 2008 06:42 pm

Yep, those two are main contenders in the multitracker / DAW field. They both are designed to record incoming signal, edit tracks, move parts around, add effects, etc.


Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Jan 24, 2008 09:48 pm

Yes, there are loop editing facilities in Sonar.

The only thing I know for the Mac called Studio 8 if from Adobe or Macromedia. It is not a recording software. Unless Mac has abandoned Garage Band for something else, or it is an older program.

If you have a link to it I might know or have seen it by another name.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Jan 24, 2008 09:49 pm

Oh ya, and no they are not extra pluggins. Everything you see on the Sonar page is in Sonar 7 PE.

Member
Since: Jan 20, 2008

Jan 25, 2008 04:57 am

Should I be considering the 64 bit route thereby needing an intel quad type processor which Mac Pro's have, but the IMac does not. Those Pro's are quite expensive btw so maybe I should be considering sticking with a PC again?? whatcha think?

I downloaded the 30 day trial of Sonar 7 and it seems just awesome. Now, I'm having trouble with it a bit but that's only because this is my first DAW and it would be that way for me with any of them.

I wanted to blow my friend away and record a bass and drum track while he was away from his studio of some cover song he needs as a demo for local gigs, but I can't seem to find the drum sounds or bass I need. I'm starting from the idiot stage and working myself up so maybe that was a bit ambitious on my part.

The link to the mac product is here:
store.apple.com/1-800-MY-...;nplm=MA797LL/A
I still would like yours or anyone elses opinions on that software. It's a DAW much like Cubase or Cakewalk, just the Mac version of it. It's pretty highly rated, but I would trust those here as I don't know what it may be missing.

Look forward to your response!
j

Member
Since: Jan 20, 2008

Jan 25, 2008 04:59 am

Shoot, one more thing. Why is Sonar 6 producer series over a grand, yet Sonar7 is about 500. Is that because the 6 version is 64 bit?? I'm a little confused on that whole issue and only have a certain amount of hours/day for research. :-)

Member
Since: Jan 20, 2008

Jan 25, 2008 04:05 pm

Hey Capt Tripps I checked out that motu8 interface and that sounds nice as well. It's cheaper too. I dunno though as all of this at the stage I'm currently at seems overwhelming.

I've also noticed that a lot of the reviews I've read (not here) seem to be biased to the piece of gear that person bought. Have you noticed this??

It just makes it harder for a guy new to all this gear and HBR stuff to sift through it with any objectivity. I just want to make sure I by the best pro gear for the money so I can forget about it and get back to the art of song writing and engineering.

Frisco's Most Underrated
Member
Since: Jan 28, 2003

Jan 25, 2008 04:11 pm

The thing with lots and lots of reviews made by people on the net, is all they know is that piece of gear. "I bought such and such, and it's great, I love it". But they fail to say that it's the only type of such and such they've ever used. They're just excited to have it.

Czar of Turd Polish
Member
Since: Jun 20, 2006

Jan 25, 2008 05:13 pm

Motu, Echo, M-Audio, I would buy any of those interfaces personally. Presonus, not so much. I cannot make claims on their new stuff, but I saw my friends have issues with their firepods.

I think you need to stress a little less over the interface, for the $500 range you are going to get a nice interface with very nice quality pre-amps.

On the 64 bit thing, I would avoid it OS wise. Get yourself XP Home or Pro unless you are 100% sure your software and hardware have good 64-bit support. And if that's the case I would go Vista 64 because MS is dropping XP 64 support I believe.

As far as 64-bit processors, I believe the majority over the last few years at least support it.

Me for instance, my Echo interface has full Vista 64 drivers, but Adobe Audition only supports Vista 32. Beings there is no benefit of going XP 32 to Vista 32 (where 64 bit allows 8GB of RAM) I will just sit happily on my XP box and continue my problem free experience :)

SM7b the Chuck Noris of Mic's
Contributor
Since: Jun 20, 2002

Jan 25, 2008 08:33 pm

Zell , I'm not sure what you mean about sonar 6 being over a grand , Sonar 6 was 64 bit, so is 7 but will work just fine on a 32 bit. also you don't have to go with Sonar 7 PE , if $ is a big deal, Studio will do just fine , it has all the same functions just with out a few plug-ins/ soft syths( go to cakewalk and put em side by side) . you don't need a 64 bit PC to run sonar either, at this point I don't see a whole lot of the "home studio" egineer needing to use 64 (its'cool and a nice thing to have) . Let me tough on interfaces as well , you want a nice one for your $$ but you don't have to buy into the most expesive and hyped gear (there is a lot to sift though).

