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#714633 04/26/09 07:00 PM
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Hi techies!

I've been accumulating info the last couple weeks. I'm down to these two options for my DAW:

Mac, Digital Performer, and Garritan Orchestra - or, Windows, Sonar 8, and Garritan Orchestra.

Any ideas will be appreciated.

I have people to help me with both set-ups.

Best, John cool

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dont go with Vista in any case

if you go with Windows install XP.....Microsoft itself has admitted Vista is a hopeless clunker and will be replacing it with a new operating system-WINDOWS 7-sometime this summer........thats the extent of what I can give for good advice on your plans.....best of luck whatever you do John

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Well, I'm a Mac person, so I would say Mac, but whatever you do, get more RAM than you think you need and get the best setup you can afford.

It's a hard decision. If you have never worked on a Mac, go to an Apple store and see how you like them.

Good luck to you.


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Originally Posted by WriterTomYeager
dont go with Vista in any case

if you go with Windows install XP.....Microsoft itself has admitted Vista is a hopeless clunker and will be replacing it with a new operating system-WINDOWS 7-sometime this summer........thats the extent of what I can give for good advice on your plans.....best of luck whatever you do John

Tom


Thanks Tom! Yeah, I've already been given a warning about Vista. I think the new Dells have both Vista and XP.

I was considering Pro Tools, but someone in the Industry that has both Pro Tools and Digital Performer said he used DP mostly. Pro Tools is more complicated with features that I'd never use.

Best, John

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PS: Remember that the new Macs can also run Vista and XP on them, so if there is software that you want to use that can only run on PCs, you can have the best of both worlds. However, remember that as soon as you load a Microsoft operating system on the Mac, it will have the same vulnerabilities the PC has. Make sure you have good security and anti-virus software in place.


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Thanks Jean!

My first computer was a Mac and I loved it. I'm planning on 4 gigs of RAM. Though I heard that 2 gigs of RAM in a Mac are worth more than two gigs of RAM in a PC. Don't know why? Must be how Mac allocates its RAM.

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I think it's the OSX operating system. In the old system 9x, you had to sometimes allocate more memory to applications but with OSX, the system automatically adjusts that (so I am told.) The new macs offer multiple processors (as do PCs) and use intel chips (although I heard they may be going to something else soon.) I don't know what the benchmark scores are. Depends on the software, I guess.


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Originally Posted by Jean Bullock
I think it's the OSX operating system. In the old system 9x, you had to sometimes allocate more memory to applications but with OSX, the system automatically adjusts that (so I am told.) The new macs offer multiple processors (as do PCs) and use intel chips (although I heard they may be going to something else soon.) I don't know what the benchmark scores are. Depends on the software, I guess.


Jean,

I've been hearing so many stories pro and con about Windows vs. Mac. One thing for sure is Windows are a lot cheaper. I can get 8 gigs of memory with a Dell for half the price of 3 gigs with Mac. And Dell includes the screen. Mac doesn't, at least not in the Mac Pros I've been scrutinizing.

I'll be traveling to a DAW business tomorrow. That should feed my brain with more frustrating info. Especially since their DAW's will probably be set-up and running perfectly (and sounding great).

John

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Mac V PC is an old debate with many opposing views.

However a lot of the old myths and beliefs are not true anymore.
Years ago Macs used to be more stable, had better sofware and interfaces etc and were superior with a higher bit rate for sound production. Less vulnerable to spyware and other malicious attacks and did not get viruses. Simple answer not any more. Recent times have proved PCs to be as good as if not better than Macs. Mac still have same bit rate PCs have gone higher if you need or want it.

It all boils down to what you are used to working with and personal preferences. Also budget as you correctly say comes into play you get a lot more RAM AND STORAGE for less money with a PC. One other consideration is that most people buy a PC rather than a Mac. They are easier, quicker and cheaper to fix. Less people can fix Macs or will help you with Mac probs. That will tell you something. All the studios I have been in use a PC as a first choice....something to do with Windows programs being more compatable and certain plugins and hardwear not working properly with a Mac.

TIPS IF YOU PLUMP FOR A PC
Re Vista.... ditch it and go for XP. Some people use a PC solely for music production with a special stripped down version of XP specific for music production less unnecessary stuff working in background speeds up PC reduces need for more memory.
I also would not recommend going online at all and using the PC for music production only.
Buy another PC for other tasks, surfing, file storage, burning discs, Emails, etc etc
Also buy a huge external hard drive to store all those large wav files.

