Which computer platform would you prefer in an audio class?

[Jamz]

How many folks (especially people not in the pro end of making music) are using either a Mac or a PC?

If you own a PC and interested in an audio class with Macs only would that deter you from attending?

More familiar with the Mac. Never looked back.
I haven't used Vista but can get my head around XP.

[stevetgn]

This isn't a good poll as the 3rd option is actually a different question to the first two.

But for the sake of playing ball, I'm just about to switch to a new 8 core Mac Pro even though I'm an A+ trained PC technician

[temetrepo]

PC over here
heck i can even use it without a monitor and still get my things done

sometimes i even turn the monitor off while mixing a track.
so i can actually hear the music instead of looking at it

[Jamz]

Originally Posted by stevetgn

This isn't a good poll as the 3rd option is actually a different question to the first two.

But for the sake of playing ball, I'm just about to switch to a new 8 core Mac Pro even though I'm an A+ trained PC technician

Good point Steve. I altered the question. Hope that helps.
Classes I've taught have been all Mac. I'm putting a small classroom in my new facility. My initial thoughts lean toward all iMacs. Especially, since I would be teaching PT courses and using PT for the audio courses. Just wondering if using an iMac would deter a student who is PC savy.

[FFTT]

The new Intel Macs allow you to run ANY DAW either under MAC OSX or
via Bootcamp, any Windows/Vista applications if necessary.

So the greatest selling point of the Apple Computers is optimum
flexibility.

You also can't run Logic Studio on a Windows based machine and Logic
is kicking butt right now especailly with education discounts.

The new 8 Core Mac Pros properly equipped with at least 4 GB RAM
will cover just about any situation.
For multiple classroom units, the iMacs are wonderful giving you not only
plenty of flexibility, but also a great display for all your DAW work surfaces.

The other added benefit to Mac is the freedom to use Apogee interfaces
or any interface you choose.

[Dickens]

My class had all Macs. Didn't seem to bother those who owned PCs at home.
Macs

[Sigma]

jim when i teach i use both platforms..i let the kids buy their computer..that way it's their system and they work on that which is most familiar

the first class is showing them how to optimize their computer and install the software

[Jamz]

Originally Posted by Sigma

jim when i teach i use both platforms..i let the kids buy their computer..that way it's their system and they work on that which is most familiar

the first class is showing them how to optimize their computer and install the software

How many kids do you have at one sitting?

[Sigma]

Originally Posted by Jamz

How many kids do you have at one sitting?

never more than 3..thats why i charge 6 k a student for 84 hrs instruction

keystrokes are different on mac's and pc's , optimiztion is different..the whole computer operating system and some people just want pc ..so it's no big deal for the instructor to know both platforms

plus ya get into le and tdm and all those differences to

[Jamz]

Looking at swith out logistics....are the 3 students all at the same seating or do their schedules vary?
How far do you spread the 84 hour program and do they ovelap with new programs?

I'm used to a room with a set number of computers. Trying to figure out how you deal with switching systems in and out. It certainlly must save big on your invest since the students bring their own system.

[Sigma]

Originally Posted by Jamz

Looking at swith out logistics....are the 3 students all at the same seating or do their schedules vary?
How far do you spread the 84 hour program and do they ovelap with new programs?

I'm used to a room with a set number of computers. Trying to figure out how you deal with switching systems in and out. It certainlly must save big on your invest since the students bring their own system.

14 days over 14 weeks 6 hrs per session with a TON of interactive DVD's and homework .. I am available 7 days a week for any questions from the students and i give mini written quizes and pt session assignments

[FFTT]

From the standpoint of a student wanting to get into audio production,
I'd want to have a background in both ProTools and Logic at the very minimum.

For this reason, I would expect the school to offer instruction in both platforms.

I don't know if Digidesign offers education discounts on their software or hardware, but
that is definitely a plus with both Apple hardware and software.

You'll have to talk to Apple education to see if your school might qualify, but
the students themselves would as lng as they are college/universtity student.

If you are also teaching music application developement, then you might also
qualify under the Apple Developers program.

It would be well worth your time to speak to Apple about outfitting an entire classroom.

[Sigma]

Originally Posted by FFTT

From the standpoint of a student wanting to get into audio production,
I'd want to have a background in both ProTools and Logic at the very minimum.

For this reason, I would expect the school to offer instruction in both platforms.

I don't know if Digidesign offers education discounts on their software or hardware, but
that is definitely a plus with both Apple hardware and software.

You'll have to talk to Apple education to see if your school might qualify, but
the students themselves would as lng as they are college/universtity student.

If you are also teaching music application developement, then you might also
qualify under the Apple Developers program.

It would be well worth your time to speak to Apple about outfitting an entire classroom.

i don't know about Jim's classes ...but i teach audio recording and mixing utilizing protools as the platform..anyone can get a book or a video and learn protools for under 100 dollars

[Jamz]

Classes have not started in my new facility as we are in the final stages of the build.
However, I do teach the summer audio class at Drexel University. I bring in various mixes of bands i.e Queen, sometimes post work i.e. SFX & dialog to QT files, bring a band in the studio for the students to record and then have them mix it. etc.
The room has 26 iMacs in it. Every class has a period at the start where we go over basic PT functions so the student can operate. The students can also use Logic on some of their work if they're more familiar with that program.
In my new facility I intend to have individual "start up" courses that are program specific i.e. PT and Logic. Also will incorporate their classroom work with hands-on engineering classes in the studio where they can apply what they're learning in the classroom. Seminars will also take place separate and apart from offered programs.

