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!

[Mac Daddy]

hahaworld, glad to hear you're up and running. However, I don't understand Smooth and Silky? What is the difference? Is it Star Trek Wrap Speed... "I touched the Return Key and crossed the Milky Way" Different or "I'm still in Kansas, but in a Porche" Different?

I have always been attracted to the 'Word' Quad. But I never had the opportunity to try one except in the Retail Store and it had nothing except the: "Hi, Try, Buy!" Software. I wanted to see it 'In the heat of battle". You are the only Musician I know, indirectly with one. I would go out on a limb and say most of the "Users" in the Mac Forum use OSX G4/G5 Dual??? Only based on what I have seen or can remember.

In my limited use of proper english, Smooth and Silky have to do with eith: Cool or feels seriously messing with my Sense Of Touch. I digress, yet again.

From Mac World:
Power Mac G5 Quad configuration, clocked at 2.5GHz and featuring two dual-core G5 chips, can encode standard definition video content in Final Cut Pro 5 up to 60 percent faster than the dual-processor 2.7GHz system that preceded it, for example. Adobe Photoshop runs a series of 45 commonly used filters and actions 43 percent faster on a Quad system; Adobe After Effects ca render video effects up to 69 percent faster, LightWave 3D renders animation up to 59 percent faster and the Bioinformatics Benchmark System (BBS version 3) can complete a comparison of genomic sequences up to 39 percent faster.


By Joel Santo Domingo
Apple professionals expect a speed bump with each successive Power Mac model that comes out, and the 2.5-GHz Power Mac G5 Quad ($9,522 direct, $7,023 without monitor) delivers a doozy of one. With the first Intel-powered consumer Macs rumored to be right around the corner (they may be announced at the MacWorld Expo in early January), it is interesting that Apple would release the G5 Quad as the probable last hurrah for the PowerPC processor—but at least they're going out on top.

The Power Mac G5 Quad: Seat belt not included!
Apple's latest desktop machine offers exponential increases in speed

November 16, 2005 (Computerworld) -- NEW YORK -- Yesterday, I had an hour to work with Apple Computer Inc.'s new Power Mac Quad G5, and for anyone in the broadcast, sciences, music, print and photography industries, I have some advice: Place your orders now!

hahaworld, Smooth, Silky, whatever... From what I have been reading. You have one badd ass Mac. Yes, I want one! Damn they're expensive! You da man!