I'm going to upgrade my digital audio recording software. I've been using AudioDesk 1.0 that came bundled along with MOTU 828. Audiodesk 1.0 won't run in classic, it has to be booted in sys 9 to work. Due to problems with my G3/400 (pismo) laptop, I'll need to upgrade computers soon. I've narrowed down the likely affordable choices to either an iBook G4 or iMac G5, neither of which boot in 9. So I'll need to upgrade software too.

One possible option is to upgrade from Audiodesk to Digital Performer 4.5. This might be a reasonable way to go since I'm already used to Audiodesk interface and DP is presumably similar. I also looked into upgrading to Audiodesk 2.0 which will run in OSX, but after some research discovered that it will only work with MOTU hardware, and I don't want to limit my future options.

I'd appreciate any recommendations. Most of my recording is acoustic instrumentation, I don't presently do much that is more than 8 tracks, but need to be able to record up to 8 simultaneously. I don't use any MIDI at present, but did use it alot a dozen years ago, so it's possible that I might want to work with it again someday. Whatever I get would need to work with the MOTU 828 at least for the time being, since can't afford to upgrade the hardware at this time.

Thanks for any advice.

Seth

Seth,

Logic7...I'd likely steer you else where if you weren't on a Mac, but my friends who are, absolutely love it.

I've got an older version Logic5 which I recently picked up and it's totally Greek, being a Cubase user.

-Stixxs

Well . . . I use DP. I think for what you're doing DP is perfect. I'm a long time Motu user. I've been using Performer, the midi sequencing prgm since version 1.2 - way back n 1985. So I'm very accustomed to it. I wouldn't say it's the best.

In SOME WAYSDP 4.52 is a great improvement over previous X versions. However if you need high track counts, especially when recording, on a powerbook, there are issues, I THINK. The use finally of Automatic Delay Compensation (ADC)is great and improves timing over all. Motu fixes bugs fairly quickly. Not quickly enough. Using UAD-1 is very easy now. But I did a session recently just overdubbing some guitar tracks on a project with 15-20 mono soundbites and it really struggled on my 1 gz Alum G4 Powerbook. This is unusual. I've done many session recording 18 tracks at one time with no problem or hiccup on it. On the other hand the last two days I recorded a latin jazz band and a rock band in another studio with DP 4.12 on a Dual 867 and it flew. 24 tracks. I also have had no problems on my older Dual 450. I think this is the normal growing pains of a new update.

That caveat said I think it's a great program. It's a great program to both record and mix on. If you are basically in the low track counts, recording below 18, no problems whatsoever. I love it.

I'm not one for platform wars whether PC/MAC or Logic/DP/Nuendo/Cubase vs PT. They all sound great and all have their strengths. If you're used to the Audio Desk environment do your self a favor and ease up on the learning curve. I've discovered that, for myself, the more technology I get into where I have to learn something new, the less time I actually spend creating with the old tried and true technology I know backwards and forwards - MUSIC. Like guitar.

Then again you could chack out Tracktion. I have it but have yet to actually use it. For the time being it's free. Mackie. Some people are raving about it.

Hi Stixx, I've considered Logic 7 since it's Mac oriented, but have also heard from some folks that it has a significant learning curve. I still might be interested though.

Thanks Henry, I recently signed on to the motu-mac list so I'd read a report of your and other user's problems there, so it's good to know you recommend DP highly even so.

I downloaded Traction over the holidays but haven't had time to try it yet. Am also contemplaying whether I might be able to use GarageBand, since that might come with a new Mac.

Seth

I know a fella who uses a G4 iMac, and a G4 iBook with a mkII828. His program of choice is Ableton Live v4. I believe he can use both computers (the iBook for location recording) with no problems at all. He can record at full track capacity of the 828. He also strongly recommends maxing out the RAM.

I'm considering a new mac as well. Garageband can record 8 tracks of audio simultaneously now, so that might work out OK until you decide which software app you want. Note that GB2 is in iLife 05 which might not be pre-loaded on all macs....and will cost a little to upgrade to.

Tube