My plan is start with 6 iMacs.

[theblue1]

Normally I don't vote in polls where the options conflict or are illogically set up. But I sort of read between the lines and tried to figure out what you were getting at (helped largely by the title of the thread).


Even though I don't personally use Pro Tools, if I was setting up an audio recording class, it would be what I would teach around, everything else being equal. (Of course, in the real world, everything else is seldom equal.)

And if you were setting up around PT (or Cubase or, down the road, Reaper) it wouldn't matter too much (for the purposes of teaching) which OS platform you went with, seems to me.

You could, presumably, then go with the recommendation/preference of the host institution's IT department (which would no doubt smooth your administrative pathway, if nothing else).

[FFTT]

Originally Posted by Jamz

Classes have not started in my new facility as we are in the final stages of the build.
However, I do teach the summer audio class at Drexel University. I bring in various mixes of bands i.e Queen, sometimes post work i.e. SFX & dialog to QT files, bring a band in the studio for the students to record and then have them mix it. etc.
The room has 26 iMacs in it. Every class has a period at the start where we go over basic PT functions so the student can operate. The students can also use Logic on some of their work if they're more familiar with that program.
In my new facility I intend to have individual "start up" courses that are program specific i.e. PT and Logic. Also will incorporate their classroom work with hands-on engineering classes in the studio where they can apply what they're learning in the classroom. Seminars will also take place separate and apart from offered programs.

My plan is start with 6 iMacs.

As you probably already know Logic Studio is a whole new ballgame
with one of the most complete production suites available for the money.

You'll need plenty of storage space since Logic Studio requires quite a bit of
free space to handle all the sound files.

The benefit of running iMacs is that your IT administrator doesn't have to worry
about the typical Windows malware threats.
The machines are ready to go to work when you get to class.

[Jamz]

Originally Posted by FFTT

As you probably already know Logic Studio is a whole new ballgame
with one of the most complete production suites available for the money.

You'll need plenty of storage space since Logic Studio requires quite a bit of
free space to handle all the sound files.

The benefit of running iMacs is that your IT administrator doesn't have to worry
about the typical Windows malware threats.
The machines are ready to go to work when you get to class.

Yes'm. And since that IT guy will be me for a while it is a big consideration.
So I guess I'm gettin the iMacs!

[big country]

the more versatile a teacher the better
that means if a student wants to learn any application/OS combination
it should be there for the teaching
even if they have to bring it in

I cant stand teachers that preach daws and OS

teach people how to record and not to be smug ass holes ...
last place smug needs to be is in the studio...

imagine taking guitar lessons with AL collins ( much respect BTW)
only you have a tele



sorry for the shitty attitude but thats how I feel

[Sigma]

Originally Posted by Jamz

Yes'm. And since that IT guy will be me for a while it is a big consideration.
So I guess I'm gettin the iMacs!

we still need to talk...

[FFTT]

I was just pricing out an iMac for a friend of mine at the education store.

Apple's prices for RAM are off the charts insane.

I looked at Data Memory Systems, who is a highly reliable supplier of
Apple Compatible RAM and they were offering 4GB kits (2X2GB) for $110.00
for the new 24" iMacs.
Apple Intel iMac Memory Upgrades,Data Memory Systems,eMac Memory,Memory,iBook Memory,Mac Mini Memory,G5 Memory,Mac Pro Memory,Xserve Xeon Memory

Apples price was over $600.00 for their 4 GB upgrade.

The iMac only has 2 RAM slots and with the memory
requirements of these advanced DAW suites 4 GB is highly recommended.

Hard drives are much cheaper through DMS or New Egg.
3.5" Serial ATA Internal Hard Drives, SATA and SATAII Internal Drives

The only necessary upgrade direct from Apple would be to buy
Apple Care for $119.00

If you need any more help checking out your best configuration, PM me.

[Jamz]

Originally Posted by Sigma

we still need to talk...

Sometime next week when you have some time you should stop up. We'll have drink and talk shop.
PM or email and I'll shoot over directions. Still building but getting there.

I was always impressed with the doors at Sigma. Doors on a budget are such a PITA.

[Jamz]

Thanks. Appreciate it.
I have been looking at the EDU pricing on 20" iMac with MBox.
Already purchased the computer desks. Still have a couple of weeks before I have to commit...unless I run out of dough building this room.

Originally Posted by FFTT

I was just pricing out an iMac for a friend of mine at the education store.

Apple's prices for RAM are off the charts insane.

I looked at Data Memory Systems, who is a highly reliable supplier of
Apple Compatible RAM and they were offering 4GB kits (2X2GB) for $110.00
for the new 24" iMacs.
Apple Intel iMac Memory Upgrades,Data Memory Systems,eMac Memory,Memory,iBook Memory,Mac Mini Memory,G5 Memory,Mac Pro Memory,Xserve Xeon Memory

Apples price was over $600.00 for their 4 GB upgrade.

The iMac only has 2 RAM slots and with the memory
requirements of these advanced DAW suites 4 GB is highly recommended.

Hard drives are much cheaper through DMS or New Egg.
3.5" Serial ATA Internal Hard Drives, SATA and SATAII Internal Drives

The only necessary upgrade direct from Apple would be to buy
Apple Care for $119.00

If you need any more help checking out your best configuration, PM me.