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#6192 - 07/30/07 12:20 PM Mac G4 CPU question
Kiv Offline
Junior Member

Registered: 07/30/07
Posts: 11
I have been offered a G4 with 733MHz CPU with the option to upgrade to 200GB hd and 1GB RAM> I want to run all the tracks on Cubase SE, but will not be using any soft synths. As the recommended processor speed is 1.25MHz, I have a slight concern. Will I be ok or will there be a problem? I'm fairly new to computer recording so please forgive the ingnorance! Thanks.

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#6193 - 07/30/07 09:16 PM Re: Mac G4 CPU question
Justin Gazda Offline
Member

Registered: 06/21/06
Posts: 89
Loc: Marietta GA, USA
I have successfully multi-tracked with cool edit pro 2.0 running on a 166 mhz computer with 128 mb of ram. Therefore, I must assume you will be perfectly fine with the setup you mention.

The things you will lose on a slower box are real-time effects processing that involve reverb or filters, or synth VST's, etc.

I am currently using a 600 mhz PC as my dedicated multi-tracker, and it has performed flawlessly these past 7 years, despite my growing awareness of longer render times in post processing.

Since I have it properly configured for good recording, as long as the motherboard lasts, it will continue to be my workhorse. Getting anything newer before then would just be frivolous spending.

So if you do decide to get that Mac, make sure it has a good studio quality soundcard, and you should be set for many years.

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#6194 - 07/31/07 05:44 AM Re: Mac G4 CPU question
Kiv Offline
Junior Member

Registered: 07/30/07
Posts: 11
Thanks. I have a Delta 44 sound card and good outboard effects so I should be ok, though using some of Cubases' effects won't be too much of a problem will it?

[This message has been edited by Kiv (edited 07-31-2007).]

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#6195 - 07/31/07 03:48 PM Re: Mac G4 CPU question
Justin Gazda Offline
Member

Registered: 06/21/06
Posts: 89
Loc: Marietta GA, USA
you can use the cubase effects, just not live. Also, no 32 bit recording for you.

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#6196 - 07/31/07 06:06 PM Re: Mac G4 CPU question
3351 Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 08/17/03
Posts: 1194
Loc: Toronto, Canada.
Hi, I owned a Quicksilver G4 933Mhz a while ago and it handled audio beautifully. Soft synths worked too (Of course I'm talking soft synths *then* and not today's CPu hogs like NI Massive and so on). So I think your Mac will do the job.

cheers,

[This message has been edited by 3351 (edited 07-31-2007).]
_________________________
A gentleman is one who never hurts anyone's feelings unintentionally.
- - - Oscar Wilde

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#6197 - 08/01/07 09:01 AM Re: Mac G4 CPU question
Kiv Offline
Junior Member

Registered: 07/30/07
Posts: 11
Thanks again. I just basically want ot do a bit of sequencing (perhaps) and using a few internal effects (mostly reverb), record and mix on there. It has been nothing but one continuous headache for me this business as I used to get things recorded by a friend in his home studio. I just keep asking the same questions! I think I'm just going to get this Mac and if it all goes wrong I'll ebay it

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#6198 - 08/01/07 01:34 PM Re: Mac G4 CPU question
Kiv Offline
Junior Member

Registered: 07/30/07
Posts: 11
Justin Gaza, surely 16 bit is sufficient for professional *sounding* recording? You got me worried!

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#6199 - 08/01/07 03:06 PM Re: Mac G4 CPU question
Justin Gazda Offline
Member

Registered: 06/21/06
Posts: 89
Loc: Marietta GA, USA
Ive seen programs where 32 bit is the default when you first start them up. It can make one think that their soundcard is screwing up royaly.

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#6200 - 08/02/07 05:24 PM Re: Mac G4 CPU question
3351 Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 08/17/03
Posts: 1194
Loc: Toronto, Canada.
Quote:
Justin Gaza, surely 16 bit is sufficient for professional *sounding* recording? You got me worried!


He meant 32 bit internal processing. Still goes through a 16-bit A/D converter. 24 if your card is up to specs.

Don't worry. 16 bit is still good.

cheers,

[This message has been edited by 3351 (edited 08-02-2007).]
_________________________
A gentleman is one who never hurts anyone's feelings unintentionally.
- - - Oscar Wilde

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#6201 - 08/04/07 05:54 AM Re: Mac G4 CPU question
Kiv Offline
Junior Member

Registered: 07/30/07
Posts: 11
Thanks! You guessed it- I'm clueless!

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