Mac for Music Recording/Production

Zangetsu

Hey all, I'm looking for a mac that will suit recording and editing up to 16 tracks without a strain on the system. I haven't owned one before but I'm quite familiar with OSX and ProTool which is what I'd be looking to run.

Can someone advise on a laptop and a desktop? Not sure which I'll be going for. Budget would be about 1000 euro, more if needs be.

Thanks

fitz

Well, if you're going to be recording up to 16 tracks at a time, you're going to need at least a firewire connection, so the new Macbook is out. Either a Macbook Pro (new or old) or an old Macbook will do the job if you need mobility.
An iMac will comfortably do the job too with a firewire interface.
A Mac Pro is out of budget, but would give you more options in terms of interface/dsp cards etc cause of their PCI support.

Zangetsu

Thanks for the info, iMac seems to be the best option for the price.

I'm guessing the apple store online would give the best price?

fitz

Zangetsu wrote: »

Thanks for the info, iMac seems to be the best option for the price.

I'm guessing the apple store online would give the best price?

Check the refurb store, or the education store if you're a student, on the apple site. There are a few places that do new old stock too, though I can't recall them offhand. Lads?

Zangetsu

older models would be great if anyone knows where to get them

ill keep my eye on the refurb store to see if something pops up.

thanks fitz

ICN

Check out Musicstore.


I saved €€€'s by buying a "basic" Mac Pro & then buying Ram / HD's etc.. also from Musicstore & installing them myself..

Apple direct is a rip. Never give any discounts. Everything is really expensive.


Worth checking out before you buy - I'm sure Thomann have similar deals.

Rockshamrover

If you or a friend ARE going to the states you could save yourself a fair few bob by buying your Mac book pro there.

ICN

Rockshamrover wrote: »

If you or a friend is going to the states you could save yourself a fair few bob by buying your Mac book pro there.

Deffo.




Nothing like a bit of smuggling in these recessional times. Excellent idea! :pac:

frobisher

The UK offers very good value with sterling such as it is. the used market has some great bargains, that's where I just bought mine. Or you could save soem money and buy a PC :-)

Rockshamrover

ICN wrote: »

Deffo.




Nothing like a bit of smuggling in these recessional times. Excellent idea! :pac:

Yes indeed, not that I condone tax evasion or law breaking in any form.

You could also get your software over there, again saving lots of dosh.

Zangetsu

frobisher wrote: »

The UK offers very good value with sterling such as it is. the used market has some great bargains, that's where I just bought mine. Or you could save soem money and buy a PC :-)

Looking at soundslive, comes in at about 840 euro, saving 200 euro with the uk prices at the moment, nay too shabby.

Zangetsu

I've put in the order for an iMac on soundslive, 806 euro delivered! Bargain!

Last bit of advice needed though; is this MIDI Keyboard any use?

http://www.guitarampkeyboard.com/en/oxygen-61/69322

Seems decent enough for the money, what you guys think?