Mac vs PC

[saabish]

Hey all,

First time on this forum. I'm glad there's an online resource cause boy most of this stuff is over my head...but I sooo want to get into MIDI sequencing!

Anyhow first off, need a laptop computer to do it (laptop for portability) - any thoughts mac vs pc? Rep at a local music store says mac is the way to go...problem is mac laptops are overpriced and I fear I'm isolating myself in the software world by going with them....but...can I get a pc laptop setup to perform close to or as good as a mac laptop?

Any comments really appreciated!!

[banjo1735]

A lot of high-end music software is made for both PCs and Macs, so I think it comes down to which one you are more comfortable with.

[richiebee]

If you think that Mac's are overpriced, you should stick with PC's. There's not really much to choose between them in terms of performance, but you can certainly get more for your money from a PC.

[brandondrury]

If it was me, I'd buy a PC, format the hard drive immediately, reinstall Windows + all necessary drivers, and have a kick as recording computer.

A Mac can also be an excellent recording computer too, but I'd rather waste the extra money on recording toys or beer.

Brandon

[saabish]

thanks brandon,

PC option sounds best....besides just finished the last case of kokanee last night...

Another thing, I'm hoping to use this setup for sequencing, some recording and mixing AND live performance. On the performance end I believe I need some kind of card to output from the computer to the PA system. My friend was mentioning Creative Labs.

Anyone, thoughts on that?

[richiebee]

Avoid Creative Labs... that's consumer crap. It's not made for live performance, or for recording or mixing. Pro-cards don't have to cost a fortune. It's just you buy them at a music store instead of a computer store.

Good entry level cards that should suit you include the Edirol UA25. I can recommend it because our keyboard/guitarist uses it live.

R.

[saabish]

Originally Posted by richiebee

Avoid Creative Labs... that's consumer crap. It's not made for live performance, or for recording or mixing. Pro-cards don't have to cost a fortune. It's just you buy them at a music store instead of a computer store.

Good entry level cards that should suit you include the Edirol UA25. I can recommend it because our keyboard/guitarist uses it live.

R.

So I can use the Edirol UA25 or other sound cards to connect my keyboard to the computer using MIDI and then use that same sound card to output from the computer to a PA system?

I guess that means the sound card would need 1 MIDI input and 1 USB 2 output for the keyboard computer interaction AND additionally one USB 2 input and one/two 0.25'' analog outputs for the computer PA system interaction? Do I have that right?

[richiebee]

Yes you can.

[jessesmirl]

I Highly recommend Mac computers. Less Buggy I find. I also find the the workflow is a step above. Definitely an awkward step for someone only PC familiar. But a good step.