Getting clean sound into my G5 at DVinfo.net

Cleveland Brown · April 4th, 2005, 02:09 PM

Can any of you guys give me a small break down of what other equipment I absolutely have to have, to get live recordings into the Powermac G5. For instance guitar and vocals.

ie special firewire plugs etc.

Matt Stahley · April 4th, 2005, 05:46 PM

A Firewire interface is probably your best bet. But I have been using the Tascam US122 usb interface. Has two mic/line inputs 1/4" and XLR - phantom power etc. I have been using this to record vocals only in garageband that I have rewired with Propellerheads Reason. All on an iBook 12" G4 800 with 640mb ram. So far so good but then again im not doing any serious multitracking so the usb has worked fine.

Rhett Allen · April 4th, 2005, 10:07 PM

Take a look over at MOTU (Mark of the Unicorn). They have some really incredible hardware offerings as far as audio goes. I especially like this one.

G. Lee Gordon · April 6th, 2005, 04:51 PM

Cleveland, both of the previous units metioned are excellent, But, I'd go PROTOOLS if I were you. Why mess with the rest when for the same price you can have the best. It's the industry standard, it's easy to use and they have different models to match your budget. Trust me, I've used them all and PROTOOLS is the way to go.

Cleveland Brown · April 7th, 2005, 12:20 PM

Thanks G,

I would get Pro Tools but I am kind of out of funds. In the last couple of months I have lost my job and aquired a Canon XL2, a 3x wide angle zoom on top of that as well as a Powermac G5 with the FCP production suite. I guess I have as much as I'm going to need for now. I can get by on the programs I have. The thing I am concerned with is how to get the clean sound into the machine. I don't have a mixer unless you count a Korg PXR4, which is a walkman size digital 4 track. I suppose I could do all my instruments through that and maybe even some dialogue If I use the USB port to the computer, it makes MP2 files.
Another possible route is to plug the XL2 into the G5 and use audio from the mic. That doesn't sound very optimal to me though.

Ignacio Rodriguez · April 7th, 2005, 01:46 PM

Pro-Tools is nice but they have a way of locking out other manufacturers. They want you to use their interface with their software and, even though both are nice, there are better price/performace ratios to be obtained elsewere. Pro-Tools has in a way become the Microsoft of audio. Other companies like MOTU make awesome open hardware AND software that can you can mix and match easily.

Besides, only the high-end ProTools interfaces have the great AD converters. You will get better results with M-Audio and for less $$. I use M-audio with MOTU Digital Performer. If I needed more channels and even better AD, I would prefer one or more MOTU 12-channel interfaces. One of theses is like having six Mboxes:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...=303458&is=REG

It's no accident that the Mbox is priced about the same as Digital Performer. You get what you pay for, an entry level interface and a crippled version of their DAW program that won't work with third-party hardware.

G. Lee Gordon · April 7th, 2005, 03:50 PM

I agree, Mark of the Unicorn is an awesome company. But, in my experience, nearly all major sound facilities are set up with Pro Tools. It makes it a lot easier. I used to use Mark of the Unicorn with Cubase & Acid ... and I loved it. But for the same price I got a Pro-Tools set up and haven't looked back. In the end it's whatever you are most comfortable with. I used to be satisfied with my little m-audio. My advice is just choose a platform and master it. It's the same with the Mac, PC argument. PC's own 97-98% of the market. They both have good things to offer, just choose one and run with it. Which is better... thats another argument for another time, but, you get more bang for your buck with a P.C. Good luck with whatever platform you choose.

Christopher C. Murphy · April 7th, 2005, 03:52 PM

Dude, get ProTools like everyone says.

It's like $400 now for the MBOX - it's the best deal in audio!

Ignacio Rodriguez · April 8th, 2005, 01:52 PM

Hmm. Did I mention that I do work at a major sound facility? At least, it's one of the largest ones in my market. We used to be Pro-Tools based, but we just didn't see the advantage of having to continuously upgrade both computers AND propietary hardware, not to mention the software.

The main difference between the MOTU solution and Pro-Tools is that Digital Performer is more host-based. The program, for a long time, has been getting the most out of Apple's hardware, whereas Digidesign has traditionally had an edge on using custom DSPs for processing. The result is that today the MOTU solution makes better use of the computer's on-board horsepower, because that is what MOTU knows about. Pro-Tools now does that to a certain extent too, but MOTU does it better. I am not trying to fuel a platform war, I just want to tell you guys about my experience. We still have Pro-Tools, a 16-channel kit with great AD, but after getting used to the more versatile software and modular hardware from MOTU, there is no going back for us.

Besides the technical differences, the local Pro-Tools rep is just one, and service is pretty lousy and expensive because they have no competition.

I know in other markets the case may be different, and I also know of people putting Nuendo, SoundScape and other packages to good use. But my personal experience is that the MOTU solution beats Pro-Tools and other platforms in functionality and specifically beats Pro-Tools price/performance if you use a fast Mac. I have not tried Logic but I have also been led to believe it's very good and can now even take advantage of networked processing.

