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Current Macintosh Models
If you are buying a new computer,
there are basically 4 different options (with several
variations of each, mostly dealing with different
speed processors, memory, etc.). Starting sometime
this year, all new Macintoshes will ship with OS
X as their only operating system (currently most
ship with both OS9 and OS. This is a huge problem
for most Music and Audio users, as most audio programs
and hardware are not yet OS X Compatible. Macintosh
OS 9.2 is still the best choice for the current
models so when looking for a computer, make sure
that it has OS 9.2.
Some considerations for all
new Mac models
- If you
need to use OMS to connect
a USB MIDI device to a Macintosh,
most people have more success
with using version 2.3.7
rather than 2.3.8.
- All
current models include USB.
While USB is great for MIDI,
USB is limited in terms of
how many audio tracks (2-4
simultaneous tracks) and
resolution (24bit 48kHz is
about the limit) it can do.
G4 (Tower)
The G4 is the top of the line
as far as the Macintosh goes. With 3-5 PCI slots,
FireWire, and USB, the G4 gives you the most choices
as far as connectivity. This is the computer of
choice if you are simultaneously recording multiple
tracks of audio with MIDI. The G4 processor is the
fastest on the planet (for programs that have been
written to take advantage of it, such as Logic Audio).
While you can put 1.5 Gigabytes
of RAM in your G4, some programs such as Logic Audio
currently have a problem with more than 1 Gig of
physical RAM installed.
G4 PowerBook (Titanium)
The G4 PowerBook sports the
same processor as the G4 tower, so it has a fast
processor, but lacks the PCI slots that allow a
wide variety of audio cards. The Titanium does include
a PCMCIA slot as well as FireWire, so multiple tracks
of audio are possible. If your needs are high-end
audio but in a portable package, the G4 PowerBook
is the machine for you.
iMac and iBook
The iMac was the largest selling
single model of computer ever, and was the first
computer to completely do away with things such
as serial ports, SCSI, in favor of using only USB.
If your audio recording needs are simple, then this
Mac will work for you. The current iMac models also
include FireWire port. With more and more FireWire
devices coming out, multiple tracks of audio recording
are possible.
The current iBook (the squareish
one) has the same specifications as the current
iMac (with notable exceptions being the monitor
and the portability).
Don't let your first reaction
be that the G3 processor isn't as powerful as the
G4. While it is true that the G4 can blow the G3
away in terms of speed, it only is on programs that
have been rewritten to take advantage of the G4.
Otherwise, a similar speed G3 and G4 will perform
about the same.
While the current models include
FireWire, the older models do not. If you plan to
record more than 2 tracks of audio simultaneously,
then you need to make sure that you have the more
recent model.
Discontinued Macintosh Models
Just because it is not the latest
and greatest, doesn't mean it isn't a good computer
for music. Used Macintoshes can be a great bet.While
it is impossible to list every different model ever
made, many can be grouped together.
G3 (Beige or Blue and White)
The Beige G3 is a great machine
for doing music. The G3 processor is nice and speedy
and this model has PCI slots for adding audio cards.
The G3 will also be available for OS X in the future
(pretty much no other models older than a Beige
G3, including any computer with a G3 or G4 upgrade
card, will be OS X compatible).
A later model G3 was in a
blue and white tower. This model has all of the
conection features as the above G4 tower, but is
based on the G3 processor (and has a slightly different
motherboard design). Some people have reported problems
with running Firewire while using OS9.1 but OS9.04
seemed to work OK.
G3 PowerBook
Can't afford a G4 Titanium?
Check around for a G3 PowerBook. There were several
models, with the later ones featuring both USB and
PCMCIA for more audio input options.
4 digit Power Macintosh or
Performa Models
There were dozens of different
models of PowerMac, so I can't go into all of the
variations here. Look for the faster 604E chip found
in the later model computers rather than the 603
or 601 chips. Many of the tower chassis offer an
easy processor upgrade path (I personally am still
holding on to my 8500, but it now sports a G3 upgrade
card).
61xx, 71xx, 81xx Power Macintosh
or Performa
At first glance these might
seem to be just slower versions of the older PowerMac
computers as above. However, these 3 systems, instead
of having PCI slots for adding audio cards, use
the older NuBus audio card technology. Currently
there are no companies that are still making NuBus
cards. Look to buy one of these computers for music
only if it includes all of the audio hardware that
you need.
If you have an older MIDI
program and want to do MIDI sequencing only, these
computers do make nice MIDI machines. If your audio
needs are VERY simple (like with eartraining programs)
then the built in Mic input will also work just
fine.
Non-Power Macintosh
As above with the first generation
PowerMac's, these computers use NuBus card slots
(if they have card slots at all). Some older MIDI
programs and notation programs will work OK on these
systems, but forget about trying to do audio on
these systems. If you need a simple MIDI setup and
have access to an older program, then you can probably
pick up one of these for just a few dollars.
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