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PS to last post....I have not used Garritan prefering Cubase with VST plugins ETC there are many different ones available free and to buy. I do not like putting all my eggs in one basket with one expensive piece of VST. Interesting to see how easy Garritan is to edit and record compared to other progs.

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Thanks Jim!

I've already been warned about Vista by so many. That's why it's difficult to believe so many of the new Dells won't accommodate XP. The first Dell I looked at only came with Vista. I called Dell and they said XP isn't available in those models. The ones that come with XP installed also come with Vista software though.

My son tried Vista, but didn't like it and went back to XP and Linux. He has both on his computer. Said that Linux is a little more complicated (not for beginners), but it has its merits.

Yeah, I'm definitely going with XP if I choose Windows.

Best, John

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I do not like putting all my eggs in one basket with one expensive piece of VST-Jim

Yeah, they better be damn good eggs! I believe they use only Beverly Hills chickens from only the best families.

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John you do not have to use the OS that comes with a PC you can aquire a licence and install XP yourself or use the XP o/s from an old pc. There are plenty around. It can work out cheaper if you do not have an OS installed and put in your own. I would look for a purpose built PC as a first option. Buying a standared spec PC you pay for things both hardware and software you do not need or will not use and usually have to compromise on a machine with the bog standard sound card installed that comes with even the top spec off the shelf machine. You can get a good soundcard put in a purpose built PC and also specify exactly what is to be and is not to be installed. You only pay for the components and build. It works out cheaper and you get exactly what you want built to your own specs.

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i use a Mac solely for music...i run protools and don't have that computer on the internet at all...the only issue i have had is i filled it up with music...then i got an external hard drive and transferred all those files over to there...no problem since, when i fill that up i'll just get another...well on my way to doing so. some folks back up to two externals for safe keeping...not a bad idea i suppose...i think the most important aspect is...does it work for you? will it make your creative process easy, can it interface well with collaborators globally?can you pull your parts off and send them? can you get theirs and add to them and send them back? that's where all this is headed... so good luck...be well... see ya ...moker

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Hey Moker!

Yeah, I won't be connecting to the Internet with the new computer. It will be used solely for music. I won't have any other programs on it. I'll even shut the Outlook Express off (if it's Windows).

Also, I already have an external hard drive. I'll use that to transfer my music to the Internet computer. I thought about using a "local area network", but then I could pick-up the same virus as my other computers. So isolation is the key!

I'll pick up another external hard drive as well.

John

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Originally Posted by BIG JIM MERRILEES
John you do not have to use the OS that comes with a PC you can aquire a licence and install XP yourself or use the XP o/s from an old pc. There are plenty around. It can work out cheaper if you do not have an OS installed and put in your own. I would look for a purpose built PC as a first option. Buying a standared spec PC you pay for things both hardware and software you do not need or will not use and usually have to compromise on a machine with the bog standard sound card installed that comes with even the top spec off the shelf machine. You can get a good soundcard put in a purpose built PC and also specify exactly what is to be and is not to be installed. You only pay for the components and build. It works out cheaper and you get exactly what you want built to your own specs.


Hmm... Didn't know that Jim. I wonder why that Dell salesman didn't tell me that.

Thanks, John

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Originally Posted by John Lawrence Schick
Originally Posted by BIG JIM MERRILEES
John you do not have to use the OS that comes with a PC you can aquire a licence and install XP yourself or use the XP o/s from an old pc. There are plenty around. It can work out cheaper if you do not have an OS installed and put in your own. I would look for a purpose built PC as a first option. Buying a standared spec PC you pay for things both hardware and software you do not need or will not use and usually have to compromise on a machine with the bog standard sound card installed that comes with even the top spec off the shelf machine. You can get a good soundcard put in a purpose built PC and also specify exactly what is to be and is not to be installed. You only pay for the components and build. It works out cheaper and you get exactly what you want built to your own specs.


Hmm... Didn't know that Jim. I wonder why that Dell salesman didn't tell me that.

Thanks, John


Jim, just found out that some of the new Dells don't have the XP drivers available. Someone told me in that case "installing XP on that system will leave some of the components unusable".

The complexities never end...

