Studio Recommendations Needed

[Cornell]

Greetings All:

I'm exploring equipment options in connection with uprading my studio to a 2.0 dual G5 base system with 1-2 gigs of ram. I currently run logic platinum sequencing software on a G4. I would appreciate comments and recommendations on the following combinations with the G5:

MOTU 828MKII (2) or MOTU 896HD or 2408 MKIII (2) and Powercore firewire.

Any recommendations on the GigaStudio 160 software sampler verses the MOTU MachFive used with Logic Platinum 6.3.1 on the G5. Are there any compatibility issues I should be concerned about? I am interested in running the MachFive along side the EXS24 in Logic, however, I have heard that the GigaStudio 160 should be considered.

The ultimate objective is to ensure the system runs flawlessly and without hiccup.

Thanks in advance to all who comment. All comments will be appreciated in the utmost respect.

[michaelhoddy]

Unless something's changed since I last checked, Giga doesn't run on the Mac. Correct me if I'm mistaken.

For a desktop system, I'd use one of MOTU's PCI-based interfaces simply because it allows the use of the latency-free CueMix DSP, which the FireWire MOTU interfaces don't have. Do you need TDIF or ADAT optical inputs? If not, the 24I/O or HD192 combined with the PCI-424 would give you more than 8 analog I/O, and the 192HD would sound better. The sonics of the 896 are a step above the 2408, but a step below the 192HD.

One thing to consider is that the MOTU FireWire interfaces do offer some MIDI I/O in the box, if you need it.

You'll also want to cross-shop RME if you're on Logic.

Can't argue with the PowerCore FW, it's brilliant. Scrape up some cash for the Oxford Plug-ins to go with it.

[philcastillo]

Hi Cornell

MachFive and EXS24 will run peacefully together in Logic (I use them almost daily in Logic.) Michael is correct, GigaStudio is a PC only app. It is a very powerful sampler and used by many of the biggest composers working today. You would need a separate PC and essentially use it as a separate synth which would be activated via Logic's MIDI. The advantage Giga has over host based soft samplers is that it would take all of the processing load off of your G5. It also streams all of its samples off of hard drive which allows it to use huge samples (such as large pianos, strings, etc.)

The setup you are looking at would work fine, however Logic doesn't support multiple audio interfaces (Digital Performer is the only native OS X DAW that does.) It does have delay compensation for the PowerCore (unlike DP.) With the power of the Dual G5 and a good amount of RAM, you will be a very happy musician indeed!

I know that I am obsessed with sampling software and have to run them all :), but MachFive and EXS24 will ultimately provide you with very similar results. You could save money on one and deck out your Logic with the Synth Collection or even Space Designer! Just a thought :)

[Cornell]

Thanks for the comments. This will be most helpful as I take the leap of faith and make the move. I have settled on the 2.0 dual G5 with 2-3 gigs, powercore firewire and MOTU 828 MKII.
Again, thanks a million....

[Timothy Nold]

I use Logic and GigaStudio very often together. It is great for huge piano samples and large string libraries, among many other things. However there is one problem I find in common with using Giga or any other sampler that is not directly integrated into the sofware...MIDI LATENCY. It is my own personal nightmare. Whenever I use softsynth's, it's real time. I don't have to "edit" the performance once it is bounced to disk. Whenever I use Giga, I always have to shift the audio a little bit to match up. I'm also a real hard ass on timing so this might not be an issue with most people. You really can't produce music and not own Giga though. My main recomendation would be if you are using drum samples, use the EXS24. You will not be able to use as many voices but you will definately find that the performance will be much tighter and connect to the rest of the mix. I also highly recomend all of the Spectrasonics soft synths.