apple over pc

joebingo · #1 01-15-2007, 05:06 PM

well, yeah, the title says it all really.

I'm in the process of building a studio in my room (not really for pro quality stuff, so I'm not bothering with soundproofing) but does using a powermac G5 really make a huge difference over using a PC? is it worth the extra £2,400?

Also, if anyone could recommend some cheapish (sub £250) monitors, that would be grand!

Embryodead · #2 01-15-2007, 05:38 PM

Depends what you plan on using for interface etc etc I think mac is just better overall when it comes to doing anything audio/visual. Make sure you check Mac's refurb shop you can save a pretty penny.

For monitors my friend uses these KRK Monitors they sound really crisp and he didn't pay very much for them.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...tor?sku=602312

joebingo · #3 01-15-2007, 06:13 PM

for the interface, a firewire mixing desk (i've got firewire on my PC, so that's not an extra cost), I think it's alesis multimix 16. I've already got the audio interface of my creative audigy 2 zs - would i need to buy a seperate one for a mac with a mixer?

I'll be using it for band stuff, so there'll be guitar, bass and drums (when at mine, it'll be an electric kit, when at my drummers it'll be drum mics). I've got access to a car, so it's all easy to set up and tear down. I'm just talking about the actual OS and stability and speed of recording (and of course latancy)

I use G5 PowerMacs at school, but that's mostly sequencing witha midi keyboard. I've found that there is a little latency when recording guitar tracks through guitar amp pro on logic pro, I dont get latency on my comp, at least not noticeable latency (I think it's at 2ms atm) would that change if i were recording live badn stuff?

as for the monitors, who says we dont get ripped off here in britain? http://www.guitarampkeyboard.com/en/rp-5/2517

shifter · #4 01-15-2007, 07:50 PM

It all depends on what software you want....

Logic = Mac

Evrything else = both...

I know plenty of engineers that run Pc's and have no problems.

After all they're all intel chips now..

I personally did the change and while it cost me a bundle i do enjoy the Mac OS....

I don't think one is any better than the other.

If cost is an issue and you don't want logic then build a PC to spec..

WalterBush · #5 01-15-2007, 08:06 PM

Anymore, it depends on the software and/or interface you're wanting to use. Both are computers, and hype aside, both systems are prone to occasional breakdown unless properly maintained.

Having said that, I'm a Sonar/PC guy who uses a Mac/ProTools rig elsewhere. I'd rather have a PC and put the money I saved towards better microphones and monitors, which will make a much bigger difference in quality than the computer used to record.

There was a time when you could say one was better than the other. That time has come and gone (years ago). Now they're just different, at least when it comes to audio.

these_go211 · #6 01-18-2007, 10:08 AM

uh-oh, here we go again.......................

joebingo · #7 01-18-2007, 11:00 AM

useful post man...

cheers for the responses people. do you reckon we could petition apple to make a PC version of logic? it's annoying coz we use logic at school, but I hav ea PC here, so I'm trying to transfer stuff I learn there over to cubase here.

**WillPlay4Food** · #8 01-18-2007, 11:05 AM

Um, Apple killed the PC version of Logic the day they bought emagic.

GreyBeard · #9 01-18-2007, 11:19 AM

I use a PC laptop with a Presonus Firestudio and it works fine. Recording hardware/software can have ( PC ) issues with things like wireless connections, firewire adaptors. For instance, Presonus drivers won't work with ATI RADEON 9000/9001 IGP video chipset. If you PC has this you can pretty much forget about using Presonus with it. Do some research into what you are thinking about buying. Most audio stuff have good web sites with FAQ's that will give you a heads up on what to watch out for with their products. At the Presonus forum I've read several comments from users who have issues with Mac's as well as PC's

wheat · #10 01-18-2007, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shifter

It all depends on what software you want....

Logic = Mac

Evrything else = both...

Well, not quite:
Sony Acid = PC
Ableton Live = Both
Native Instruments = Both
FruityLoops/FL Studio = PC
Garage Band = Mac (and comes free with it, right?)

There are lots of others. Not all of them are cross platform. Quite a few of the VSTi's out there are PC-only. But there are still plenty of them for the Mac.

It's really a matter of what hardware/software/OS you want to spend your time with. Now that the Macs have Bootcamp and Parallels, you don't have to choose. You can buy a Mac and set it up to dual boot to Windows XP. This is what I'd like, in fact, though I've used PCs to record for years without too much trouble.

Whatever you buy, check the specs. The cheapest laptop Dell makes or some ancient Mac off eBay will only lead to frustration. A nice new iMac, a decent off-the-rack PC, or a custom PC built for audio will save you a lot of pain.

Wheat

improvpwnd · #11 01-19-2007, 11:30 PM

both are just fine, but from personal experience the mac operating system is more stable. everything else is all the same..

chaotick · #12 01-20-2007, 12:05 AM

Allow me to be the voice of reason, here.

Let us not forget: The new MacIntels can run windows natively. If you "have to have" something you can dual-boot; So does it really matter?

Quote:

but does using a powermac G5 really make a huge difference over using a PC? is it worth the extra £2,400?

That must be an extremely pimped out machine (heavily upgraded).

The new Mac Pro (G5 killer in every way) starts at £1,699.00 BRAND NEW.

Where is your price from?

Lalabadie · #13 01-20-2007, 10:34 AM

I use a 20" Intel iMac and love it, but experienced PC users will of course know their way better on the PC machine.

I personaly run Logic express on my mac (Garage Band also fits some projects pretty well) and boot on Windows to use some additional synth/sound processing tools. But that's more luxury than necessity.

I guess you don't have to use a top-of-the-line Mac Pro. This is a beast and can handle professional studio work. A MacBook Pro or an iMac will be perfect for you. If you choose Mac, of course.

agreatheight · #14 01-20-2007, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shifter

It all depends on what software you want....

Logic = Mac

Evrything else = both...

I know plenty of engineers that run Pc's and have no problems.

After all they're all intel chips now..

I personally did the change and while it cost me a bundle i do enjoy the Mac OS....

I don't think one is any better than the other.

If cost is an issue and you don't want logic then build a PC to spec..

+1 million.

Build a PC to spec. Use the left over money to buy better monitors, microphones, pres or converters.

This comes from a guy who uses macs all the time at work.

Good luck!

markjazzbassist · #15 01-20-2007, 06:59 PM

I switched to Mac a couple years ago and haven't looked back. They are simpler to use, don't get viruses, and don't crash everyday. Go Mac, you won't be disappointed.