John

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I think you have been misinformed again. Drivers can be downloaded free. You just need to know which to download and there are plenty people who with a bit of PC knowhow can keep you right or go into the Dell site and download the drivers for you particular PC and O/S. Salesmen have been known to be economical with the truth to get the sale. It is worth checking and establishing whether the drivers are available for XP AS A CONDITION OF SALE. Personally I would not buy a Dell PC for a DAW. They do not have enough specs that you need and come with lots of stuff pre installed you pay for but will not need or ever use. If you go down the PC route I would suggest a custom build. There are a number of companies who specialise in building such machines to proper DAW specs. I would suggest a water cooled noisless one for a start.

Here is a link to an article that might help with specs for a custom build.
http://www.futureproducers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=272047

Here is a link to a custom build site I googled this so cannot recommend them but it will give you some idea of what is available and costs etc.
http://www.digital-groove.com/gm/

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Thanks Jim! I'll check it out.

Best, John


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I agree with Jim. I would not buy an off-the-shelf computer. Have it built by someone whose work you trust, to your specs. If you're unclear about what you need, describe to them what you're going to use the beast for and they should be able to tell you what you need.

And I would avoid Windows Vista like the plague (with which it shares some undesirable characteristics). But if the 'puter is being built for you, you can have the builder put on it whatever operating system you want. Unlike the off-the-shelf manufacturers, your custom builder is not taking orders from Microsoft.

When I had "Alice" built for me in 2004, I had the guy put dual operating systems on her--Windows 98SE and Linux. I later (2007) upgraded the Windows to XP after they had more of the bugs worked out of it.

Joe

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Hi John,

I think many of the commentators are right - if you are not familiar with what software to select for music production computers, it'll be very risky business to go with a stock computer. Many things can go wrong, and you risk spending more time on compatibility problems and breakdowns, instead of making music. You definitely need to find either people who can assist you with selecting the components, or a company who specializes in setting up daw computers for musicians.

If you need to work with synchronization of music to film, I think you should go Mac with Digital Performer, as Digital Peformer is a lot better at that. For example does Sonar 8 not have options for sync point. But again it depends on how you work, cause you might not need sync point, if you write everything and don't work directly on top of a scene. Still, I would think you'd want to keep your options open, and probably get a lot faster workflow with Digital Performer as well. Check what the Daw's can do in this industry standard comparison:

http://www.digitalmusicdoctor.com/s...PSESSID=76e3377bba06a66d4e75ade2a8185038

If you decide on windows, you should ask for Windows XP, wait to see how Windows 7 evolves, and upgrade when it's safe. It'll most likely be two full years before that option is valid.

Check out the workflow with Digital Performer in this Utube session:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGBfgaesP-4

Sound quality wise Mac/PC is equal, and you're right Pc is a little cheaper overall. If you go Pc make sure you get a core 2 quad processor or the new i7 processor, as they really will improve the speed on your computer. Don't think much of the Ram's, as Windows XP can only make use of 4Gb of Ram's, so anything more than that will be useless - processor speed is therefore a lot more important. If you go Mac, you need to go up to the powerbook standard to get the equal performance, and it is a lot more expensive. But I would think Mac suits you better, if you are already familiar with them.

I also think you should get the suggested specs from the company, and take it to a post in here, so you can get proper feedback before you make fatal decisions, John. They probably know what they are doing if they are used to work with musicians and studios, allthough sales people seldom impress me, but make sure that they also know what you are to be doing (with music)..

I think you would also need a decent daw controller, as this is crucial to get a decent workflow while recording. Sound quality is not an issue with contollers, as they just work for you to get hands on the digital pot and pans in the daw, so if money is not an issue you could go with the Mackies, but the cheap ones work just fine but beaware that the Behringer's are not compatible with Mac, and are perhaps more handy to use in front of your computer. 'Handiness' is definitely something you want from a daw controller.

See here for a product options list: http://www.thomann.de/gb/daw_controllers.html?ls=100

Good luck, John..

Kolstad #715542 04/29/09 10:50 AM
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Thanks Joe and Magne! A lot of good info. You're giving me more to think about.

Don't think much of the Ram's, as Windows XP can only make use of 4Gb of Ram's, so anything more than that will be useless-Magne

Funny, I was considering a computer with 8 gigs of RAM. Didn't know that Magne!

Once again, I'm leaning towards Mac & Digital Performer.

I'll check out the links you provided Magne.

We'll see what the "so called" experts at the store have to say today.

Best, John


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Just for info Both Mac and Windows XP have the same max ram usage. I said in earlier post there is no difference in specs or performance it is just down to personal pref.

John I think you should look at software first what you are going to do exactly can have a huge bearing on what type of machine you choose. Some software progs are specific to certain tasks and limit you. Others are more friendly towards either windows or Apple. The important thing is to buy a program that is user friendly and will achieve the results you want. You need to try them out first as some are pretty complicated and take a long time to get used to.