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002

Jan 25, 2008 08:42 pm

::waves::

Hi Geoff, how's things in Guam?

Member
Since: Jan 20, 2008

Jan 25, 2008 11:21 pm

OH! I see, Geoff, I was looking at the Producer Lab Pack which comes with a whole slew of things. I still think I like the RME 400 even though it's a bit pricey.

Did anyone else check out the Logic Studio 8 link I gave ya or has anyone tried it?

I really had my head set on getting an I-MAC, but the more I look at the "recommended requirements" for Sonar, the more I get the impression it would work better with a Dell or some other PC. What are you guys running as far as your cpu and operating system and do you think the imac will be just as good?

Again, I can't thank you all enough for your thoughts and interest in helping me get started in the right direction!

Jon

SM7b the Chuck Noris of Mic's
Contributor
Since: Jun 20, 2002

Jan 26, 2008 12:39 am

Guam is good dB check out my blog, good to hear from you. Zell my buddy over here is a Mac guy and I've been able to run Sonar just fine on it with out any bugs. I'm a PC guy but I've looked at the other side. check out my profile for specs.

Member
Since: Jan 20, 2008

Jan 26, 2008 03:08 am

Geoff, wow, that's why I love forums so much I guess. Almost all of the artists you mentioned I've either covered in a band or just simply like and admire a lot. As I'm writing this, I'm not sure about your computer specs or what you specifically use per say, only that we have very similar tastes in our style of music.

I'll look at your link in more detail, as I'm just interested in getting the best advice from all of you as possible. Like I said earlier, it was a blessing finding this web site. It's already helped weed me through the maze encompassing the whole home studio computer based start up. I just can't wait to get to the "mixing" tips and suggestions all of you have to offer.

Emm, that may be a while but nonetheless, looking forward to it.
jon

Member
Since: Jan 20, 2008

Jan 26, 2008 03:13 am

Again Geoff, I actually own that exact same guitar rig. It's awesome. And I guess with your knowledge and experience, I'd have to match that insane computing ability you have right? LOL I currently own nothing that is in that league.

Member
Since: Jan 20, 2008

Jan 26, 2008 04:59 am

Geoff, Noize, if you don't mind sharing, I'd love to have a sample of your work. Please understand it's not any "test" of your work at all. It's just more for inspiration and that in the near future, I can send you guys my work in return.

A lot to ask not knowing you guys so either way, I completely understand. Man, I'm a night owl! Where is everyone? LOL

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Inactive
Since: Nov 11, 2007

Jan 26, 2008 05:32 pm

www.cakewalk.com/Products/PowerStudio/connect.asp

On that picture I don't see how the included interface (what the guitar, mic, headphones are plugged into) fits into the whole setup. Can anyone explain?

Also, what is the black box in the center of the illustration? Is that the spot where a mixer would go?
Or is that the back of the included interface?

I wish I had a profile picture
Inactive
Since: Nov 11, 2007

Jan 26, 2008 05:36 pm

Oh and another question...

Is the only differences between SONAR Power Studio 250 and 660 that one uses USB and the other FireWire?


Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Jan 27, 2008 06:07 pm

Randal, the black box if you look closely is the interface. The 250 is the USB version and the 660 is the Firewire version. And yes there is a difference. The 660 gives you a few more i/o channels then the 250 does.

Zell, I will get something up and email you a link early in the week here. Maybe tonight yet even.

On the Logic thing. I have used it pretty extensively in another studio and while it is a killer application near the same level as Sonar it is not as easy to get around in, nor is it able to be as customized or personalized like Sonar is. My personal take is the work flow is a bit confusing and cumbersome. In Sonar I am one or two clicks away from opening many of my most used tools, while in Logic it is a multi click effort and then going from view to view to set some things up or adjust them.

I wish I had a profile picture
Inactive
Since: Nov 11, 2007

Jan 28, 2008 11:30 am

I read that Sonar Power Studio comes with a specially configured version of Sonar 5 Studio Edition. Does it now come with a special version of Sonar 7 Studio Edition instead or does it still use an older version?

Either way could I get Power Studio then upgrade it to Sonar 7 Producer Edition?

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002

Jan 28, 2008 11:35 am

I would suspect that they upgrade Sonar, but I don't know for sure. It's not like it's a special version, tuned just for that hardware or anything, it's just bundled together for convenience...it's the same application.

I wish I had a profile picture
Inactive
Since: Nov 11, 2007

Jan 28, 2008 11:58 am

To me it makes more sense to just get a mixer and Sonar 7.

Wow this thread has been a lot of help.

Member
Since: Jan 20, 2008

Jan 29, 2008 04:08 am

So yes, I'm all up on the Sonar. However, I will still be getting an iMAC so my question now is whether or not a 2.8 procs. and 500 worth of memory is sufficient for Sonar.


