Hello Everyone,
I tried to do some research on the below. I even read the MacMusic articles and ended up confused.
Some background: My 17 year old daughter wrote her first song and taught herself a couple of chords on an old guitar for a mother's day present, in 2000. Still completely self taught on the guitar, since then she has written & composed about 15 songs, won 4 different contests and opened for a few local concerts. (I was going to put her website here, but then I remembered the rule about no advertizing). She has been encouraged to pursue a career in music. She is graduating high school this year and intends to take the next year off to pursue her music career.
I want to get her set up to do some recording on our computer. I currently have a Power Mac 7500 with 88 Megs of RAM and a 604e processor running at 180 Mhz. We have the stereo audio imput and output jacks. I also do not have a USB port installed.
The short term goals are to have her record her singing and guitar (acoustic/electric) and refine those recordings a little. In the shorter future, it would be nice to be able to record other instruments and voices as well. Longer term is to be able to do home studio recordings, mixing, and mastering. (I hope I'm using the right terms).
So, I'm thinking that the software should be basic enough to be easy to use now, but such that there are more sophisticated versions for the professional stuff later so everything would have to be re-learned. We are very budget concious. We would rather spend more money later on upgrades and add-ons, when needed (including better computers).
So my questions are:
What software would you recommend?
What cards or hardware do you think we need?
Would having a video mirroring card and a second monitor be advantageous?
Can you suggest anything else that would be helpful?
I really do appreciate being able to post this and I am anxious to see what feedback I get.
Yours truly, eleeguy.

wow... well, finding new software that will work on a 7500 is going to slim pickins as most require at least a G3. I have a 350mhz G3 that works but is now becoming limited as there is some software it just doens't have enough speed for and reverb plugs tax it quite a bit too. I really don't recommend putting very much money into the 7500 as far as upgrading... money would be better spent on new system.

Most apps use multiple windows and the more monitor screen area the better but its not absolutely needed as it just makes work flow easier and maybe a little quicker and than switching back and forth with windows.

I would consider something like Digidesign Mbox or Digi001 for an interface and it comes with ProTools LE which is great for just straight recording less midi work. But again these aren't going to work with a 7500. Maybe there are some other folks with older systems that may have some suggestions but not much i can recommend for that system. Good luck though

Technology is fine, but wouldn't music lessons be more appropriate? She should learn piano. Pursuing a music career is fine, but bring some skills or chops to the table. All these young hot singers, are hiding behind a lot of skilled people. Taking a year off to pursue her carreer is not a good idea. It's not about recording. It's about skills. She's already behind. Celine Dion was already touring at 12. Being self taught is not something to brag about. Kate Smith (God Bless America) always bragged about never having had a singing lesson. She sounded like crap on everything except "God Bless America" . She had no nuance except loud. The level is much higher now.

: I am having great sucess with AMADEUS II
for recording. It is $25 and I have enjoyed it a great deal.
Many of the "PRO" applications are fine, but they can be time consuming
to say the least when good old AMADEUS dilivers easy terrific
results....many professional features and a great foundation without all of the confusing directions. You need a computer to support it like Mac OS x however. SCODINSKY

Technology is fine, but wouldn't music lessons be more appropriate? She should learn piano. Pursuing a music career is fine, but bring some skills or chops to the table. All these young hot singers, are hiding behind a lot of skilled people. Taking a year off to pursue her carreer is not a good idea. It's not about recording. It's about skills. She's already behind. Celine Dion was already touring at 12. Being self taught is not something to brag about. Kate Smith (God Bless America) always bragged about never having had a singing lesson. She sounded like crap on everything except "God Bless America" . She had no nuance except loud. The level is much higher now.

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Why are you assuming that she can't play guitar or sing very well, read music or do anything?java script:emoticon(':(') Learning to play is not about schooling and lessons. It is about determination, and dedication. Sure lessons help, but determination and dedication is far more important. Besides, he is looking for advice about hardware and software. Also, it is quite nice to see a parent promoting and supporting thier kids musical ambitions. I don't know why you seem to be so negative and rude.

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I think a new system is probably required unfortunately... The eMac is pretty good deal for a small budget. Be sure to get a student discount!!! Apple and all its authorized dealers give education discounts that should save you a hundred off the regular price. You may find a nice Mac used on Ebay, but just keep in mind what a new system costs (for some reason people pay more for old stuff than it cost new). You could save money by doing the dreaded dead, buying a PC. (A chill just went down my spine).. The Digidesign Mbox is good because of the price and software included. It does audio and midi. And it works on OS X, so that saves you some cash because you don't have to dole out for some decent software if you were to buy some other entry level audio/midi interfaces...
Dual monitors is a luxury, and the money is better spent on the system and software..

oh yeah? then explain Ani diFranco.

i think it's wonderful he's supporting his daughter.

What do you mean ? Ani is a real artist and has been extensively touring alone or with a drummer for quite a long period, so she had all the time to develop her skills. She is one of my favorite artist.
Sorry for the O.T



Well, I don't think that the mBox is dealing with MIDI you need something additional. For OSX the version is quite heavy in terms of RAM use so the 7500 will never do the job cause you need at least a 500mHz and at least 562 MB RAM.

I use in the past a software called "Audacity", it works on slow Mac under OS9 and is quite good for beginners. You will find it on the "Software" section of mac Music. Of course a cheap soundcard will do the job, you can check with Edirol they have quite a lot of choice.

pesji

As far the music leassons... how can somene say another person needs music lessons when they never heard them or know anything about their musical skills? That seems a bit judgmental and presumptious. The person is seeking computer hardware help not advice for what to do with their child's music career or life.

Ani was completely self-taught. never any lessons or anything. and she started her own label and got herself noticed by recording herself. isn't that exactly what this guy wants to help his daughter do??