Example Some keyboard players prefer Roland some swear By Yamaha. It is just down to personal pref they are both great machines and do the same basic job. Same with PC v Mac and music software. Just cause Joe down the road has it does not mean it will suit you.

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Old, old debate...a few of my $0.02....

1. Macs are still more expensive. If you open one up inside, you'll see why. They are marvels of engineering and quality. Open up most PCs and you'll see bargain basement parts slapped onto a motherboard. Not so with Macs: well-engineered ventilation, sound absorption, simple parts replacement, parts quality, etc.

2. They are still MUCH, MUCH less likely to get a virus or other malware. It's the nature of the Unix operating system.

3. I know several people dual-booting XP and Leopard on their Macs.

4. I have DP, Logic, Protools, and used to use Cubase. DP is used more by film composers than songwriters in my experience. It's because it has a lot of unique features for composing to film such as gradually reaching a specific tempo at a certain hit point, tying 90 minutes of music together into bite-size music chunks (they literally use the term "chunks"). I would check out the forums on DP at www.motunation.com and see whether the latest version is stable. There were some real problems with version 6 when it first came out.

If you are considering the Mac, I'm surprised you don't have Logic Pro on your short list. It's certainly a good buy with everything included. Me, I'm a Protools guy and version 8 closed the gap on the weaker midi features compared to Logic. The new version 8 is much more songwiter-friendly than version 7 and very easy to use now, especially if you come from a "mixer and tape" world since it models that in software for a lot of it.

On the PC side, I'm surprised that you don't include Cubase in your short list. I'm not as crazy about it on the Mac, as Yamaha (the owners) are really more PC-oriented. Therefore the PC version is usually more stable than the Mac version. Cubase 5 certainly has a huge feature set - maybe more than most people need, but it's impressive.

Another app I'm becoming more and more impressed with is Ableton's Live. Especially the new version 8 is very impressive. It's definitely a composer's tool.

I would ask whether your main use will be for audio recording or for midi recording. If it's audio, then Protools (either PC or Mac) is still arguably the easiest to use with the most audio-centric features built it. Features like audio quantization to the grid or to a groove (that works), Beat Detective, Elastic Audio, Elastic Pitch, easy comping of multiple takes, etc. Right now, PTLE is very reasonably priced. Their entry level system is only about $300 including hardware AND software.

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Thanks Jim & Larry! Funny Larry-here's what I decided on (not sure about the MIDI interface yet):

Mac: 2.66 GHz Intel Core2 Duo (24" display) - 4 gigs of RAM
Logic Pro 8
Roland GI-20 GK- MIDI Interface (?)
Garritan Personal Orchestra

I'm also signing-up for a year worth of lessons. The man is very knowledgeable about music production.

Thanks again everyone!

Best, John

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Oops, I think that MIDI interface is for guitar and bass. Not sure if it’s compatible with keyboards. Any suggestions for a top quality MIDI interface/ soundcard combination?

Best, John


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Emu and Proteus are pretty good but to be honest it is just a connection from a controller to send a command as opposed to an audio interface sending an audio signal so all makes are pretty standard and use the same protocol no diff in quality.

I would have a soundcard with midi interface built in to a custom build it has all the connections already in place and will be compatable as opposed to plug in an external interface.

Larry has made great suggestions but I am a PC guy and would plump for Cubase and a custom build DAW. Cubase can handle both audio and MIDI tracks in the same mix. Whilst Macs used to be far superior now the gap has closed and PCs are IMO just as good if not better. Each has pros and cons.

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Thanks for keeping the info coming Jim. I appreciate it.

I think my Motif ES8 has the MIDI interface built in. Not sure about the soundcard. I'm checking out this: http://www.zzounds.com/item--MTUMICROXPUSB with other Motif users.

Best, John

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Here is a link for the type of thing I would buy. It can be customised to your specs. Note the interface can be built in so it is plug and play AND ALL COMPONENTS ARE MATCHED AND PRO INSTALLED.

http://www.endpcnoise.com/cgi-bin/e/std/sku=daw_pc



I am not keen on connecting controllers or cards etc via USB.

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Originally Posted by BIG JIM MERRILEES
Here is a link for the type of thing I would buy. It can be customised to your specs. Note the interface can be built in so it is plug and play AND ALL COMPONENTS ARE MATCHED AND PRO INSTALLED.

http://www.endpcnoise.com/cgi-bin/e/std/sku=daw_pc



I am not keen on connecting controllers or cards etc via USB.


