Which computer for Pro-tools
First of all, i hope this is the right forum. If it isn't, Mods / Gods please move it to the right one.
Anyway, My brother will be moving to pro-tools (LE if it matters) and is planning on buying a new G5 to do it. What would you suggest. Cheaper is, of course, better.
We were thinking a dual 1.8 and then buying ram separately to bring it up too either 1 or 2 gigs. Would pro-tools benefit from a dual processor?
What about the singly 1.8? would that work? I know it will work but will it be acceptable performance in the average guy for pro-tools. Once again, 1-2 gigs ram.
And finally, what about the new iMac. If you think it is powerful enough, the new iMac would be great IMO because it will already come with a display and stuff like that. The stuff all goes through firewire so no PCI slots is okay.
Does pro-tools even need that much. I see pictures of people using iBooks. I know it would be hard because of the small screen. Disregarding screen size will a 1.0 G4 with 768-1,256 megs of ram be okay to run pro-tools (LE if it matters). I run PS CS on a 1.0 G4 with 768 ram and for the most part I am okay with its performance but I know the second I start doing a game like Unreal Tournament 2004 I have to drop the screen resolution and cut most detail to get a good picture. I also know that video would be suicide on my PowerBook. Is audio (and pro-tools specifically) a memory hog like Final Cut Pro or more like CS where it is still okay?
Any other ideas or suggestions would be most appreciated.
If you need further detail just ask or email me Justin (the at symbol) Winokur (the dot) us
Thanks again
Anyway, My brother will be moving to pro-tools (LE if it matters) and is planning on buying a new G5 to do it. What would you suggest. Cheaper is, of course, better.
We were thinking a dual 1.8 and then buying ram separately to bring it up too either 1 or 2 gigs. Would pro-tools benefit from a dual processor?
What about the singly 1.8? would that work? I know it will work but will it be acceptable performance in the average guy for pro-tools. Once again, 1-2 gigs ram.
And finally, what about the new iMac. If you think it is powerful enough, the new iMac would be great IMO because it will already come with a display and stuff like that. The stuff all goes through firewire so no PCI slots is okay.
Does pro-tools even need that much. I see pictures of people using iBooks. I know it would be hard because of the small screen. Disregarding screen size will a 1.0 G4 with 768-1,256 megs of ram be okay to run pro-tools (LE if it matters). I run PS CS on a 1.0 G4 with 768 ram and for the most part I am okay with its performance but I know the second I start doing a game like Unreal Tournament 2004 I have to drop the screen resolution and cut most detail to get a good picture. I also know that video would be suicide on my PowerBook. Is audio (and pro-tools specifically) a memory hog like Final Cut Pro or more like CS where it is still okay?
Any other ideas or suggestions would be most appreciated.
If you need further detail just ask or email me Justin (the at symbol) Winokur (the dot) us
Thanks again
Comments
I am just asking because i want to know if you think there would be a difference in performance with he same G5 and the same amount of ram.
On another note, what do you think of pro-tools vs logic? If he goes with logic, are there devices to allow 8 tracks going into the computer. I have no experiance with either programs but if apple made logic like they did their other pro-appls (Final Cut and DVD studio) it must be pretty good
Thanks for the help
Unless he specifically needs Protools for biz I'd recommend something like Logic which is far more optimized.
Originally posted by Jwink3101
Like i said, it is my brother who will be doing it and i will pass on the advice.
On another note, what do you think of pro-tools vs logic? If he goes with logic, are there devices to allow 8 tracks going into the computer. I have no experiance with either programs but if apple made logic like they did their other pro-appls (Final Cut and DVD studio) it must be pretty good
Thanks for the help
I looked over pro-tools, logic, cubase, and DP and went with logic, but they are all really great programs. The only thing I don't like about pro-tools is that you are stuck using expensive digi hardware: You have a much larger selection of equipment with the other programs.
As for getting 8 or more inputs into a computer, there are several firewire options: Metric Halo 2882, Tascam FW1884, MOTU 828MKII, PreSonus Firepod, RME Fireface 800, and a few others.
What type of music does he want to record? That can make a real difference in which program and hardware would best for him.
He works at a music store also and is friends with other stores so he will be able to get it all for ~$999 (pro-tools and hardware that is). Considering Logic starts there plus hardware, i don't blame him for going with pro-tools.
The way i was looking for it was the industry standard. Like i said, i am used to Digital Images where everybody uses PS as opposed to the music industry where i am learning that there is a lot more pro-options.
Plus go for a tower G5. it has a lot more upgrade possibilities, which is important for the future, otherwise you may regret it later.
And get TechTool Pro 4 and your set.
http://www.micromat.com/
http://www.motu.com/
Originally posted by Jwink3101
...
He works at a music store also and is friends with other stores so he will be able to get it all for ~$999 (pro-tools and hardware that is). Considering Logic starts there plus hardware, i don't blame him for going with pro-tools.
The way i was looking for it was the industry standard. Like i said, i am used to Digital Images where everybody uses PS as opposed to the music industry where i am learning that there is a lot more pro-options.
Few years ago i'd have said go OR stick with pro tools, BECAUSE it is/was audio industrie standard. Best quality for bucks
If you want to do some 8 audiotrack (with 4 effects) editing, my vintage iMac G3 350Mhz is plenty fast indeed.
If you want to do some 16+ audiotrack (with 6 effects) editing with 3 or 4 software synthies/samplers running simultaniously, then you probably want more power.
My 1ghz PB is a very good performer for that purpose
I guess an iMac G5 1.8ghz would be pure overkill though.
If industrie standard compatibility is not an issue i would go for LOGIC, and iMac G5
As others pointed out: actually, you do have more choices concerning 3d party hardware, if you go the "logic route".
best
What are you going to be mixing?
If you are going to be using MIDI or will be in the future I would recommend Logic, but if your not - I'd go with ProTools.
ProTools is very much a standard. Some say don't go with it for personal stuff unless you're looking to take files back and forth to a studio for the preamps in them aren't too good for the money dished out with the hardware/software bundles. But...if you are already looking to make it into bigger territory, it is nice to have the experience of using PT for a while.
Even if you do go with it with the preamp problem...you can always have your choice of preamps. I think all the audio connections are just 1/8" TRS cables or stereo or something.
Insight of myself would help too.