Us-428 With Imac G5, Looking for advice on compatible softwar Options

[WaveGen]

Hello,

I am a longtime PC user making the switch. I will be getting the imac G5, and already have the Tascam US-428 interface from my PC. Is there any sequencer/DAW option that will work best with OSX? I have been using Sonar and am looking for the easiest Software to switch to that is compatible... Cubase/Logic/DP...?

Thanks
Mike

[wheat]

Your new iMac G5 will come with a free copy of Apple iLife 5, which has just been released. (probably on a separate CD/DVD).

iLife 5 contains GarageBand 2, which has been greatly expanded. It provides 8 tracks of digital audio recording, a large multisample library in Apple AU format, MIDI sequencing and loop recording and editing. Its files will be compatible with Logic Express and Logic.

There are shareware utilities available for importing existing MIDI sequences and audio files into GarageBand format.

If I were you, I would work with GarageBand first. Apple sells various expansion packs for additional soft synths, multisample libraries, and loop libraries, and third party companies are bringing out products as well.

Once you outgrow that, you can move up to Logic Express for $300.

Other good options are the Steinberg Cubase family (Cubase SE, SL, SX) and Mackie Tracktion. You can get Tracktion 1 for Mac for free right now from the Mackie web site. They have announced Tracktion 2, but it will not be shipping for a couple more months (we hope) and it will cost $200.

If you have purchased any sequencing or recording software or VST plug-ins for the PC, be aware that many of those companies offer their products in both Windows VSTi and Mac VSTi and Mac AU formats. You may be able to get the Mac versions for free or for a small cross-grade price. Check with the manufacturer.