Music Industry and Macs question

MoJoichiban

Member
Jan 22, 2001
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Planning on buying a Mac for my major and I was looking for some advice. I'd be using it to do my lab work at home. I'm in Music Industry, so I'd be using programs such as Digital Performer, Peak, Protools, etc. I've asked around, and I've gotten suggestions for going with the emac 1ghz model, since it's a decent price/feature range. Before that, I was looking at some old used G4s around the net. The only problem with emacs, as I understand it, is they aren't meant to be upgraded, so I couldn't add anything later. I'm wondering if anyone has experience working with macs in this field, or if anyone has suggestiosn. Any advice would be helpful. I've never owned a mac before, but need to mimic the systems at school. Budget is roughly $900 at the most. And I don't wont to hear mac bashing. Serious responses please. Thanks for the help!
Rich
 

Ketteringo

Banned
Feb 2, 2002
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The RIAA cant detect you when you download mp3s from a mac... yet!

Not even related, but thats all I thought of when I read the title. Free bump too :)
 

MoJoichiban

Member
Jan 22, 2001
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hey now, I didn't start this thread to get an argument going
rolleye.gif
 

notfred

Lifer
Feb 12, 2001
38,241
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You're right, the eMac is not particularly upgradeable, nor is the iMac. If you want a highly upgradeable machine, you're going to have to get a PowerMac. Of course, if you're planning on doing a lot of upgrading, you might as well just buy a better machine now. You can get a brand new G4 from $1300 still. I realize it's a fair amount over your budget, but it's better than buying an old machine and spending a bunch of money to upgrade it and still being stuck with things that you can't upgrade, like a slow bus speed.
 

IgorFL

Senior member
Jul 23, 2001
351
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If you're serious about a home studio... and want to spend as little money as possible, go with a stock PC and learn how to use Linux. There is plenty of excellent free music software for the unix environment (for some of it, check out the Princeton Sound Kitchen).

Macs are just overpriced to me, and I wish the music community would get over their childish obsession with them.
 

xchangx

Golden Member
Mar 23, 2000
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Running ProTools? Depending on what you're gonna be doing, Protools mainly works off of thier own cards. Need a fast and large hd.

I don't know too much about macs except the fact that they definantely out perform pc's. gonna cost $$ though.

What's your major?

Also, if you have a budget of $900, how do you plan on getting protools? Digital Performer? What equipment are you getting? You're going to need a lot more money than that. I spent $900 on 2 microphones alone.

Anyway, sorry I couldn't answer your mac question.
 

mpitts

Lifer
Jun 9, 2000
14,732
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Originally posted by: her209
The software selection is limited too, compared to PCs.

While there are less overall programs for the Mac compared to PCs, that doesn't mean the selection is "limited".
 

MoJoichiban

Member
Jan 22, 2001
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I already have the programs. I'm talking about the budget for the computuer itself, not any extra equipment. Right now, I'm just getting a set up that I can use to do my school lab work at home, so it needs to be Mac. I figure I can add onto the setup once I have the money and I'm actually able to use it. I'm still new to the industry. I'm a Music Industry and Recording arts major, along with a Communications Media arts major. Although I've just done some checking, and I may have a larger budget than I at first quote. Maybe I'll go with the new G4 power mac, but going through my school, I'm only save about 50 for the education price. Anyone know of some good places for macs?
Rich