New Mac: Which?

[cinealta]

Honestly, for your needs you could use a Mac Mini. However, for sheer expandability I recommend the following configuration (may be overkill for you):

3.33GHz 6-core Mac Pro (with Apple Care)
5870 graphics card
24Gb RAM (3rd party...OWC or Crucial)
Disk 1: Crucial M4 512Gb SSD (System + Apps)
Disk 2: WD Caviar Black 2Tb (sample library)
Disk 3: WD Caviar Black 2Tb (digital audio/scratch disk)
Disk 4: WD Caviar Green 3Tb (Time machine back up)

[Aaron Miller]

Had not actually thought of the Mini as an option. I know I could put in an SSD and 16GB RAM. Would the processor speed then be the bottle neck?

[6strings]

Originally Posted by Aaron Miller

Had not actually thought of the Mini as an option. I know I could put in an SSD and 16GB RAM. Would the processor speed then be the bottle neck?

The quad-core server model would be preferable. However, I don't know the implications of using that model for non-server use (I know folks here are doing it though)

I'm running the 3.33 hex-core mentioned above, albeit with a 5770 card instead (not as powerful graphics card, but silent in operation and fine for audio and video work), but your budget may rule out a Mac Pro.

[cinealta]

Originally Posted by Aaron Miller

Would the processor speed then be the bottle neck?

Yes, get the fastest CPU you can afford. Doesn't sound like you need to spread things out too much over mutiple cores. You can always increase RAM & hard disk in the future. But you are locked into the CPU you choose.

Some folks are going with the Mac Mini server (quad-core) and using the second hard disk to record on. However, it comes with the server version of OSX which I've heard some compatibility issues with. Not sure if it is seemless now or what the work around was.

[phas3d]

Or wait for the iMac refresh coming along probably next week. The screen is gorgeous. But Mac mini will do the work for you if you prefer to go that way.

[Aaron Miller]

I'm definitely waiting for the refresh; can't buy for a couple months anyway. So at this point, I'm looking at either a Mac Mini (+SSD and 16 GB RAM from OWC) for $1600 or an iMac (+SSD and 32 GB RAM) for $2600. Is double the RAM, double the cores, and a faster processor worth $1K?

[clothears]

Originally Posted by Aaron Miller

I'm going to need a new Mac this year, so I'm opening a thread to think it through. Feedback apreciated!

Background:

Purpose: Recording and mixing live instruments, limited composition with VIs
Software: Logic
Interface: Apogee Ensemble (potential upgrade to Symphony I/O)
Current computer: 2008 17" MBP (3.4GHz, 4GB RAM) + OWC external HD
Typical track counts: 20-40
VI usage: limited
Plugin usage: moderate--instances on most tracks, have some CPU hogs
Common Plugins: PSP NobleQ & Oldtimer; Ozone 5; Slate Trigger, VCC, & VTM; The Glue; Waves CLA Comps & Kramer Tape; Reverb Designer

Tired of freezing and printing tracks. I'm getting by, but having to freeze/print/bounce tracks takes too long and limits creativity. Besides that, the computer is getting up there in years

Questions:

1) Given above, is RAM, HD speed, or processor speed most important? Or are they equally critical? Would you recommend a SSD?

2) What kind of power (RAM, HD speed, processor) would handle my moderate track counts and typical plugin usage without the need to freeze/print? Is there an Imac that would be sufficient? (I'm leaning towards iMac for price)

3) If I go with an iMac, where do I locate the thing? I don't want a big screen sitting right between my Barefoots and for this reason like my laptop, located lower on my desk. It's actually running a second 32" monitor which is located behind the mix desk on the front wall and this works really well. Anyone using an iMac and have a convenient location!

4) Logic transfer: Does Logic license allow me to put a copy on my new computer?

5) Plugin transfers: I know my Ilok plugins will transfer, but what about the other ones (Waves, Cytomic, etc)?

6) Everything currently backed up to Time Capsule: Does this play into license transfers at all or make doing so unnecessary?

7) Anyone recently done this and care to offer additional considerations?



Thanks!

This is pretty much my set up as well, except that I have the 2007 mbp and I am looking at upgrading as well.

I'm not sure either, I guess I'll sit on my hands until the next mac....

[audiogeekzine]

You can get the RAM on Amazon for cheap and install it yourself. no special tools required.
Might save you $300

[techro]

Was almost going to buy the i7 iMac but this and macrumours has put me off for now.
Cant wait till they update them.

[phas3d]

For RAM I would advise either Crucial or OWC.

[cinealta]

Apple is supposedly having an October media event. Supposedly it will be for the iPad Mini. But you never know, they could also introduce new iMacs. We'll know for sure in the next 3 wks.

[phas3d]

iMacs are not getting restocked on Apple Stores according to some reports. That points to a refresh very soon. The event is scheduled for the the 10th. Makes sense they would present it then.

[skira]

Originally Posted by phas3d

Or wait for the iMac refresh coming along probably next week.

From your typing fingers to Tim Cook's ear.

I'm hoping and hopeful that new iMacs will be announced alongside the new 'iPad Mini' later this month but the rumor sites are disturbingly silent on this possibility, which does not bode well. If new iMacs aren't announced I'm just going to buy an interim machine, probably a refurbished Mac Mini.

[MacroMike]

I'm looking forward to a six core Mac mini.