MOTUnation.com

Thanks in advance for your help...

Trying to decide whether I should / can upgrade to 7 (7.2) from 5.13

I'm a casual DP user with some knowledge, but with a lot of holes! I know a few semi-advanced things, but then get totally stuck on some of the most basic aspects of DP!

Looking at having some time in the next few weeks over the winter to get down and dirty with DP and considering buying the Ultimate DP 5 Video (14 hour tutorial I see listed on some sites like Amazon for 79.99).

But I was wondering if I would better of /able to upgrade to 7.2 and get an instructional video for 7.2


My setup

Mac Computer - OSX 10.5.8 2ghz PowerPC G5 (not intel) 1 Gb DDR SDRAM
Digital Performer 5.13
Motu 828mkII interface..
Mackie 32x8 audio board (not digital)
Motif ES8 & Boss DR-880
Various outboard gear...
Yamaha Rec series drum kit & other stuff
Two Monitors



Questions

1. I have the older G5 - can I run 7 on my computer?

2. I do mostly basic audio mixed with a little MIDI and a few effects thrown in here or there...as mentioned very casual user. I really like DP 5.13 and rather comfortable with it, but always looking to mover forward! If 7 is that much better I was thinking maybe I would be better of with it?

3. Am I really missing out on a lot not having 7 for my basic use & applications?

4. One thing I would like to do is create 2 channel MP3 quick mix downs right from DP to my desktop and I heard that you can do this in 7 but not in 5.13?

My 2 channel final mixes never seem to sound as good as the DP track recordings so I know this an area where I need major improvement...having an easy way to make basic mixes is one thing I am interested in...

5. For either decision what are the best tutorials for someone who is for the most part an almost beginner to fill in the holes!


Thanks!

Well 7.21 will run on your computer. That said, 5.13 will run faster and a bit more efficiently IMHO. Also if you don't have a compelling need for one of the new features, you might want to sit tight until you do have a new Mac some day.

As far as what's new-- I can't remember everything off hand, but the Comp Tool that was introduced in DP6 was a big one for me.

Thanks so much for quick response...

I'm happy to stay with DP 5 for now...if that is the case,

1. Do you suggest "The Ultimate Guide to Digital Performer DVD" as my next step in learning how to do more and fill in the holes? or something else you suggest? I have manual which is helpful but tough to learn from.

I know some things, but there are other things that I am more than a beginner on, I don't feel I am using DP to 1% of it's potential...


2. One thing I would like to do is create 2 channel MP3 quick mix downs right from DP to my desktop and I heard that you can do this in 7 but not in 5.13?

My 2 channel final mixes never seem to sound as good as the DP track recordings so I know this an area where I need major improvement...having an easy way to make basic mixes is one thing I am interested in...


Thanks!

Ksmccarthy wrote:Thanks so much for quick response...

I'm happy to stay with DP 5 for now...if that is the case,

1. Do you suggest "The Ultimate Guide to Digital Performer DVD" as my next step in learning how to do more and fill in the holes? or something else you suggest? I have manual which is helpful but tough to learn from.

I know some things, but there are other things that I am more than a beginner on, I don't feel I am using DP to 1% of it's potential...


2. One thing I would like to do is create 2 channel MP3 quick mix downs right from DP to my desktop and I heard that you can do this in 7 but not in 5.13?

My 2 channel final mixes never seem to sound as good as the DP track recordings so I know this an area where I need major improvement...having an easy way to make basic mixes is one thing I am interested in...


Thanks!

RE question 2, yes you can, you have to install the L.A.M.E codec which is an Mp3 codec (one of the best if NOT the best) that way when you are bouncing directly out of DP, instead of select a wave format, you can select an MP3 one instead.

You might have to google it to find the right installer and it can be tricky to install, but if you have any problems, just ask here

Hi,

Here's a link for setting up LAME to export MP3s from DP 5.

http://www.motu.com/techsupport/technotes/DP-MP3Export" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I think running 5 on a G5 is great if you aren't using a lot of VIs. 5.13 is a terrific version of DP.

I haven't seen any of the DP videos, I'm sure they couldn't hurt but IMHO the best way to learn is to do so just pick a song or a project and go for it. The getting started manual is good and you can do searches here for things you don't understand as you go along. If you get stuck use the manual and if you get super stuck the friendly folks here will steer you in the right direction.

Good luck, try not to get too frustated and have fun.

B

5.13 on my trusty G5 running 10.4.11 is the absolutely most stable system I've ever had. V7/Intel/Snow Leopard actually went in the wrong direction for me personally in a couple of areas and I would be happily back on my G5 other than fan noise and running a UAD-2 card. There are other people here with exactly the opposite experience though. If I were you I'd wait until you update your computer to update DP, as James suggested.

>RE question 2, yes you can, you have to install the L.A.M.E codec which is an Mp3 codec (one of the best if NOT the best) that way when you are bouncing directly out of DP, instead of select a wave format, you can select an MP3 one instead.

You might have to google it to find the right installer and it can be tricky to install, but if you have any problems, just ask here<

It couldn't be easier.

http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/20 ... -framework" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Put the entire folder in /Library/Frameworks.

When you bounce to disk, mp3 via LAME will be one of your options.

I have 6 but never got into it - still using 5.13. I may or may not upgrade to 7.2. Or I may wait for 8 - whenever that happens. It works on my new iMac.

Ksmccarthy wrote: My setup

Mac Computer - OSX 10.5.8 2ghz PowerPC G5 (not intel) 1 Gb DDR SDRAM
Digital Performer 5.13
Motu 828mkII interface..


Thanks!

I will recommend adding more RAM imo 1 gig is not enough for DP5 or DP7.

I'm loving DP7.21 on my G5, but it is a quad with 6.5 gigs of RAM. DP7 is much more stable for me than DP5 ever was on this machine. As always, YMMV.

I ran 5.13 on my G5 over OS 10.5.8 and it was rock solid - something I cannot say for many versions of DP. 4.61 was another particularly stable version. Before that... I can't remember any.

Still debating 7.2 for me. It doesn't really offer anything I need. If I find myself with an extra $150, I might do it.