which sound card for my g4dp

[susan2]

I need help choosing a sound card/ music recording software package. I have a fairly new g4, 533mhz dual processor with 640 Mb of ram and try to use OSX whenever I can. I play guitar and keyboard and I would like to find a setup that won't disappoint me if I start to get into recording and assembling music, but won't represent a huge investment lost if I find the learning curve too steep for a 'just for fun' musician. I have an midiman usb 2x2 -midi box, and like the quality - although I haven't quite figured out what to do with it yet. I am leaning towards the m-audio audiophile 2496, but maybe I want the omni studio for the breakout box and mic pre's- what the scoop on these cards and the software that is included with the cards? oops- almost forgot.... I also have a pod v 2.0 for my guitar- it's a lot of fun and should be useful for recording.

[This message has been edited by susan2 (edited November 05, 2001).]thanks for the input- I looked at the motu package but ended up deciding to go with the omni studio. It seems to be more tthan adequate for what I want to do and really was at the upper end of what I wanted to spend- but thanks again everyone, I'm sure I'll be posting again as I try to figure it all out.... by the way, do you know where I can find a tutorial for logic and/or pro tools?

[This message has been edited by susan2 (edited November 10, 2001).]

[macmidi]

Hello Susan,

I think the easiest to learn is Cubase. Which you can download from the Steinberg website and check it out. They have a version called Cubasis too that just came out for the Mac (I think less than $100) and it can do most of the things you can do in the mid priced CubaseVST.

MOTU's Digital Performer and Emagic's Logic are great but are a bit more intensive and you can't download a demo (which should say something about their marketing and support).
I have heard quite a few rantings about the incompatibility with Mac's and the MAudio 2496 but have also heard that the 'fix' is NOT to install it in the first PCI slot .

If you can afford it, do the OmniStudio (I use one flawlessly).
It's very clean and has nice preamps. You can run your Pod thru the line inputs quite easily.

And if you get up to speed with midi you can put that MidiMan (midi interface) to work with a keyboard to input info (you DO know the difference between midi and audio, right?), download Loopazoid (a free drum sampler) and be a one person band.

Problem is, most app's will NOT run with OSX installed so you'll have to run 9.1 or 9.2 alone. Come 2002, most of the music app's will be supporting OSX and we won't have that problem, but for now it's 9.x or deal with constant crashes.

[Nordy North]

Get Digital Performer V3. It is amazing. It may be more money but definately worth it. If you can afford a 533 G4 then the software should be alright. Rob a bank if you have to, but get DP. I would go for a MOTU soundcard as well, then everything will run smoothly. If you stick with components from the same manufacturer then everything should work together better. If you use Logic, get an emagic, souncard etc. I have a G4 466 with 1224 souncard and DP and its brilliant. I never wish for more. version 3 of DP also supports the dual macs and OSX so you won't have to wait for any upgrades. Go and buy it now. You will not regret it!