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DasBeef
Gold Member
United Kingdom
704 Posts |
 Posted - 02/04/2009 : 03:02:20
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Considering getting a Mac, so I can use garage band to make rough demo's. Also aware of the hefty price tag attatched to the beefier models, so...
Which Mac will record without suffering latency?
Will a decent spec Mac Mini do it?
What accessories would you suggest getting?
I'm actually going to go to my local Mac shop and ask the guys, but they'll obviously try to punt me the most expensive model they can, so looking for a little consumer advice! |
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Pedalhead
Silver Member
USA
245 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2009 : 03:54:46
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| Whats your budget? |
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zestystrat
Silver Member
USA
283 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2009 : 13:07:17
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Good choice DasBeef, I do the same thing with my MacBook and PowerMac and it has worked out pretty nicely.
If you can try not to get the lowest model, maybe the next one up and add as much ram as you can afford I think you'll be okay.
That said, it also depends on what you are recording and how many tracks you have on eack project.
Shoot me a PM if you have any more questions.
EDIT: just reread your post. IMO a mini is not going to give you the best experience - you might get pretty frustrated with it.
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Edited by - zestystrat on 02/04/2009 13:16:00 |
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Pedalhead
Silver Member
USA
245 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2009 : 19:35:51
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| +1 on what zestystrat said |
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nathanscribe
Silver Member
United Kingdom
376 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2009 : 19:45:24
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| I used to use an iBook G4 for music, with cubase SE. No problems as long as you have enough memory, use a decent enough interface (pref. firewire for audio) and don't overload whatever system you have with VSTs and stuff. I don't know why a mini should be insufficient. I now use an iMac (intel, previous version) and it's absolutely fine recording whatvere I chuck at it through my Presonus Firepod. |
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DasBeef
Gold Member
United Kingdom
704 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2009 : 20:03:21
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Here's the spec of the Mac Mini I was looking at. This will roast me for about �600, and I was just going to use my LCD TV as my display.
2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
2GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM - 2x1GB
120GB Serial ATA drive (I could upgrade this to 160GB for �30)
SuperDrive 8x (DVD�R DL/DVD�RW/CD-RW)
None
Wireless Keyboard & Wireless Mighty Mouse
Mac OS X (British)
Just going to be looking at using the drum loops, a couple of guitar tracks, a bass line, and a vocal track or 3. Possibly some harmonica or piano, but first I need to learn how to play them! |
Edited by - DasBeef on 02/04/2009 20:05:22 |
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zestystrat
Silver Member
USA
283 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2009 : 20:13:50
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I have never used a Mini so I couldn't say for sure. I also have no idea what kind of resources Cubase uses.
But if the concern is latency and not having an idea of what the budget is, I wouldn't go with the Mini.
DasBeef said he's going to a Mac Store so we'll see what they say.
Also there are a large number of Mac boards out there, so there are plenty of resources out there that have way more info on stuff like this then me.
When I get into a jam I go to macfixit.com
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Edited by - zestystrat on 02/04/2009 20:15:23 |
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DasBeef
Gold Member
United Kingdom
704 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2009 : 20:21:45
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| I did actually e-mail Apple asking them all this, but they just sent me an e-mail back saying phone the sales team. I'm hoping to be in Glasgow next Tuesday, and there's a big Mac store there, so I shall see what they try to sell me there! |
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Disco Stu
Silver Member
USA
303 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2009 : 21:18:46
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You might just call Cubase and ask them about tech requirements... they are slightly more impartial than the Mac sales team.
I know that Garageband doesn't want to run more than a couple of tracks at a time on my antique G4 tower... It's an old 400 mHz machine. I need to add some RAM.
However, I've gotten older digital audio apps to run on a G3 500 mHz iMac in the past, even with a VST plug-in or two running.
If you are using a Mac now, or have access to an older one, experiment with loading your preferred digital audio software and see how it holds up... you might be surprised that you are able to get away without buying a brand new machine. Just max out the RAM and update your OSX to the latest variant. |
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nathanscribe
Silver Member
United Kingdom
376 Posts |
Posted - 02/05/2009 : 13:43:30
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quote:
Originally posted by zestystrat
I have never used a Mini so I couldn't say for sure. I also have no idea what kind of resources Cubase uses.
But if the concern is latency and not having an idea of what the budget is, I wouldn't go with the Mini.
I don't understand why a Mini should be any worse than any other Mac with the same processor, memory and software, using the same interface. The interface you choose for this job is as important as the computer - any modern computer should be more than capable of handling a track or two of simultaneous audio, but again I'd recommend a firewire audio interface rather than USB. My old iBook lappy is 4 years old now, and always worked just fine for both audio and MIDI with Cubase SE. |
Edited by - nathanscribe on 02/05/2009 13:44:46 |
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Right Foot Boss
Gold Member
USA
881 Posts |
Posted - 02/08/2009 : 07:24:34
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Macs rock! 
I use an older G4 for all my needs. It's like the mac pro but a couple years its senior. I'd also like to get a mini to use in conjunction with my G4. That's the only reason I'd get one. If I had to start from scratch I'd get an imac or if I had the money a mac pro. unless I wanted to use it for gigs or portable live recordings, then I'd definitely go with a mac book. |
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FRANZONI
Double Platinum Member
Ireland
3543 Posts |
Posted - 02/08/2009 : 15:05:11
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And theres me thinking about where i can get some reel to reels for my old Akai 4 track ........ ........ |
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verivorax
Platinum Member
Canada
1185 Posts |
Posted - 02/08/2009 : 17:42:01
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The minis are just as good as any other mac, with a couple limitations. If you want to use it for everyday purposes (like Skype), there are no camera or microphone built in, and USB cameras for Macs are very hard to come by nowadays (poor driver support).
I've had this same G4 Ibook since late 2003, and it's only getting replaced this year for my birthday (instead of boss pedals.. but that's okay!!). Make sure to MAX out the ram!!
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DarrinPA
Silver Member
USA
221 Posts |
Posted - 02/09/2009 : 01:10:35
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If you want a mac then get one, but you don't NEED a mac to record. I use a old laptop with 256mb ram and a 20 gig harddrive, but I use a 250 gig external harddrive when I record at home. With an Alesis USB Mixer and the computer can handle about 40 tracks layered that are all about 3 minutes long. I've recorded 10 minutes songs with no problem also. I have zero problems with latency.
So don't fall for all the hype, but at the same time buy whatever you want. I'm just giving my opinion. |
Edited by - DarrinPA on 02/09/2009 01:12:30 |
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Heart and Soul
Silver Member
USA
369 Posts |
Posted - 02/09/2009 : 20:44:59
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quote:
Originally posted by DasBeef
Here's the spec of the Mac Mini I was looking at. This will roast me for about �600, and I was just going to use my LCD TV as my display.
2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
2GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM - 2x1GB
120GB Serial ATA drive (I could upgrade this to 160GB for �30)
SuperDrive 8x (DVD�R DL/DVD�RW/CD-RW)
None
Wireless Keyboard & Wireless Mighty Mouse
Mac OS X (British)
Just going to be looking at using the drum loops, a couple of guitar tracks, a bass line, and a vocal track or 3. Possibly some harmonica or piano, but first I need to learn how to play them!
dude that is plenty of power...i use a macbook with 2.0ghz and 1gb of ram and it's been solid...just make sure you get a firewire interface and you should be in good shape... |
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Ollie
Gold Member
United Kingdom
729 Posts |
Posted - 02/09/2009 : 22:30:06
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Im currently using a mac G5 OSX
It may be outdated by one model, but Its never let my family down.
Worth looking into |
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Topic |
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WHich Mac?
