Mac or PC opinion?

[ronyd]

This may be a silly question but is the general opinion and experience hosting DAWs and VSTs? What's better (laptop or desktop): a Mac or PC?

I need to upgrade either my PC laptops or MacMini. So, I know Macs are definitely more $$$.

[perceval]

Both will do... I'd say stick with what you are used to and more fluent in.

A word of warning... both PC companies and Macs of the latest generation are issuing incompatibilities with a lot of audio interfaces. Seems that USB3 is not audio production friendly at all. A lot of USB3 only machines are having difficulties... the net is flooded with angry users. Your best bet is to get a machine that has USB2 still...

[BWaj]

Yup, my audiobox only works with USB2.

[seasack]

For me, my old Macbook has a very fast internal sound interface.

[theimageofall]

I've used both and both get the job done. Which one do I always come back to....mac, without a doubt.

This is one of those questions that doesn't have a right or wrong answer unfortunately and you will get a different answer of each of us probably!

[hairmetal-81]

You are asking the question from the wrong end...

Look at the software you intend to use first - ...and then look at what platform you'll need to run that software!



HTH

[fulrmr(Daniel)]

Coke or pepsi?

[BarT]

Coke.

[zgeggy2k]

+1 for Mac. I'd rather be playing than fiddling, so this setup works for me. I run Reaper + Superior on a 2009 MacBookPro (SSD, 8GB RAM). No issues.
I also have Studio Drummer, Addictive Drums, StevenSlate, BFD Eco, EZ Drummer, but I don't use them nearly as much as Superior.

There used to be a big gap in price. I don't think it's so true anymore, especially for the entry level configs.

Whenever I try to cheap out on a component, I end up paying the price tenfold in time, so I use the "cry only once" adage for my gear.

-- Greg

[hairmetal-81]

Fanta.

[Rhythmos]

You mean Linux?

[Nightwork]

I used to hate everything Mac, 'till my girl bought herself a Macbook which convinced me to get myself an iMac 27". Now I don't want anything else... Love how smooth my audio stuff is running.

[ronyd]

Everyone, I klnow there are PC and Mac camps out there with different opinions. I'm an engineer, so I've been using PC's and Macs since day one.

My question was due to the fact that the DAW and VST world is new to me. My philosophy goes with "zgeggy2k", rather be playing and not be a slave to the electronics and software.

So I'm trying to pick a low cost and get it done solution. If it gets to expensive to dabble with this, I may opt out and save up more $$$ and upgrade from Td-3 to a TD-20 or TD-30.

[BWaj]

I've used Cakewalk, Protools and Studio One and if you're looking for stug that will just plug and play, I'd recommend StudioOne. I got a basic copy with an 8 input Audiobox for $299, heck of a deal.

Upgrades and plug ins are cheaper than other DAW's too. In fact, upgrades have been free so far. I choosing the software is the bigger question for you than the gear. I'm all PC right now and have had no issues at all. Macs are great too.

[fulrmr(Daniel)]

Well...if you really like the VST offerings and want module reliability...I suggest looking into 2Box. Cost less than the TD-30 and with the easy to use 3rd party software....you just convert most of your favorite VST kits and drop them in the module. If you need more space Jmanword offers a simple card extender mod that will take the 2Box from 4g to 32G of storage. Even if you decide to go all out and get one of his HH control boxes too, it will still cost less than a TD-30 all together. You may find that even with a TD-20 or 30 you'll end up triggering VSTs anyway and still need the extra gear to do so. Other than that..if you want to get away from VSTs all together ...I suggest the TD-30.

[hairmetal-81]

My question was due to the fact that the DAW and VST world is new to me. My philosophy goes with "zgeggy2k", rather be playing and not be a slave to the electronics and software.

This isn't really a 'problem' of the machine you use, but rather what and especially how much you have installed on it, software-wise.

[perceval]

I do not suggest Studio One Producer of Professional at the moment, as cymbal chokes through MIDI are not implemented in that DAW for now.

SO, you can hit pads and cymbals, but the choke will no work.

Also, the usual free version, Artist, that comes with a purchase of Presonus products do not allow the use of plugins... so no VST. you have to upgrade.

On a side note, my Audiobox interface has been an expensive door stopper since day one, with no help whatsoever from Presonus customer service.

[fulrmr(Daniel)]

This was basically the same experience I had with my Firebox until some very knowledgeable members here steered me to the correct firewire card to install in my PC. It seems to work fine now....however...the luster wore off and I never use it anymore...especially since I started using the 2Box modules.