Mac vs. PC for Music Production??

Stingray19 · #1 12-14-2009, 03:30 PM

With my band, not big-time production, but I do want professional quality.

Be sure to vote for which platform, and which computers

MakiSupaStar · #2 12-14-2009, 03:45 PM

I started using my iMac, but I fried my HD, so now I'm using my MacBook Pro. I'm using Ableton Live 7 with a MOTU 8pre firewire interface.

TrooperFarva · #3 12-14-2009, 03:53 PM

I have a dedicated PC that I use for recording. I use ProTools with an 003 Rack. I went with a PC because I could make my own parts machine for a lot cheaper than a comparable Mac. It's a few years old, but it has a good processor, and a bunch of RAM, so I have no problems. I've recorded up to about 35 tracks before, without a hiccup.

crispygoat · #4 12-14-2009, 03:58 PM

To be honest, as of 2009 - it doesn't matter unless you like Apple's Logic. If money, isn't a problem I'd go for a Mac because I like it much better than Windows. After using a Mac, never will I return to Windows. If money is an issue, like said, the only difference to this day and age (according to me) is Logic. If you buy a PC, you should look into Ubuntu Studio, but be aware that not every interface work with Linux (Digidesign products do NOT work with Linux).

Edit:

And like TroopaFarva said, if you don't really care about the Mac OS, a PC with the same specs would cost you MUCH MUCH less.

maestrovert · #5 12-14-2009, 04:20 PM

For music production ?
Mac.
Period.

'nuff said.

MN_Bass · #6 12-14-2009, 04:23 PM

Mac, ease of use and reliable.

Pilgrim · #7 12-14-2009, 04:25 PM

With today's software, use the computer platform you are familiar with. If that's Mac, fine - if it's PC, also fine.

You'll have a learning curve with the software regardless, so you might as well be working on a computer you're familiar with.

Stanley Design · #8 12-14-2009, 04:42 PM

My vote is for PC, because I firmly think you get the best bang-for-buck with direct PCI recording over USB or Firewire. And the only way you're getting PCI slots on a Mac is getting a Mac pro which starts at $2,500.

There's no reason to go extra top end for a name brand computer. Not to mention that building up a competing PC to a Mac costs half the price if not less. That extra 1200 dollars can go towards other recording equipment that you'll need.

This isn't saying that you should go with a windows operating system, because that's an entirely different conversation. So is the question of what recording program you want to use. If it's a "recording only" system and not a daily use computer then as long as your recording program is compliant it really shouldn't matter what OS you choose. As far as the name goes on the front of your computer tower goes, there are much better options than Mac for home recording in my opinion.

This isn't a dig at Macs either, and I'm not a Windows fanboy. My fiance works for apple and for daily use I can't wait to get a mac mini. My recording computer will always be a PC though.

L-A · #9 12-14-2009, 04:51 PM

If you want to *build* your audio workstation, a Mac or a PC will do equally good.

If you want an easy solution, a Mac + some audio I/O device is enough. GarageBand can make good demos, or even CDs (Arctic Monkey's first, I think, was on GB only).

Choose your DAW software, then choose the computer, I'd say.

Darkcheef · #10 12-14-2009, 04:59 PM

I have a older Macbook Pro with upgraded everything, it's really easy to record on GarageBand, might upgrade to logic in the future. But the price it too steep IMO, $500 is alot when I could use a free, easy to use recording system.

L-A · #11 12-14-2009, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darkcheef

I have a older Macbook Pro with upgraded everything, it's really easy to record on GarageBand, might upgrade to logic in the future. But the price it too steep IMO, $500 is alot when I could use a free, easy to use recording system.

Are you a student? Logic Studio is sub-200$ for us. I picked up a copy last year. It's awesome, especially with Mainstage.

... now I GAS for a footswitch or some sort of MIDI controller.

jdieh1 · #12 12-14-2009, 07:20 PM

I said an iMac, but I would get the RAM upgraded on it just for extra stability if you are going to record multiple tracks at once. The new iMacs rock super hard and you won't be disappointed in one.

