Best new Mac for Protools?

Archived from groups: rec.audio.pro (More info?)

In article <20041208013721.08392.00001805@mb-m04.aol.com>,
rkrizman@aol.com (R Krizman) wrote:

> It's upgrade time. People seem to be gravitating towards the dual 2 gig Mac,
> rather than the 2.5. Any particular reason? Stability? Is there a big
> performance difference?
>
> Also, what's the happening flat screen? Does the 23 inch give a decent
> resolution for Protools or are you better off with the 20?
>
> thanks,
> -R


Frankly the liquid cooling system in the dual 2.5GHz scares me. I went for the
dual 1.8 GHz G5 last spring when it was the middle-level machine. Usually the
top of the line Mac is a bit overpriced compared to the lower models, as I've
often seen stated in Macworld comparisons. If you are talking TDM, as I assume
you would be, the host processor speed isn't as important as it would be with
host-based LE systems. The dual 1.8 is pretty damn fast: it boots in about 20
seconds.

There's also the PCI-X slot compatibility issue. We're still running TDM
systems on G4s at CCRMA, since our older Digi hardware (2 MIX+ systems) would
not be compatible with the G5.

Can't help with the monitor issue beyond stating the obvious: 17" ain't enough.

-Jay
--
x------- Jay Kadis ------- x---- Jay's Attic Studio ------x
x Lecturer, Audio Engineer x Dexter Records x
x CCRMA, Stanford University x http://www.offbeats.com/ x
x---------- http://ccrma.stanford.edu/~jay/ ------------x

Archived from groups: rec.audio.pro (More info?)

Well I reboot my Dual 1.8Ghz G5 probably 1 once a month... checking up
time..... 48 days 4 hours It's pretty stable. I'm not sure you have any
other choice than a G5. The machines you pointed out were the top of
line mac's of their respected day. The dual 2.5 is nice. I think that
the dual 2.0 is pretty sweet too. Any model you get will be light years
ahead of the fastest G4. Good luck.


cheers


garrett




On 2004-12-08 14:08:11 -0800, rkrizman@aol.com (R Krizman) said:

> << Usually the top of the line Mac is a bit overpriced compared to the
> lower models, as I've often seen stated in Macworld comparisons. If
> you are talking TDM, as I assume
>
> you would be, the host processor speed isn't as important as it would
> be with host-based LE systems. The dual 1.8 is pretty damn fast: it
> boots in about 20 seconds. >>

>
> Thanks, Jay,
>
> As anyone who has a history of working on Macs will attest to, throughout
> history there have been benchmark machines that have been stable and useful,
> such as the IIci or the Powermac 9600. I'm wondering what the current "go-to"
> machine might be. I'm using TDM, HD, Accel, and want something that will
> support a lot of native virtual synths and samplers.
>
> Irrespective of price. Stability at any cost.
>
> -R

Archived from groups: rec.audio.pro (More info?)

<< I'm wondering what the current "go-to"
machine might be. I'm using TDM, HD, Accel, and want something that will
support a lot of native virtual synths and samplers. >>

Over on the MOTU-MAC list, the dual 2.5gig G5 seems to be what the power users
are sporting these days for DP.


Scott Fraser

Archived from groups: rec.audio.pro (More info?)

<< We also just got a Dual 2.5 for the DP4.5 rig and so far it's been the
most stable DP since 2.7 (four computers ago). >>


That's great to hear. I hope MOTU has cleared up a few of the 4.12 issues.
Scott Fraser