But heck what would I know, I'm just a Sound Enginner.

G. Lee Gordon · April 8th, 2005, 02:24 PM

Well, Ignacio, that may be how they do things in Chile, but here in the U.S... (I'm just kidding). Go for it, More power to MOTU!

Ignacio Rodriguez · April 8th, 2005, 02:34 PM

Jejejej well... then again my case is a 24-channel recording studio. Cleveland mentions he needs to spend a lot less money than that. And there is nothing near US$400 that will get you what you get with the Mbox combo, because MOTU's software costs more than that by itself. MOTU starts to make sense at about US$1200 or more.

Guy Cochran · April 8th, 2005, 06:51 PM

Just to throw one more option into the mix http://www.edirol.com/products/info/fa66.html "The FA-66 is a 6-channel Portable FireWire Audio Interface"

Valeriu Campan · April 9th, 2005, 11:43 PM

As mentioned before Pro Tools tend to steer you towards their hardware. If you realy want a professional outfit capable of SMPTE time code integration you'll have to pay $$$ with ProTools. I think MOTU will offer better bang for the buck (or Signal/Dollar).

Cleveland Brown · April 14th, 2005, 07:26 AM

Guy,

I checked out that Edirol FA-66. It's a neat little gadget. Unfortunately, my budget right now is slim to none. Right now I am going through a Korg PXR4 into the 1/8 jack input on the back of the G5. But when I can afford it, I think something like that is what I will need. It has firewire as well as the optical Toslink connectors. Thanks.

April 17th, 2005, 12:50 PM

I have an Edirol UA-25 which is the USB interface has optical in and outs, XLR inputs, monitor, and phantom power. Sweet little portable unit. I use it for getting in voice and soon a guitar with Garageband and FCP.

April 4th, 2005, 02:09 PM	#1
Cleveland Brown Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: St. Louis MO Posts: 138	Getting clean sound into my G5 Can any of you guys give me a small break down of what other equipment I absolutely have to have, to get live recordings into the Powermac G5. For instance guitar and vocals. ie special firewire plugs etc. __________________ CLEVE-ij

April 6th, 2005, 04:51 PM	#4
G. Lee Gordon Major Player Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 431	AUDIO Cleveland, both of the previous units metioned are excellent, But, I'd go PROTOOLS if I were you. Why mess with the rest when for the same price you can have the best. It's the industry standard, it's easy to use and they have different models to match your budget. Trust me, I've used them all and PROTOOLS is the way to go.

April 7th, 2005, 12:20 PM	#5
Cleveland Brown Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: St. Louis MO Posts: 138	Thanks G, I would get Pro Tools but I am kind of out of funds. In the last couple of months I have lost my job and aquired a Canon XL2, a 3x wide angle zoom on top of that as well as a Powermac G5 with the FCP production suite. I guess I have as much as I'm going to need for now. I can get by on the programs I have. The thing I am concerned with is how to get the clean sound into the machine. I don't have a mixer unless you count a Korg PXR4, which is a walkman size digital 4 track. I suppose I could do all my instruments through that and maybe even some dialogue If I use the USB port to the computer, it makes MP2 files. Another possible route is to plug the XL2 into the G5 and use audio from the mic. That doesn't sound very optimal to me though. __________________ CLEVE-ij

April 7th, 2005, 01:46 PM	#6
Ignacio Rodriguez Contributor Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Santiago, Chile Posts: 932	Pro-Tools is nice but they have a way of locking out other manufacturers. They want you to use their interface with their software and, even though both are nice, there are better price/performace ratios to be obtained elsewere. Pro-Tools has in a way become the Microsoft of audio. Other companies like MOTU make awesome open hardware AND software that can you can mix and match easily. Besides, only the high-end ProTools interfaces have the great AD converters. You will get better results with M-Audio and for less $$. I use M-audio with MOTU Digital Performer. If I needed more channels and even better AD, I would prefer one or more MOTU 12-channel interfaces. One of theses is like having six Mboxes: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...=303458&is=REG It's no accident that the Mbox is priced about the same as Digital Performer. You get what you pay for, an entry level interface and a crippled version of their DAW program that won't work with third-party hardware. __________________ Ignacio Rodríguez in the third world. @micronauta on Twitter. Main hardware: brain, eyes, hands.

April 7th, 2005, 03:50 PM	#7
G. Lee Gordon Major Player Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 431	Response I agree, Mark of the Unicorn is an awesome company. But, in my experience, nearly all major sound facilities are set up with Pro Tools. It makes it a lot easier. I used to use Mark of the Unicorn with Cubase & Acid ... and I loved it. But for the same price I got a Pro-Tools set up and haven't looked back. In the end it's whatever you are most comfortable with. I used to be satisfied with my little m-audio. My advice is just choose a platform and master it. It's the same with the Mac, PC argument. PC's own 97-98% of the market. They both have good things to offer, just choose one and run with it. Which is better... thats another argument for another time, but, you get more bang for your buck with a P.C. Good luck with whatever platform you choose.

