Will a MAC be better than a PC for home recording?

[Johnny Mac]

Another wasted weekend trying to record midi and audio with my PC! I'm at the point of smashing it to bits. My new Axon midi guitar processor seems to be conflicting with something to top off the usual cr@p and locks up cubase on playback. I can get it to record midi data but only once did it play back the presets on the axon unit.
I used to be able to record audio no problem, but now the signal isn't present and i've tried so many things to get it back and nothing seems to work.
I got into this as a hobby for enjoyment and its driving me ffing mad!
I have heard that Macs work with a lot less hassle than PCs so I think I'll get one at some point so I can make my own music rather than f*ck around getting nowhere. I've read manual after manual but none of them will know what your specific problem is. I've posted in recording forums for help but my post was ignored. The Axon forum the advise was get a mac! I don't work in IT and I don't want to but it seems to get anywhere with this, you have to be very clued up on IT or your lucky and it works without too much hassle.

 

[Jonny]

Well I think it's easier for MAC because of GarageBand, but thats as far as my knowledge goes. As for the PC side I only use a Toneport so it's not so complicated.

But yes, recording is a bitch at times.

[hunter]

Yes.

[_tom_]

I dont see why it would be really, a computer of the same spec will cost less and I assume it would work just as well with Windows, no reason why it wouldnt.

Lack of right click sucks!

[ailean]

Better no, but easier maybe. Because of the way mac's are their systems and software often integrate more closely then in PC's, hence less setup and running problems.  But often less choice with a mac, and although I'm not sure what the current stats of afairs is, they always used to be over priced.

[the prince of shred]

logic pro's pretty cool  :P

[nfe]

Lack of right click sucks!

Macs have a right click. You just have to turn it on.

The short answer is yes. But if you're only ever going to be doing pretty basic stuff, you probably wont notice much difference. I use a Mac for all recording and would NEVER go back to a PC now, I still use a PC for the internet and general computer functions, but if I had the money, I'd have another mac. I far, far prefer their user interface now and find them an all round better machine, but personal taste does have a fair bit to do with it.

[FELINEGUITARS]

I have heard that they are easier on a number of fronts
Many people do use Garageband, but Logic Pro or logic Express are very popular too

Modern MACs can dual boot - allowing you to use it with a Windows machine (you have to own or buy a copy of Windows - XP or Vista), but much software is available for MAC too now and Mac also has some exclusive stuff.

I have always used a Mac and have always liked it - especially since OSX
Got my mum and girlfriend using it too as it seems a bit easier as far as security goes (gave them my old machines as I upgraded.


However i don't know what would be the conflict issue with the Axon

[Johnny Mac]

Thanks for your input. I think thats a yes then.

I've got 3 daws on my desktop and none of them are working now. The recordings i did make with it over the years were on a very fragile setup. Prone to crashes and lock ups. When I first got it I had to go through the set up over the phone with HJM who used to post in here when the forum first got going back in 05 and even then it was never great. Since then I'v lost all my settings which I left as templates. I'm not sure how all that happened but with the additional problem of my midi controller conflicting with the daws It's time to throw in the towel and try something more stable.

[Johnny Mac]

Lack of right click sucks!

Macs have a right click. You just have to turn it on.

The short answer is yes. But if you're only ever going to be doing pretty basic stuff, you probably wont notice much difference. I use a Mac for all recording and would NEVER go back to a PC now, I still use a PC for the internet and general computer functions, but if I had the money, I'd have another mac. I far, far prefer their user interface now and find them an all round better machine, but personal taste does have a fair bit to do with it.

What soundcard/interface are you using nfe? Do macs have pci one's like pc's or do you use firwire or usb based ones?
Also what daw are you using?

Thanks for the help.  :D

[hunter]

Not sure if any PCI based interfaces can still be used in e.g. imacs. But I use a USB one, firewire will work as well.

I use Logic Pro, it's just amazing how well it works and the results are top notch. You can also get a mac and start with Garage Band, which is included for free and works quite well, too.

[Johnny Mac]

Not sure if any PCI based interfaces can still be used in e.g. imacs. But I use a USB one, firewire will work as well.

I use Logic Pro, it's just amazing how well it works and the results are top notch. You can also get a mac and start with Garage Band, which is included for free and works quite well, too.

All sounds very tempting! I'm going to have to do this when my funds allow. Thanks hunter, your clips always sound great. Do ever do anything with midi when you record?

[hunter]

Not sure if any PCI based interfaces can still be used in e.g. imacs. But I use a USB one, firewire will work as well.

I use Logic Pro, it's just amazing how well it works and the results are top notch. You can also get a mac and start with Garage Band, which is included for free and works quite well, too.

All sounds very tempting! I'm going to have to do this when my funds allow. Thanks hunter, your clips always sound great. Do ever do anything with midi when you record?

Sometimes. I use the internal synths in Logic, EZ Drummer for Drums, sometimes my external synths when I bother to hook them up (they collect dust most of the time). For MIDI I use the internal port of my audio interface or the MidiSport 4x4 (mainly for updating firmware and manage patches on the Axe FX, later this week for the Axe Editor when it comes out for Mac).

[nfe]

Lack of right click sucks!

Macs have a right click. You just have to turn it on.

The short answer is yes. But if you're only ever going to be doing pretty basic stuff, you probably wont notice much difference. I use a Mac for all recording and would NEVER go back to a PC now, I still use a PC for the internet and general computer functions, but if I had the money, I'd have another mac. I far, far prefer their user interface now and find them an all round better machine, but personal taste does have a fair bit to do with it.

What soundcard/interface are you using nfe? Do macs have pci one's like pc's or do you use firwire or usb based ones?
Also what daw are you using?

Thanks for the help.  :D

Yeah I use (and always used when I was using a PC) external Firewire soundcards. Currently, an Mbox II Pro. With various preamps depending on what I'm doing. With Pro Tools.

[shobet]

No right click on a Mac? All I had to do was plug a normal mouse in and 'It just worked' ;)

Johnny, if you're close to one of the Apple retail stores book yourself a seat in one of their workshops if you want to see and try the stuff first. http://www.apple.com/uk/retail/workshops/

I'd recommend having a play first as the hardware is substantially more expensive than going the PC route.