New to the synth world...MAC or PC?

[bribriice]

Hello all,

I'm planning on picking up a Yamaha Motif 7 very soon. I'm going to be using a computer based sequencer such as Cubase along with it. I'm looking to start writing songs built around the features of a synth and sample bass lines and guitar riffs into my work. I've got a few questions for those of you who have experience...
1. From what I've seen, most musicians prefer MACs over PCs.
Is this because the computer as a whole is built by the same company so it is expected to run more smoothly?
2. Speed must and hard drive space must be a factor also?
3. What would you suggest as the minimal requirements when buying a new MAC?
4. G3 or G4?
5. Sound card you recommend?
6. MIDI interface you recommend?

Thank you for your time and help. I respect the opinion of fellow musicians definitely more than that of the good ol' salesman. :o)
~brian

[Spastik]

I would also like to know why on earth you would want a mac over a PC. I know digidesign does not cater to we PC folk, I want to know why.

[mrsugmad]

Hi all,

Ford or Chevy? Toyota or Nissan? Before this turns into a "my OS is better than your OS" debate, consider this; The computer is a tool; there are some great PC and Mac configurations, and some bad ones.

What exactly do you want to do with your mac or PC?
The first thing to consider is what SOFTWARE and HARDWARE you want to run. Does the software only run on a Mac or Pc, or both?

It is best to figure out the software (and hardware) you want, THEN purchase the computer. Buy the fastest model you can. And buy even more RAM; it's fairly cheap now.

Support is another issue. This forum, and others on the Internet can help you. Do you have friends who are musicians? They can be a valuable asset.

I use W98 at home and Mac G4 for my Music. I use Logic Audio Platinum, which is supports boths OS's.

Cubase is also great great sequencer for PC and Mac; you won't go wrong there.

If you decide on Mac, the G5 will be out in about a month.

Regards,

Mike

[Spastik]

Don't get a PC either till the Northwoods are out. You can't upgrade from the .18 microns to a .13 so its a waste of money right now. Besides, the L2 cache is doubled, it runs cooler, and takes up less power.

Native is the way to go, any more than 1 DSP card and you are wasting your money. If you need more than that, your computer is bunk and you need to upgrade. Why anyone would spend 4k ona DSP card is beyond me, hell 1k is too much IMHO, but whatever.

[michaelhoddy]

I use and have used both, although I'm going back to Mac as my primary platform so I can use MOTU DP3. I find the Mac more intuitive for music and recording apps, but that's just me. Regardless of which platform you pick, your hardware configuration (RAM, HD, processor speed, throughput) and OS will have a lot more bearing on the success of your system then will your choice of platform. If you want to go with TDM PT or DP3, you'll need the Mac, and if you want to use ACID or other Sonic Foundry products, you'll need a PC. Beyond that, arguing about it is kind of like a "My dad can beat up your dad" argument. Lots of good, intelligent, professional people use each of them.