Os X Software / Interface, Looking for getting-started advice Options

OK, I'm getting rid of the recording hardware and moving to Mac.

I record mostly live instruments and vocals. What I need is an integrated audio / midi recorder / sequencer, like Logic Audio. The 32 tracks that come with Logic Audio are plenty.

My dilemma is the number of audio inputs I will need. If I can control and record a software synthesizer with excellent drum sounds through my midi trigger pads, then I will only need a couple of simultaneously available inputs (like the mBox). If this is a tall order, then I'll need something that can handle 8 - like the MOTU 828.

I don't need a million plug-ins. Basic stuff is fine: reverb, delay, compression, chorus, and the like.

I'd like to keep the total bill under $1000.

Finally, it's gotta be OS X - I have a G4 with a huge hard drive.

So any recommendations for software, especially for a synth with great drum sounds and a lot of control (like being able to give each drum in the kit a different audio track and midi channel) would be great.

Thanks,
Jeff

[Presto]

If you like Logic, you can't go far wrong.

I use Protools LE on OS9 for the moment. I'm a songwriter, so I work alone and only need 2 audio inputs (Mbox). I don't use midi so PT is alright. People seem to think that PT on OS9 is not up to scratch for MIDI (I don't know). Perhaps the new OSX version of PT will suit them better.

You'll have to wait for other replies to get a good picture of what you need, but tell us more.

Are you just composing for yourself, or recording your group, or mixing for others.

Remember there are other things to buy. Is $1000 your total budget? If you're mixing for others then you need, for example, good monitors (speakers) and your budget will be eaten up. I just ruined mine the first time I tried listening to music from a 33rpm turntable through my Mbox but I don't know why

If you want quality mic recordings then you need good mics (enormous choice and a variety of types depending on use), then 48V phantom power to feed them, and good preamplification and A/D D/A conversion. If your input is good quality you shouldn't need to squeeze all you can out of plugins. I try to avoid using plugins.

Do you want to use only mono or include stereo inputs? Most music you hear on the radio is "multi mono" but I think stereo is much better (2 DPA 4060 series miniature mics would leave you with very little for the rest)

Do you hope to sell your mixes (lucky man), or are they to be for demos, or just for your own pleasure?

Perhaps you already have good mics, speakers, headphones etc.

Anyway, if you're just starting, I'd say get the minimum and if you make lots of great music on Logic or whatever, only then start looking for the money for the quality equipment.