Which Powermac G5 To Get?, How much power do I need? Options

[thegrapeguy]

I am new to the board but based on the purchase I'm about to make I will probably be visiting often. I am entering the world of computer-based recording because the Roland 1680 hard disc recorder I had been using is finally crashed due to disc fragmentation beyond repair.

In my research I have zeroed in on a G5, Logic Pro 7.2, Apogee Ensemble, and a Tascam 2400 audio control surface.
My questions are:

Which G5 should I get? - I have as many as 60 or so single song recording progects at any one time ranging from 16 - 24 tracks of audio. In the summer I offer a Music Video camp and will occasionally produce a "simple" music video with simple editing. I've heard for anything to do with video that the quad core is 2.5 the way to go. However I would like to get away with the 2.3 dual core if it can handle simple video. To what effect does the choice of dual core 2.0, 2.3, or quad core 2.5 G5's have to do with day to day music recording?

Are there any other alternatives for an audio control surface that has 24 faders than the Tascam US 2400? I feel I need this type of unit so that when I mix it will be as "old school hands on the faders" as possible.


Thanks in advance!

[thegrapeguy]

Hi Epidermus - I did as lepitmartien suggested and went with dual processor 2.7 G5. My choice came down to not enough time to wait for Intel-based desktop. And since there are always the adjustment periods with new gear I went with a refurb from Apple and I'm glad I got Apple care because this machine has already had the logic board and the processors replaced and the optical drive as well. On a happy note it's been working since the repair 3 weeks ago with no crashes (any wood around here). It's very fast and I'm about to get the Apogee Ensemble going. And even back in February I had heard that the Quad core would not use all it's processing power so I saved the money.