Audio And Midi On G4 Imacs, What can new iMac do without added DSP? Options

[yingtong]

I'm thinking of converting to the iMac from PC, but I'm concerned from stuff I've read that I'd need an equivalent to a PCI soundcard - which they don't accept do they? Reason for thinking iMac rather than standard G4/G5 is price.

But can a 1Ghz iMac deal with 16 tracks of stereo audio plus VST plugins without any extra hardware?

For good quality sound to record out to my AKAI D12 hard disk recorder - plus MIDI - can an iMac really cut it? If so, what extras (MIDI /audio interfaces) would I need? And is it sensible to use Cubase (SX?) on the Mac or is it a poor second to say Logic or Pro Tools?

Would really appreciate some help. Cheers.

[My 'stuff' background: I cut up loops and beats with ReCycle etc and layer them into VST as audio while sequencing a Yamaha CS1x and AKAI S200 sampler all ending up in an AKAI D12 hard disk recorder (including my mixed down VST audio tracks). But I need more power and my current set up is on its last legs]

[xingu]

Some stereo, mostly mono. Typically 1-3 plugs on each track, although some running to the aux sends. I don't do much with vi's yet.

I'd do some research on the superdrive - I've read that compared with the standard CD drive, it's a bit slow. Don't remember where, and this might not be true, so check into that.

A 1Ghz G4 should do you just fine. If you have the cash, you might want to seriously consider getting a tower since the iMac is really limited in terms of expandabiliy. I got my iMac due to budget and relatively low requirements for what I'm trying to do musically.

emagic makes the EVP73 Rhodes that comes as part of the Big Box package with the entry level Logic Audio. There's also the EVP88 that adds more features to the 73.

good luck