Hey, could you maybe do us a favor and go be 'funny' somewhere else? There are people trying to get legitimate information out of these threads. It benefits nobody to throw nonsense out to stir everyone up.
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a legit mac/pc question
- Thread starter shwashwa
- Start date
Well for one thing, you said "New Macs will run XP. BETTER AND FASTER THAN MOST BRANDS OF PC.". Ludicrous. Mac uses EFI, Window is still on the 'ol BIOS; Apple do provide drivers and it does work for the most part, but they are still some teething problems. Granted, problems are mostly associated with outboard gear, but they are there nonetheless. To suggest to buy an Apple computer to run Window exclusively is ludicrous.
Then there's the price thing. First, I don't know why somebody who claims such experience with computers would even consider shopping at Dell for a personal use situation. That said, there's plenty of situation where it is infinitely cheaper to get a custom PC built rather than to shop Apple. I, for one, is the perfect example: I knew exactly what I wanted, Apple doesn't make it. The cheapest Apple workstation cost $1500.00 over and above what I've paid to get my custom system build. And I'm not even mentioning the fact that my current audio hardware can't even be installed on that $2500.00 wonder...
So, do buy an Apple computer IF the hardware configuration meets your needs and the software you want to run is OSX compatible. But to suggest Mac is the end all be all of all PC's is, again, ludicrous.
It wasn't my intention to do so... but in my very initial response to this thread in which I tried to give a balanced and experienced opinion (to me anyway) I did say "This will open up a can of worms" because I knew people would get all "uppity" about it - and I was proved right. Mention the words Mac and PC in sentence and people suddenly go all territorial!
No one is doubting someones years of experience or skill against someone elses. I have personally over 9 years experience of using both Mac and PC's as a graphic designer, and know full well the silliness that occurs as soon as the whole PC and Mac debates gets kicked off. It is plain ridiculous - and your response has in some ways proved that. Unable as you are, to see a bit of light humour, or if you can see the humour, just except it as that without telling people to basically "get lost". I have as much right to post in these forums as anyone else and I don't expect rudeness like that. It's unbefitting of simple good manners.
At the end of the day, it's simply horses for courses. Whatever works for you is cool. I was simply trying to but forward the notion that virus issues, like it or not, are a real problem on both Mac and PC's, and is a worthwhile consideration if choosing a system for making music. I wish people would read things properly and not jump to conclusions about someone's intentions in a post or reply.
If I have offended or annoyed someone, then all I can say is "sorry" no ill will or irritation was meant. But please, don't ask me to be silly somewhere else. My opinion is as valid as anyone else's on this forum even if it might not be as experienced as another forum user.
...But, the real genius in buying a Mac to use as a PC lies in the fact that you can also boot it as a Mac, and run all of THAT software too.
As a musician, this level of cross-platform compatibility is amazingly useful. Musicians are a collaborative lot. It's nice to be compatible with EVERYTHING and EVERYONE, especially since, as I said, it no longer really costs much more, and for the cost of one computer, you can really have two or three.
For chuckles, it's always nice to have Ubuntu on there too. Then, you can do all your recreational surfing, E-mail, and MS office compatible computing on Linux (FOR FREE!), and really never even worry about virus-ing up your music PC or Mac configurations!
As a musician, this level of cross-platform compatibility is amazingly useful. Musicians are a collaborative lot. It's nice to be compatible with EVERYTHING and EVERYONE, especially since, as I said, it no longer really costs much more, and for the cost of one computer, you can really have two or three.
For chuckles, it's always nice to have Ubuntu on there too. Then, you can do all your recreational surfing, E-mail, and MS office compatible computing on Linux (FOR FREE!), and really never even worry about virus-ing up your music PC or Mac configurations!
Ah, if we're talking laptops yes, you're absolutely right. If only because the current crop of Window based laptop, with their 1 MBs BIOS, crappy chipsets and interrupt problems is so junkish across the board. Almost bought a Macbook pro myself, but then decided a workstation fitted my needs better at the moment.
I don't get it. You claim that you were deliberately starting a flamewar just to prove that it can be done and then with a straight face you're saying that I don't have a sense of humor and that you're entitled to your own opinion?
Lame.
+1
The better you can define your needs(and means), the easier it becomes to make a choice.
a couple years ago I defined my needs as:
a portable live recording station(two channel), uncompressed audio input, pre/post production software.
solution: ibookG4, USB audio interface($79), Quicktime PRO($29), Audacity(Free)
This system was designed to take a live feed from a mixing board, it works excellently.
Since that time Apple upped the ante with the included iLife software, the current version offers the ability to do all kind of pre/post production via Garageband. And all current Macs includes an optical digital audio interface... making life even easier for high quality audio recording.
The QuicktimePRO had an added bonus since eventually I added video, it allowed me to record separate video and audio feeds into the same file... very cool.
so define you needs...
Okay time out! Clearly a misunderstanding is going on... any confusion caused I apologise. Enough is enough.
I use a PC as my audio computer and also for some of my general computing. Never have any problems. Furthermore, I have been using ProTools for years and I think it is great. Lots of features, support, and compatibility with larger studios for mixing or mastering.
I can highly recommend the ProTools solution.
Later
Rob
I use my PC for both audio work and gaming etc etc.