April 4th, 2005, 05:46 PM	#2
Matt Stahley Major Player Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Waynesboro, PA Posts: 648	A Firewire interface is probably your best bet. But I have been using the Tascam US122 usb interface. Has two mic/line inputs 1/4" and XLR - phantom power etc. I have been using this to record vocals only in garageband that I have rewired with Propellerheads Reason. All on an iBook 12" G4 800 with 640mb ram. So far so good but then again im not doing any serious multitracking so the usb has worked fine.

April 4th, 2005, 10:07 PM	#3
Rhett Allen Major Player Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Plano, TX Posts: 607	Take a look over at MOTU (Mark of the Unicorn). They have some really incredible hardware offerings as far as audio goes. I especially like this one.

April 7th, 2005, 03:52 PM	#8
Christopher C. Murphy Trustee Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 1,707	Dude, get ProTools like everyone says. It's like $400 now for the MBOX - it's the best deal in audio! __________________ Christopher C. Murphy Director, Producer, Writer

April 8th, 2005, 01:52 PM	#9
Ignacio Rodriguez Contributor Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Santiago, Chile Posts: 932	Hmm. Did I mention that I do work at a major sound facility? At least, it's one of the largest ones in my market. We used to be Pro-Tools based, but we just didn't see the advantage of having to continuously upgrade both computers AND propietary hardware, not to mention the software. The main difference between the MOTU solution and Pro-Tools is that Digital Performer is more host-based. The program, for a long time, has been getting the most out of Apple's hardware, whereas Digidesign has traditionally had an edge on using custom DSPs for processing. The result is that today the MOTU solution makes better use of the computer's on-board horsepower, because that is what MOTU knows about. Pro-Tools now does that to a certain extent too, but MOTU does it better. I am not trying to fuel a platform war, I just want to tell you guys about my experience. We still have Pro-Tools, a 16-channel kit with great AD, but after getting used to the more versatile software and modular hardware from MOTU, there is no going back for us. Besides the technical differences, the local Pro-Tools rep is just one, and service is pretty lousy and expensive because they have no competition. I know in other markets the case may be different, and I also know of people putting Nuendo, SoundScape and other packages to good use. But my personal experience is that the MOTU solution beats Pro-Tools and other platforms in functionality and specifically beats Pro-Tools price/performance if you use a fast Mac. I have not tried Logic but I have also been led to believe it's very good and can now even take advantage of networked processing. But heck what would I know, I'm just a Sound Enginner. __________________ Ignacio Rodríguez in the third world. @micronauta on Twitter. Main hardware: brain, eyes, hands.

April 8th, 2005, 02:24 PM	#10
G. Lee Gordon Major Player Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 431	Reponse. Well, Ignacio, that may be how they do things in Chile, but here in the U.S... (I'm just kidding). Go for it, More power to MOTU!

April 8th, 2005, 02:34 PM	#11
Ignacio Rodriguez Contributor Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Santiago, Chile Posts: 932	Jejejej well... then again my case is a 24-channel recording studio. Cleveland mentions he needs to spend a lot less money than that. And there is nothing near US$400 that will get you what you get with the Mbox combo, because MOTU's software costs more than that by itself. MOTU starts to make sense at about US$1200 or more. __________________ Ignacio Rodríguez in the third world. @micronauta on Twitter. Main hardware: brain, eyes, hands.

April 8th, 2005, 06:51 PM	#12
Guy Cochran DVCreators.Net Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 892	Just to throw one more option into the mix http://www.edirol.com/products/info/fa66.html "The FA-66 is a 6-channel Portable FireWire Audio Interface" __________________ Guy Cochran DVinfo Sponsor, Cool Gear - DVeStore!

April 9th, 2005, 11:43 PM	#13
Valeriu Campan Major Player Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 223	As mentioned before Pro Tools tend to steer you towards their hardware. If you realy want a professional outfit capable of SMPTE time code integration you'll have to pay $$$ with ProTools. I think MOTU will offer better bang for the buck (or Signal/Dollar).

April 14th, 2005, 07:26 AM	#14
Cleveland Brown Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: St. Louis MO Posts: 138	Guy, I checked out that Edirol FA-66. It's a neat little gadget. Unfortunately, my budget right now is slim to none. Right now I am going through a Korg PXR4 into the 1/8 jack input on the back of the G5. But when I can afford it, I think something like that is what I will need. It has firewire as well as the optical Toslink connectors. Thanks. __________________ CLEVE-ij

April 17th, 2005, 12:50 PM	#15
Guest Posts: n/a	I have an Edirol UA-25 which is the USB interface has optical in and outs, XLR inputs, monitor, and phantom power. Sweet little portable unit. I use it for getting in voice and soon a guitar with Garageband and FCP.