Also, Should I go for the production pack, which is loaded with Sonar 7 and if not mistaken, 3 other disks or not.

I'm so close guys.... lead the way!

Un

In other words, the best (for the dough) computer to compliment the Sonar route
jon

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002

Jan 29, 2008 09:16 am

I don't want to come across as bashing Pro Tools as there are some here you use it and use it well. I'm not about to argue with a craftstman as to what hammer he uses if his work great.

As for myself, I have yet to regret going with Cubase. It's not perfect. Cubase 4 needs some real horsepower in terms of a PC and it's min specs for a PC or Mac are substantially understated. It has snafu's, but as stated above all do. As per Noize, I am noticing more and more studios that I work with on colaborate projects have moved to Cubase. I am finding no problems in that theator. As per quality of product, I find that I am only limited to my personal abilities, not the software or associated plugs etc.

For whatever it may be worth I see this as a reasonable endorsement.

Czar of Turd Polish
Member
Since: Jun 20, 2006

Jan 29, 2008 11:21 am

Zell, what type of processor is in that Imac? Is that a Pentium 4 2.8Ghz or some other flavor of CPU. Also on the Ram, I would get more than 512 if you can. If MAC is charging to much jump on NewEgg and get yourself 2GB for cheaper, that is... if the IMac is easy to open\upgrade.

Member
Since: Jan 20, 2008

Jan 29, 2008 12:08 pm

Cpt Tripps,

The Imac I'm looking at has a 2.83GHZ intel core 2 DUO extreme processor

4 GB 667MHZ DDR2 of RAM

500GB serial ATA hard drive (On this note it's only $150 to get that to 750gigs if you think I need it)

I was gonna get an external HD though and so far haven't thought it necessary to do that upgrade.

Now Cpt, if you think the iMAC doesn't have adequate power, I can go to the Mac Pro with

# Two 2.66GHz Dual-Core Intel Xeon processors with 8MB of L2 cache per processor
# 4GB (two 2GB) of 667MHz DDR2 ECC fully buffered DIMM
# NVIDIA GeForce 7300 GT 256MB
# 500GB Serial ATA Seagate Barracude hard drive (brand new); 7200 rpm; 16MB cache
# 16x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
# 52x Apple-branded combo drive (DVD read; CD-RW) in second optical drive bay
# Two FireWire 800 ports; Two FireWire 400 ports; Five USB 2.0 ports

That is a quad core computer but I can also go to 8 cores as well and up to 16 GIGS of RAM (wow!). This jump financially is pretty steep from the iMAC to the Pro but I want to do it right so let me know!

One more note... the IMAcs are all-in-ones and cannot be tinkered with with the exception of memory so.....

One of my friends runs cubase on an IMac with a 2.0 processor, 2 GB of Ram and 500 GB of ROM and I don't think he is having any problems but again, I'd love all of your takes on the matter.

Thanks,
Jon

Czar of Turd Polish
Member
Since: Jun 20, 2006

Jan 29, 2008 12:15 pm

Haha, not at all. I would love that Mac Pro, but that Imac should have plenty of power. When you said 500 on the Ram I thought you meant 512MB, it seems now you may have meant the $500 upgrade to 4GB :)

Personally, I would not waste your money on the extreme processor, it is way overpriced and although super fast will probably not provide a noticable difference over the non-extreme unless you are gaming. Knock it down to the non-extreme version and save yourself a ton of money and still have plenty of processing power. Everything is really top notch and maybe even a little overkill for a home studio (nothing wrong with that) :) I would definitely have a ton of Ram and HDD space, something you seem to have already taken care of.

p.s. I have seen 2-4GB ram kits going on newegg for around $75-150 (good stuff too, not cheap generic crap). If compatible and you are comfortable, save yourself another few hundred bucks and install it yourself.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Jan 29, 2008 08:43 pm

Zell, that deal that you posted earlier is one hell of a good price for the complete set up. If I were starting with a serious musical back ground I would opt for that one for the synths if nothing else. It does allow many more possible configurations for using it for every aspect of recording.

Randal, as of Feb. 2007 Power Studio was upgraded to Sonar 6.2, not a lite version either. I do believe that it will be upgraded again this year to version 7.

Version 5 is over 4 years old so that would not be what they are using.

I wish I had a profile picture
Inactive
Since: Nov 11, 2007

Jan 30, 2008 06:35 pm

So the only difference between Power Studio and just Sonar is that Power Studio comes with the interface? Just clarifying.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002

Jan 30, 2008 06:36 pm

yep.

> > > Intro and some Advice?

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