I did have a problem with conflicting drivers, but what i did to sort it, and to also get the computer to run the audio work optimally, was to setup two hardware profiles. On startup, i choose between a normal or recording profile (this is not the same as general user profiles). When in audio mode, wireless network connectivity, anti virus, auto starting applications etc are all switched off, as is the onboard and additional soundcard i have.
So, it may be a problem with PCs, but it is easy to overcome, so a PC does not have to be competelly dedicated to one thing.
I did have a problem with conflicting drivers, but what i did to sort it, and to also get the computer to run the audio work optimally, was to setup two hardware profiles. On startup, i choose between a normal or recording profile (this is not the same as general user profiles). When in audio mode, wireless network connectivity, anti virus, auto starting applications etc are all switched off, as is the onboard and additional soundcard i have.
So, it may be a problem with PCs, but it is easy to overcome, so a PC does not have to be competelly dedicated to one thing.
I don't think it's fair to characterize what basshole is saying as misinformation. In fact I think it was pretty good.
If you want me to elaborate I can but if you have the money for an Intel based Mac and ProTools, then I would do that. I think it makes sense to go the PC route only if you have a lot of software or hardware that is only compatible with windows, and it would be expensive for you to have to re-buy it for the Mac. But if you don't have anything then just go with the Mac. The studio standard is ProTools HD on a Mac, and I don't see that changing anytime soon. A few months ago I was at Ocean Way and that's what they had in my studio. If you absolutely have to have something that is PC only, you can still do that on the Mac anyway.
Also is there a reason you don't want to use a notebook? Personally I have found being able to travel with an interface has allowed me a huge amount of freedom, and I've been able to record things that I otherwise wouldn't have been able to do.
If you want me to elaborate I can but if you have the money for an Intel based Mac and ProTools, then I would do that. I think it makes sense to go the PC route only if you have a lot of software or hardware that is only compatible with windows, and it would be expensive for you to have to re-buy it for the Mac. But if you don't have anything then just go with the Mac. The studio standard is ProTools HD on a Mac, and I don't see that changing anytime soon. A few months ago I was at Ocean Way and that's what they had in my studio. If you absolutely have to have something that is PC only, you can still do that on the Mac anyway.
Also is there a reason you don't want to use a notebook? Personally I have found being able to travel with an interface has allowed me a huge amount of freedom, and I've been able to record things that I otherwise wouldn't have been able to do.
WHAT ???????
Oh my god , ....... WHEN ????? WHY ???????
Digital Performer for windows ???????
I've been sleeping for the last ten years.!!!!!!!!!!......
YYYYEEEEEESSSSSSSSSS Pray the lord ( And I am Atheist )
Please tell me where I can find that!!!!!!!!!!
I bought a Mac solely on the base that I wanted to use DP and it is only available on Mac.
Please post a link...... Can't wait !!!! won't be able to sleep !!!!!
PS +1 for stay away from protools.
I agree and disagree with lots said already. I use Windows XP (my M-Audio cards do not have Vista drivers, and Vista would take too much RAM for the OS from my 2 Gb RAM setup anyway). My friend has a MAC Pro-Tools setup. As someone said, Mac is a closed system. You pretty much only have one choice (maybe two), it's expensive, but should work without a headache. The PC is an open system...you might slide a sound card into a PCI slot that shares an interrupt with your video card, and you'll end up with crackles and pops in your tracks. You either need to know about your motherboard's shared interrupts when inserting the card, get lucky, or have a friend who knows help you. When installed properly with quality drivers provided by the manufacturer, there will be no headaches there either. Hardware and software in general costs less for the PC, but can be just as excellent or even moreso in some cases. If you don't browse seedy web sites and are smart with e-mail attachments, you will not get a virus. And you shouldn't run antivirus when doing audio work. That's mostly why people say a dedicated machine is better. You shouldn't use a Windows PC bought with the OS slammed by manufacturer either (i.e. Dell, Gateway etc) as they usually add all sorts of auto-startup programs. Windows should be installed from scratch, unless you know how to disable and uninstall all of the auto-startup programs from a manufacturer. Good luck, there's lots of info out there, but most of it is nestled between flame wars.
Many high quality audio interfaces aren't cards at all; they are external interfaces using Firewire or USB. So, Windows versus Mac doesn't factor into the cost here.
Here's an example:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
And here's an interface comparison of many various brands and models:
Invalid Link Removed
Everybody's always talking about Apogee Ensemble. Everybody seems to love it but it is pricey.
Of course, having a computer that can handle one of these audio interfaces could get you back into the Mac/Windows debate.
It seems the MacBook Pro and the Apogee Ensemble are the hot setup for a killer mobile recording system that you can take anywhere. If you don't need the mobility (and can afford it), get a MacPro with Logic Pro or Logic Express. That is the ultimate for audio and MIDI recording and processing.
Here's an example:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
And here's an interface comparison of many various brands and models:
Invalid Link Removed
Everybody's always talking about Apogee Ensemble. Everybody seems to love it but it is pricey.
Of course, having a computer that can handle one of these audio interfaces could get you back into the Mac/Windows debate.
It seems the MacBook Pro and the Apogee Ensemble are the hot setup for a killer mobile recording system that you can take anywhere. If you don't need the mobility (and can afford it), get a MacPro with Logic Pro or Logic Express. That is the ultimate for audio and MIDI recording and processing.
