iBook G4?

I want to get a MOTU 828 MKII, but i can't afford to buy a new PC because i just got an iBook G4. I want to start recording my tracks into cubase, in the meantime so that i can get some tracks finished. I use all external synths and samplers, so i'm just wanting to track, eq and mix my stuff on the iBook in the meantime.

Are any of you guys using an iBook G4, and if so what are they like?

i got a g4 ibook - the 1g model. i only got 256 ram right now.

i dont really use it for music atm, but i have installed logic on it and a coupla synths and traktor. i have not hooked it up to my 828 yet.

Logic runs ok on it, but is slow, probably due to the amount of ram (must remember to put some more in!) and the number of instances of synths is limited to a couple really (´Reaktor), although the logic synths and samplers run better.

I am planning to install audiodesk (as soon as I can find where I put the cd) and use that for mobile tracking if/when i need to. Audiodesk should run well, as it is not weighed down with synths and other superfluous coding.

It should be fine for tracking and midi, but don't push it too far with the processing and plugs.

sorry if that's not much help...

Why buy a PC at all? You can track on the iBook, no sweat. If you need a really high track count you could add a 7200 rpm firewire drive (daisy-chain it from the 828). I have a powerbook 1.3ghz and I can use Logic or Live on that without any problems.

We'll i'd rather not get a PC! mac's are much nicer to use and i got this iBook so i'm going to get that 828MKII and just use my mac. I wouldn't need to have more than like 24 tracks playing at a time anyways.

How does your mac handle with effects plugins like reverbs delays etc.? Does it struggle a little?

Also, how many tracks can your powerbook handle at a time?

Read this article in SoS for a detailed study of track count on ibooks. You can expect between 18 and 24 _stereo_ tracks on the internal drive, more if you add an external FireWire drive. In my experience 20 tracks is a lot - you usually don't have them all running at the same time.

As for plug-ins: I just opened 3 stereo Space Designers in Logic. It started struggling when I piled on the 4th one. It took about 12 platinumVerbs before it gave up.

So if you really need to run lots of power-hungry plugins, get a G5. Myself, I usually run just one really good reverb (SD), and maybe a handful of compressors, delays and the like. That's very doable on an iBook.

Thanks for the link, i'll check it out. So if i had say 30 tracks, but only played 20 at a time...it would be fine...

Yeah, id' imagine i'd also be looking to run mainly compressors and a few reverbs because any creative effects i'd just process.

So it sounds to me that the iBook will probably be excellent for tracking my music.

Yep, that's how it works. And if some tracks are mono you can run even more. I don't know what kind of music you make but when I do hiphop beats and similar stuff I find I hardly use any FX except for some analoge processing on the way in.

And if you do choose to go overboard with virtual instruments and FX once in a while, there's always Logic's 'freeze' function...

I produce hip hop, with an electronica vibe to it, so sometimes i need the sounds to get freaked, but mostly i do that with my samplers and synths externally.

A lot of my sinth tracks will be mono, so i should be able to comfortably track on my iBook, especially seeing as i got the G4 version.

Do you use a motu 828MKII, that's what i'm thinking of buying to do all my tracking with....

Yep, i got the 828mkII.

Nuff ins and outs, flexible routing/monitoring system, easy setup, great sound. Can't go wrong with that, unless you need something portable - it's pretty big.

but still portable - 1 rack unit (but you do have to plug it in )

Motu traveler is basically the 828mk11 on batteries

Anyways, the think is wicked - rock solid and sounds clear.

And do not forget that it comes with audio desk, which may be all you ever need for tracking etc... especially if you don't use soft synths or sequence midi from your mac (it's got no midi, just a sync clock for your mpc).

Have you bought Logic yet? Cos if not, then wait, try a/desk, and then seriously consider up grading that to Dig.Performer - cost you whole lot less than the grand apple want for Logic 7.

just a thought.

we have a motu 828mk2 at school. its pretty **** good. but if you're going to be using more than two mics at a time, you'll need a mixing desk with direct outs for decent amplification.

At the moment i'm using Cubase SL, so what will DP have to offer me that would justify me getting a new DAW?

Does it have VST support?

If you're happy with SL, stick with that. I prefer logic, but in the end it's all the same. I do all the important stuff on the MPC anyway.