So I'm currently planning for what I fear is the reality of my G4 Sawtooth system finally kicking the bucket, and I'm trying to build a new system. I'm currently thinking that the MacPro may be a tad too bleeding edge for me, so I'm looking into G5's.
Has anyone used both a 2GHz and 2.3Ghz G5, and noticed an appreciable difference in performance? I'm trying to justify the cost differential.
Here's what I need out of a system:
up to 24-36 stereo tracks (generally 16-bit/48, but I'd like to try my hand at 24 bit)
DP 4.61
2-3 Absynth 3 plugins (More would be great, but I can bounce if I must)
2-3 Kontakt 2 instances
828 Mk1
These days, the only outboard gear I really find myself using is the S/PDIF interface on my Vetta II amp, so I don't see myself needing an audio interface upgrade anytime soon.
Also, any RAM recommendations would be welcome, as long as it's truly your estimate of what I'd need to run this config. I've got a pretty limited budget.
Thanks in advance!
Building a new system *sigh*
Moderator: James Steele
Building a new system *sigh*
Last edited by Empathy on Mon Sep 11, 2006 7:10 am, edited 2 times in total.
Buy the best you can afford right now. Computers become obsolete immediately once removed from the store, so IMO the longer you can use the one you have the better.
I have a 2x2Ghz with 4.5Gb RAM, 1Tb of drives, 2408mk3, DP 5.1... and can do what you need just fine on most days.
Depending on how hard you are intending to push K2 you may not get that many stereo track to run concurrently with it.
I do mostly orchestal stuff, so I'm pushing 3-4 instances of K2 times (up to) 64 MIDIs on a regular basis with this one machine. A heavy voice count requires me to free up some CPU in order to print the tracks. I usually max out the CPU before I max out the RAM.
I also recommend getting an extra hard drive (or 2) for your samples.
I have a 2x2Ghz with 4.5Gb RAM, 1Tb of drives, 2408mk3, DP 5.1... and can do what you need just fine on most days.
Depending on how hard you are intending to push K2 you may not get that many stereo track to run concurrently with it.I do mostly orchestal stuff, so I'm pushing 3-4 instances of K2 times (up to) 64 MIDIs on a regular basis with this one machine. A heavy voice count requires me to free up some CPU in order to print the tracks. I usually max out the CPU before I max out the RAM.
I also recommend getting an extra hard drive (or 2) for your samples.
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Saintmatthew
- Posts: 447
- Joined: Wed Jan 26, 2005 10:01 pm
- Primary DAW OS: MacOS
- Location: Baltimore
Thanks for responding! I'm definitely not doing the heavy-duty orchestral stuff with K2 like you seem to be, but that's good to know. I can imagine you max out your CPU before you max out your RAM, with 4.5GB!drvmusic wrote:Buy the best you can afford right now. Computers become obsolete immediately once removed from the store, so IMO the longer you can use the one you have the better.
I have a 2x2Ghz with 4.5Gb RAM, 1Tb of drives, 2408mk3, DP 5.1... and can do what you need just fine on most days.
I do mostly orchestal stuff, so I'm pushing 3-4 instances of K2 times (up to) 64 MIDIs on a regular basis with this one machine. A heavy voice count requires me to free up some CPU in order to print the tracks. I usually max out the CPU before I max out the RAM.
I also recommend getting an extra hard drive (or 2) for your samples.
Yeah, I'd definitely pick up a second drive for samples. I already have 2 external FW400 drives (both of which are better for audio than my current ATA66 drives.)