Digital Performer 8 on Windows - Your Thoughts?

[billruys]

Hi all,

I guess as this is the only Windows related place to post on this forum, this is the best place to post this...

I'm just wondering what we all think of DP coming to Windows? Reading in the current DP areas of this forum, the Mac users are split. Some see it as a huge threat and others see it as a erosion of the Mac exclusivity. I have read comments such as "PC = Piece of Crap" on the DP forum and the like. I've never quite understood why Mac people are so zealous and militantly anti-PC. Most PC users have a benevolent attitude towards Macs. Some of the current DP users see it as somewhat positive and some see it as a possible chance for VST coming to the Mac version, although MOTU are not suggesting that.

Anyway, as a PC user, I think it can only be a good thing. I'm a long-time Sonar user. While I'm happy with my current platform, choice is good and I always thought that if I made the leap to the Mac, DP would be the obvious choice. Being heavily invested in MOTU hardware, I already feel a loyalty to the brand.

Hoping you will all share your thoughts as Windows users...

[James Steele]

As site owner, I'll say there's no reason to incite any sort of PC/Mac war on this board. I don't see it as a threat and most Mac DP users don't either. I've discussed the issue with MOTU people at NAMM and there's no concern about MOTU's commitment in the future to the Macintosh as far as I'm concerned.

[billruys]

As site owner, I'll say there's no reason to incite any sort of PC/Mac war on this board. I don't see it as a threat and most Mac DP users don't either. I've discussed the issue with MOTU people at NAMM and there's no concern about MOTU's commitment in the future to the Macintosh as far as I'm concerned.

Good on you, James. As Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney once sang "Ebony & Ivory live together in peace & harmony". I believe we should rise above platform differences and enjoy the fact that more people will be able to work together in DP. As funds permit, I do intend to invest in DP myself.

Cheers,
Bill.

[mythicwave]

I'm not wanting to incite a war, but truthfully, besides developing software for both Mac & Windows, the only reason I've kept a Mac is for DP. Windows machines are much cheaper and I really dislike the iOS-ization of Lion.

-- Brian

[MIDI Life Crisis]

Them's fightin' words, pardner! j/k!

I don't think anyone is having thoughts about this either way until it happens. But I will say this...

I have already started looking at a few PC laptops. The only reason I'd want one (a laptop) is for on the road stuff and it does webmail as well as a Mac. But my two main programs (DP and Finale) will be bi-platform and PC laptops are looking good for the first time - from a purely financial perspective. I do have to consider connectivity as I have many files on Firewire drives.

[westlake79]

I am personally lookin forward to this because it looks like DP will adopt VST on the PC instead of the increasingly arcane AudioUnits. As a VEPro user, using VST means we can actually use VEPro as it was intended, basically one big fat template in VEP Server mode instead of having to use up CPU opening many instances. I have been using the MIDI Event workaround for the AU limitation and still am having problems with dropped notes and added latency.

Although it will be possible to open everything in DP thanks to 64 bit, DP has never handled CPU very efficiently. I am constantly disappointed in how quickly CPU fills up comparatively to other DAWs. Just from experience, DP is happiest when not hosting anything major. But by using the VST format, DP just became a lot more interesting on the PC.

As far as MAC vs PC, I prefer OSX, but apple has not been making life easier for us heavy users by holding out on the new Pros. My PC when I was running Kontakt, didn't crash for the entire two years I used it. Add the fact that I wouldn't have to wait for Apple to get its act together on the new chips, and saving a few grand, I don't know. I'm actually considering it...

We'll see how well it works.

[Michael Canavan]

As a side note. Look at Intel's site for information as to why Apple haven't updated the Mac Pro Line. Their fastest server chip for what we do is still the 6core 2.93 ghz chip. Other chips have more cores, but significantly slower speeds, that don't "turbo boost" well. The basic limitation in a DAW is per track, only one core can be used on one track, So to a degree fewer cores at faster speeds is better. Apple haven't updated the Mac Pro line because Intel haven't released a chip that significantly beats the one they use currently.This will probably come when the i7 chip gets 6-10 cores, but there's no telling if Apple will use that in the Pros.

Another side note, the best performance per $ deal Apple has has been in the laptops IMO for quite some time. The i7 chips they use coupled with the extra features make their laptops a better deal in the long run. Plus the resale value is ridiculous. I could sell my almost 5 year old laptop for at least $500 compared to a PC of similar speces which might fetch $200 tops.

[bayswater]

Interesting point Michael C. I've been wondering if it will be necessary to start networking computers to get a big boost in processing power.

[Tomas E]

I'm also into the PC thinking. DP has been one of the main reasons to why I've chosen to stay with Mac. But hey, it's way past spring now and still no DP8

[MIDI Life Crisis]

...it's way past spring now and still no DP8

It is not unusual for any software developer to hold a release until they work out the more serious issues (whatever they might be). I prefer that to a buggy release. It won't kill any of us or put anyone out of work to wait a few months. But at least you know it is on the way.

Think of it as a custom Ferrari you ordered. It'll be worth the wait and once it arrives you'll zoom past the competition.

[Tomas E]

...it's way past spring now and still no DP8

It is not unusual for any software developer to hold a release until they work out the more serious issues (whatever they might be). I prefer that to a buggy release. It won't kill any of us or put anyone out of work to wait a few months. But at least you know it is on the way.

Think of it as a custom Ferrari you ordered. It'll be worth the wait and once it arrives you'll zoom past the competition.

Yeah I know. I'm just worried they have too many serious issues, but let's hope not

[Michael Canavan]

The end of Spring is around June 20th, not the first of June.