As far as software goes you could do it all in Garageband. It's simple and fairly easy to use and teach yourself how to use. But if you have a bit of experience in recording then Logic may be the way to go. The thing with Logic is that it is the same as Garageband unless you know how to actually use it (In my experience anyway).

You will also want to buy something to allow you to plug your instruments straight into the computer. I can't help you in that department as I haven't delved very far into it. I just use a 1/4 inch to 3.5mm jack converter and plug it into the microphone socket. Works for me but you will need something much better than that.

lbanks · #13 12-14-2009, 07:29 PM

Don't want to start a battle, but Macs have been nothing but trouble for me. PC wasn't any fun, either, until a few years ago. XP made everything a lot easier. I'd say go for which platform you're most comfortable with. These days, it doesn't really matter... just keep it off the internet!

seamonkey · #14 12-15-2009, 12:03 AM

You missed Linux.
It doesn't matter. It's like a musical instrument - there is no single best.

**bassybill** · #15 12-15-2009, 12:23 AM

Nowadays, you can produce good quality recordings on either platform, so it does come down to personal software preferences rather than technical differences or one being "better" than the other. Unless you particularly want to use Logic or other Mac-specific stuff, then I'd say you could be better off going with a PC as this will cost you less for a similarly specced machine.

If you do go the PC route, think hard about which OS you use. I'm still on XP for recording as I had some issues with Vista that was on my music PC when I bought it. I have Win7 on my main laptop but I don't intend to switch from XP for recording yet as there's no real reason to - my recording machine runs XP, my music software and nothing else. It's offline for 99% of the time and it works without any hassles, so I can't see a need to change the OS in the foreseeable future.

sonic assassin · #16 12-15-2009, 12:49 AM

you have to jump through some hoops to make a PC do music like a mac will. lots of swapping out parts and keeping up with drivers and whatnot.

i record on my macbook pro and it has yet to fail me

tommixx · #17 12-15-2009, 01:16 AM

I can plug a number of programs right into my mac and record directly with Logic or using my Presonus Studio live and the software and NOT have to use ANY Protools interface...THAT is priceless to me! I went MAc almost 2 years ago and I will NEVER use a PC for ANYTHING again!

Peace,

T

jkramer5 · #18 12-15-2009, 01:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sonic assassin

you have to jump through some hoops to make a PC do music like a mac will. lots of swapping out parts and keeping up with drivers and whatnot.

i record on my macbook pro and it has yet to fail me

This isn't written in stone at all. I run OS X Leopard ( I went hackintosh about 3-4 months ago) on the exact same hardware I ran XP on. And depending on the hardware, driver updates can be problematic on either platform.

In fact I have yet to find a voice chat client that uses the presonus firebox properly as the sole audio interface installed under OS X. It worked perfectly under windows, but the mac version os skype can't distinguish between the various inputs and outputs. I had to install line in and soundflower just to be able to use skype.

That being said, the Mac Os has grown on me. A lot. Something about it just seems right. I really like logic studio 9, but more than that there is just a ton of handy software that is installed that is excellent. I love the safari browser, the screen cap program is great(silly but I use one a lot) it boots blazingly fast and uses all my installed RAM.

I had great running win2k and xp machines for almost 10 years that I used for work and entertainment every day. A number of them. It took about 2 days to convert me to the mac os.

Joe.shaffer · #19 12-15-2009, 02:05 AM

I'm going to be off beat and say linux is the best, IMO and all that stuff. All but one of my computers is linux and I couldn't be happier. The only reason I keep my windows computer around is for syncing my zune.

pdubya · #20 12-15-2009, 02:17 AM

I have used both mac and pc,as well as linux.
if you like a particular operating system stay with it,because you will save time learning how to use the software.
Some people may laugh but I am currently using Acid Pro 6.0 on windows
I actually prefer it to protools
my band just got signed with the latest recording and we now play festivals of 5000 people and more on the strength of both our album and cd.

www.myspace.com/dubthemagicdragon