Those specs certainly look good to me Jim.

The USB route seems to be the appropriate route to go for my proposed set-up.

Now I'm anxious to get back to making music and put technology in its proper place (a necessary evil).

Best, John

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At this point, I wouldn't worry about a standard Midi connection DIN plug. Anything relatively new uses USB for midi data transfer.

If you can afford it, I would recommend the Apogee DUET, especially if you plan on using Logic and Mac. Nothing will touch it in the $500 price range. There would be no excuses for anything less than pro-quality sound with this.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/det...rabber&utm_medium=comparisonshopping

If you can't spend that much, than I would still recommend Firewire over USB any day. You'll get lower latency and a lower CPU hit. The Presonus FireBox at $250 is a pretty nice interface that will give you above-average sound quality.

On the Virtual Instruments, I have GPO and I also own EWQL Gold. East West absolutely KILLs GPO. I even think that the EWQL Silver is more lush sounding than GPO. Go to both web sites and listen to their demos and see which one you like better. Both have online demoes you can listen to. You may still prefer GPO (and I do still use the horns and some percussion from it occasionally). I just found the strings in GPO harsh compared to EastWest.

One more thing...With Logic Pro, you get the EXS24 sampler that comes with a basic set of orchestra samples (I believe they are taken from the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra collection - very nice!). You may want to give it a try before spending the $$ on another library. If your orchestra needs are pretty basic, it may do everything you want.


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Thanks Larry, I'll keep your link handy.

This is my course of action:

Saturday I will be purchsing the Mac and Logic Studio 8. I'll hook my Motif up to it via the USB port.

My Motif ES8 comes with a built in MIDI interface. That will be a good starting point to experiment with.

Eventually I'll add an audio interface for a mic, guitar, etc...

Best, John

Edited: I also have a listen to the orchestral samples you mentioned. Funny about the strings of the GPO. Celine Dion used them in her Vegas show.

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Did you hear them at a Celine Dion concert yourself? Maybe they were harsh there, too. You may have different tastes in what you like than Celine's live show producer. It's also possible that with proper EQ and a little compression the GPO strings could sound a lot better.

I normally compare them when I pull up a legato or lush violin ensemble patch with no EQ, and like the EastWest a lot better. Some people even like the Miroslav strings, which are very harsh - but work for some of the "Hollywood Strings" sounds. If GPO floats your boat, that's cool. Different strokes for different folks.


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Hey Larry!

Just listened to the EWQL Gold. WOW!!! I hear what you mean.

Worth the extra money for sure.

Best, John

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Jeez...this technology never ends. One day ya think ya heard the best, then something else comes around the next day and squashes it.

John

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Gotta get the EWQL Larry! First I have to make sure the IMac can handle it. I think the Platinum samples are around $800 (Wow, 68 GB Free Hard Disc Space). I don't see a piano on the list of instruments.
http://www.majormusic.com.au/products/ew_so_pro_xp.php

Requirements: Mac OS 9.2, OS 10.2.6 or higher, G3 500 Mhz, 256 MB RAM 68 GB Free Hard Disc Space (for the four volume collection - individual volumes are listed separately), DVD Drive

I'm okay up to here (not sure about the compatibility): MAC (VST®2.0, ASIO™, Soundmanager™, OMS™, Audio Units™, Core Audio™, **RTAS™)

Best, John

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Ok. Now I'm going to make the decision a little tougher! wink

The other major player in that field (orchestra "instruments") is the Vienna Symphonic Library (VSL). Until recently, they only had their $10,000 libary available. They've now seen the light and are offering smaller packages starting at just under $500.

Personally, I still like the East West sound better (and I don't own Vienna myself), but there have been a LOT of films done using Vienna, so you should at least give them a listen.

http://www.ilio.com/special-tour.html


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Thanks again Larry. I think?

I'm looking for that "killer" piano sample now.

Best, John

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Yeah, I remember the Vienna Symphonic Library with a price tag of 10 grand. I never considered that because of the price.

My first action is to get familiar with the Mac and Logic. I'll start that process this weekend.

Exciting and frustrating days ahead. Beethoven didn't know how lucky he was working in those pre-technological days...

John

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For pianos, I have Ivory. I love it, but it's another 40GB.

I've heard that the brand new EastWest Quantum Leap Pianos may be better than Ivory, but haven't tried it myself.


