Just Switched From Pc Need Help!!!!!!

[Noah330]

Hi Everyone,

I am finnally making the switch from the Windows world to the Macintosh world.

I do have some questions. I am planing on using my RAMSA DA7 to send 24 channels of ADAT/TDIF (via expansion cards in DA7) to an interface (MOTU 2408mkIII???) to Digital Performer. I need a machine that will handle this. Please keep in mind that this will be an "Audio" machine with no games, etc... installed.

I was looking at the new imacs, but the lack of any PCI slots (for MOTU) scares me. Maybe I could get away with 16 tracks on one of these with 2 MOTU 828's? Any and all help appreciated!!!!

How do I compare the processor speed of a Mac machine vs. a Windows?

Here are some issues that I am seeking answers to:

1- I see a 1GHz PowerPC G4 running SDRAM costs $1499.00.
This seems very expensive because the lower end of the pc (Windows) spectrum are running DDR Ram.

What would be a pentium/amd eqivilent of this machine?

2- I have heard that Macs are (genrally) twice as fast as their Windows counterparts. Example: 400Mhz mac is roughly equal to an 800Mhz PC.

Is this acurate? I am very confused looking at Macs and fearfull that I will either spend $2000.00 for a machine that doesn't fullfil my needs or end up overbuying becasue I simply don't understand the numbers.

3- I have looked at a Dual 500Mhz/512 RAM G4, is this a fast machine or outdated? It was priced within reason but I don't want an antiquated machine.

4- Does anyone know if those ebay listings about getting G4's for a deep discount are legitimate? It seems like a scam but you never know. Also, any information on retail reccomendations would be very helpfull to me.

I appologize for all the questions, much of which I am sure are very naieve, but would appreciate any/all help people can give me.

Also, if you have a Mac for sale, let me know. I am in the market!

Regards,
Noah

[cmchamp]

First of all Noah, stick with either a PCI solution, or a FireWire based solution.
To answer your questions:
1: The low end G4 right now is cheep. However, you didn't specify which applications you'll be wanting to run, Logic, ProTools, Nuendo, Cubase (sp), or Digital performer. Your best bet right now would be to look for a good used machine that has a dual processor. PowerMax.com, Shreve Systems are a couple of places to start. I'd avoid the eBay stuff myself.
2: Yes, sort of. The G4 processor takes advantage of an AltiVec Engine which allows twice the data througput but only if the application (PhotoShop) is written to take advantage of this. Most audio applications should take advantage of this, but I MOTU's DP is the only one I'm certain does. Additionally, it's really difficult to compare a 1GHz Mac to a 2GHz Intel or AMD chipset. There are so many other factors. For example: Mac's don't have what you would call a "Boot ROM" to trick the CPU into using a piece of hardware that might not be 100% compliant. Macs are built with much higher hardware tolerances than PC's and that's why they are more dependable, and more expensive.
Mark of the Unicorn released a press release a year or so ago, can't find it at the moment, that said a dual 800 G4 would handle over 100 channels with plug-ins. I have a 4 year old G4-400MHz and I can easily handle 32-40 tracks with Digital Performer.
3: No, the Dual 500 should do you just fine, espcially since you don't seem 100% sure of the switch.
Your questions aren't naieve at all.

Cory

[Noah330]

Cory,
Thank you very mush for the comments. Here is the system I would be setting up. If you (or anyone else) has any comments, please feel free to voice them.

Console:
Panasonic/Ramsa DA-7 with three cards (2 ADAT 1 TDIF)

Interface:
MOTU 2408mkII

Computer:
Macintosh G4/500 Dual Processor 512/20GB
* I am planning on installing an additional hard drive for audio needs

Software:
Newest Version of MOTU Digital Performer

Like I said, I would like to record/mix 24 tracks. I would not be recording them simultaneously, but playback would (of course) require this.

Does anyone see anything seriously flawed with this setup? I am NOT a user of WAREZ/coppied software, so I am planning to keep my 900Mhz PC for Director, Flash and Photoshop 7 (all fully registered).

Thanks for all your help! Hopefully I'll be able to call my Sweetwater rep soon!

[cmchamp]

Noah:
FYI, here's my setup:
G4 400MHZ (1999)
1.12G Ram
3 30G and 1 60G drive for audio only on a Sonnet ATA66 controller
1 40G drive for OS9
1 30G drive for OSX
DP 3.12
2408MKII with 24i

I have been easily able to handle 40 tracks for a jazz band, and 18-24 for rock type bands which require more plug-ins.

I would call CDW after you get your Mac to determin how best to upgrade your memory. I'd have at least 1G in it. Allows for more MAS fuctions (Motu Audio System).

Since DP isn't ready for OSX, you'll be just fine. When DP becomes ready for OSX, you'll be fine also. DP takes full advantage of dual processor machines, so you're already way ahead of me.

[Noah330]

Sounds Great! Thanks for all your help!
Noah