Audio Desk Expectations??? Options

[viking]

I'm about to enter the digital recording world, (As well as the Mac world). After exhausting myself on several forums, I'm planning to purchase a Powerbook G4 (867MHz, 256K, 40GB) along with the MOTO 828MKII. These purchases will also exhaust my initial budget.

This will be a songwriting/production platform. I'm a drummer as well and need the input capabilities for when I mic up my kit.

That being said, my concerns are for the software which comes with the 828. My plan is to get acquainted with the Mac and digital recording using MOTU's included software, then upgrading to DP4 or crossgrading to Cubase if I felt it necessary. What should I expect?

-With the 828, will I get Audiodesk 1 or 2?
- I understand Audiodesk does not support MIDI. Does this mean I can't create drum loops or do anytype of sequencing at all unless I upgrade to DP4?
-What are the remaining (if any) issues with OSX and the new 828 that might give me difficulties?

Those are my thoughts for now. Any suggestions beyond my topics whould be appreciated as well.

Viking...

[instrument]

Aloha Viking....

I have just invested in a powerbook G4 880/512/40, Reason, Oxygen 8 midi controller, and the MOTU 896.....so a somewhat similar setup.

My plan is to get acquainted with the Mac and digital recording using MOTU's included software, then upgrading to DP4 or crossgrading to Cubase if I felt it necessary.

That is my plan as well.....

What should I expect?

MOTU ....product--> Audiodesk 2.. there you will find thorough info, and a comparison chart for AD 1, 2 and DP4.

-With the 828, will I get Audiodesk 1 or 2?
- I understand Audiodesk does not support MIDI. Does this mean I can't create drum loops or do anytype of sequencing at all unless I upgrade to DP4?

It depends on how long the 828 has been at the place where you are buying from....the MKII is preety new so it may just have AD2 in the box. However if it only has AD1, then all you have to do is fax a copy of receipt and registration # to MOTU and they will ship AD2 + OSX manual, cuz AD1 doesn't even support OSX....I think . Definately establish your own connection with MOTU for confirmation though...I faxed them info last Friday and AD2 as of now is not here, but i am confident it will arrive.
As far as MIDI, I understand that you can do drum loops and MIDI outside and then import or slave to AD2, which I plan to do with Reason. but one supposedly cannot control any parameters from w/in AD2, so no real time tweaking and playing?!? I think DP4 is needed for full on easiness with MIDI...

-What are the remaining (if any) issues with OSX and the new 828 that might give me difficulties?

Can't help ya with that one bud....

Good Luck! peace out

[THE DUDE]

I would suggest the M Box but I realised you require multiple ins/outs. Maybe consider the Digi 01...it is also from Digidesign and both units include Pro Tools which is pretty much the industry standard for recording and audio editing. If all else fails check out the product line up from M Audio. They have recently released a new firewire soundcard that accomodates all of your above requirements.

[lync4495]

If you're going to want to mic up your set I don't think any of the interfaces mentioned have enough mic inputs. Motu's 896 does but it's a little more expensive.