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Originally Posted by Larry Williams
For pianos, I have Ivory. I love it, but it's another 40GB.

I've heard that the brand new EastWest Quantum Leap Pianos may be better than Ivory, but haven't tried it myself.



You've been a huge help Larry.

I'll definitely check into those piano samples. Being a pianist, it's of utmost importance to me. I was kind of surprised it didn't show up in the percussion section of the East West Symphonic Orchestra package.

Just finished breaking down my hardware studio. Kind of sad. There are a lot of hours and memories in that equipment. cry

Oh well...time to move on - and travel lightly (except for my humongous Motif ES8).

Best, John cool

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Re Ivory. I will back Larry up it is a great piece of kit. The studio I use have it and there is nothing can compare although it uses a lot of memory. But well worth it.

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Originally Posted by BIG JIM MERRILEES
However a lot of the old myths and beliefs are not true anymore.


And a lot of them never were! wink

Quote
Less vulnerable to spyware and other malicious attacks and did not get viruses.


This is no myth. Macs are not invulnerable, but the simple fact is that 99% of the malicious software targets Windows. There are over 20,000 known Windows viruses, versus a mere 20 that are known to affect OS X (and those all rely on the user doing something completely stupid).

Quote
Mac still have same bit rate PCs have gone higher if you need or want it.


This is nothing to do with Macs or PCs! Your audio interface and software dictate the highest bitrate you can use.

Quote
It all boils down to what you are used to working with and personal preferences.


Absolutely!

Quote
All the studios I have been in use a PC as a first choice.


I have the exact opposite experience. Every studio I've been in use Macs exclusively. Something to do with Mac programs being more stable wink

My personal experience has been that all hardware, software (except Logic Pro) and plugins I use work equally well on Windows and Mac. Both the iMac I have at home and the custom built Windows (XP) PC at work run reliably 95% of the time. I vastly prefer OS X, though. Part of it is that I like the look and feel of the Mac better, part of it is that I don't like spending time on maintenance, which the Windows box needs a lot more of to stay clean and healthy.


Jim Offerman ~ inspirational pop music
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Yes Jim you are correct it is all down to preference what is available and what you are used to...oh and of course price. With Macs at double the price for similar specs that has a bearing also.

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Jim, I checked with Z-Sounds for the EWQL Gold. They told me it's not available to them now. I'll check with a couple other online music stores. Gotta have those samples!

To bad they don't include a piano sample in the Gold package.

Best, John

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Originally Posted by BIG JIM MERRILEES
With Macs at double the price for similar specs that has a bearing also.


Actually, that's a bit of a myth too. If you compare a Mac to a similarly spec'd Dell or Sony, the price difference is negligible.

Of course, there are a lot of cheap PCs out there that use (comparatively) inferior components. A lot of time these sacrifice features for price. For example: a CPU that runs just as fast as the more expensive model, but one that doesn't throttle back when your computer is doing less intensive work (thereby treating you to a higher overall electrical bill).

Another factor is how long the computer lasts. They say the average PC lasts only 3 years, while the average Mac easily lasts 5. I think, nowadays, a decent PC or Mac should at least last 5 years, probably longer - specially when the day to day things you do don't change drastically over that period of time.


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I love the Mac I purchased. Wow, that 24-inch screen is awesome. Now if I can just get Logic Studio 8 to recognize my Motif ES8.

It's odd; one ES8/Logic user (with the same Mac) said all he had to do is connect the Motif via USB ports, change the utility in the Motif to USB, and it worked.

I'm going to my first training session on Logic tomorrow. I'm hoping the instructor can help solve this frustrating dilemma.

Best, John

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Congratulations, John! That was a difficult decision. Looking forward to hearing the music you make on your new computer.



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Originally Posted by Jean Bullock
Congratulations, John! That was a difficult decision. Looking forward to hearing the music you make on your new computer.



Thanks Jean! I finally got my Motif ES comunicating with my new DAW set-up. I'll be sample shopping this week.

Best, John cool

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Originally Posted by Larry Williams
For pianos, I have Ivory. I love it, but it's another 40GB.

I've heard that the brand new EastWest Quantum Leap Pianos may be better than Ivory, but haven't tried it myself.



Larry & Jim,

Wondering what the "iLok authorization" is and whether I need it since I'll only be using the samples in my DAW? It looks like a USB memory stick. I'm thinking it's only for the musician wanting to access these samples through other computer systems. Not sure???

Best, John

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