etemkin
New Head-Fier
- Joined
- Aug 10, 2007
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Hi Everyone,
So, I'm about to get a new notebook and I'm weighing between the new MacBook and the new MacBook Pro. For the most part I'm not a real power-intensive computer user, but I'm planning to make a fairly serious foray into the world of digital audio, both in terms of recording and listening. For recording, I'm only doing guitar (acoustic and electric) and vocals, so I don't need something that will do 8 channels, but I would like high quality. Preferably, whatever digital audio interface I go with will also do well for listening purposes, both through monitors and headphones. So, here are my dilemmas...
First, what computer should I get - MacBook or MacBook Pro? Can a regular MacBook handle serious recording, editing, mixing, etc? I know I'll want to get up to 4gb of RAM on either one, but can the smaller computer really handle Logic or ProTools well? I prefer the form factor of the MacBook and definitely the cost, but I'll bite the bullet if it's worth it. Plus, there's that whole issue with the missing FireWire port, which brings us to...
Second, what digital audio interface should I use? I've been lurking on these forums for quite a while and thought I had it all nailed down with the Apogee Duet. It does a couple channels of recording, has excellent sound quality, is reasonably affordable (a friend is trying to convince me to get a Black Lion Audio Signature Modded 003R, so it's all relative), and is beautifully designed. Plus, it's quite highly regarded around here. But, then Apple decided to remove the FireWire port from the MacBook and that pairing is impossible. So, are there good USB alternatives? I've heard good things about the E-MU 0404 USB, but can that really compete with the Duet? Are there other places I should be looking? Should I stick with the Duet and have that guide me towards the MacBook Pro? Are there other important considerations that I haven't even accounted for?
So, I have a couple entangled decisions to make, and I'm doing so with very little experience with both Macs and digital audio work. Thus, I come begging for advice. I'm hoping to buy a computer in the next couple weeks, try and survive the holidays, and then get the audio interface once the coffers have recharged a bit. But, I need to have a good direction on the audio side soon so I can make an informed decision buying the computer. I'm flexible with software - not much experience with either Logic or Pro Tools, so I'd be learning either one and I gather they're both more than capable for what I want to do. Your thoughts?
Any advice you have would be much appreciated - thanks in advance for your help!
Regards,
ET
So, I'm about to get a new notebook and I'm weighing between the new MacBook and the new MacBook Pro. For the most part I'm not a real power-intensive computer user, but I'm planning to make a fairly serious foray into the world of digital audio, both in terms of recording and listening. For recording, I'm only doing guitar (acoustic and electric) and vocals, so I don't need something that will do 8 channels, but I would like high quality. Preferably, whatever digital audio interface I go with will also do well for listening purposes, both through monitors and headphones. So, here are my dilemmas...
First, what computer should I get - MacBook or MacBook Pro? Can a regular MacBook handle serious recording, editing, mixing, etc? I know I'll want to get up to 4gb of RAM on either one, but can the smaller computer really handle Logic or ProTools well? I prefer the form factor of the MacBook and definitely the cost, but I'll bite the bullet if it's worth it. Plus, there's that whole issue with the missing FireWire port, which brings us to...
Second, what digital audio interface should I use? I've been lurking on these forums for quite a while and thought I had it all nailed down with the Apogee Duet. It does a couple channels of recording, has excellent sound quality, is reasonably affordable (a friend is trying to convince me to get a Black Lion Audio Signature Modded 003R, so it's all relative), and is beautifully designed. Plus, it's quite highly regarded around here. But, then Apple decided to remove the FireWire port from the MacBook and that pairing is impossible. So, are there good USB alternatives? I've heard good things about the E-MU 0404 USB, but can that really compete with the Duet? Are there other places I should be looking? Should I stick with the Duet and have that guide me towards the MacBook Pro? Are there other important considerations that I haven't even accounted for?
So, I have a couple entangled decisions to make, and I'm doing so with very little experience with both Macs and digital audio work. Thus, I come begging for advice. I'm hoping to buy a computer in the next couple weeks, try and survive the holidays, and then get the audio interface once the coffers have recharged a bit. But, I need to have a good direction on the audio side soon so I can make an informed decision buying the computer. I'm flexible with software - not much experience with either Logic or Pro Tools, so I'd be learning either one and I gather they're both more than capable for what I want to do. Your thoughts?
Any advice you have would be much appreciated - thanks in advance for your help!
Regards,
ET