Re: Learning but need to be quiet

kitekrazy wrote:
Rufus wrote:
olddog wrote:

"Rufus" <not@xxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:9hX8l.458523$TT4.49284@xxxxxxxxxxxx
olddog wrote:

"Rufus" <not@xxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:O7X8l.458517$TT4.338142@xxxxxxxxxxxx
olddog wrote:

"Rufus" <not@xxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:YKW8l.513869$yE1.390399@xxxxxxxxxxxx
olddog wrote:

One of the great things about going to an actual Apple Store is that it's sort of like going to the library - you can very easily get demos, not to mention that they hold seminars and events gears toward not only using the machine, but also their media apps.

Another great thing is that the iLife apps like Garage Band are all built like training wheels for their pro apps like Logic Studio or Final Cut Studio. You get the iLife apps free with your new machine, and if/when you outgrow them and want to upgrade to one of their pro apps the transition is that much easier.

If you're interested in doing multi media - music, graphics, or video editing - and you're not working on a Mac, you're just wasting your own time.

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- Rufus

Yeah...I have a feeling things would be allot different if the Apple rep would of been there that day. When this computer goes to digital heaven I'll definitely look into an Apple.

I was very impressed with iTunes when my computer crashed last time. They were very helpful and friendly with getting my music library back. Things like that are very important to me these days. I just can't handle snippy, smart-alecky, lazy, customer support people anymore. I boil over and go ballistic. I think it's a sign of old age. Maybe I need yoga or something.

Olddog

Yeah - decent customer service is a must. And access to information and assistance with technical issues. I had to spend about 9 month on the job with a PC and a Mac side by side on my desk when our office transitioned to PCs...that made my mind up that I'd never, EVER spend any of my own money on a PC. I've been a Mac user since about 1987, and have two iMacs and an old G4/500 Sawtooth running in my house at present. After seeing what came out at the MacWorld Expo today, I'm anticipating buying a new MacBook Pro this fall.

Which is really a great option for a guitar player using Garage Band, because of the portability. You can just put you practice tunes into iTunes, carry your guitar, a cable, and the MacBook, and go practice wherever and whenever you want - in a hotel room even. I have a set of iPod headphone earbuds I use with mine - studio under your arm.

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- Rufus

heh...do you think my wife would get mad if I sabotaged my computer? "I donno honey. It worked fine yesterday!"

olddog

...isn't that a PC-standard tune?

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- Rufus

eh....the PC works fine it's the owner that's in question. It's a dual core 64 bit AMD with Vista 32 home premium and I actually <gulp> like the operating system. I didn't have any problems until I loaded Cubase LE and tried to use the "VST" instruments (still not sure what VST is). It was like opening Pandora's box of acronyms.

There are newer PC home recording programs with all the instruments built in. I'm waiting on the reviews for Mackie's new program "Tracktion".

http://www.mackie.com/products/tracktion3/index.html

So I haven't completely given up on PC. But Cubase customer support could not rank any lower in my opinion. It's like they just gave up trying to support their product.

Olddog

If it's from Mackie, I'd trust it. I'm not a fan of Cubase or Protools...just don't like the interfaces, and that's really what it's all about - interface, features, and being able to actually use the program.

Yeah, once you start messing with things as plug-ins you end up having to become a programmer as well as a user. One of the best things about using a Mac...far more user oriented. FAR...I quit programming a long time ago. Knowing how to do so gives me some advantages, but I can't say I miss programming over just using.


It's never a good assumption to assume those who make hardware should be great at making software or the other way around. Perfect example is Crapscam. (Tascam)


Yup.

I have Tracktion 2. It's OK but I haven't considered upgrading to Tracktion 3. Once thing that is unique you can upgrade the just the program without all the 3rd party apps involved.


Yup, but in Mackie's case I happen to like their interfaces, and that's what it gets down to for the software.

I don't see how using plugins is any different than someone like Eddie Van Halen using hardware effects. Why is it so many guitar players are into trying to emulate someone else's sound?


That's about how I see it, however, it again gets down to the software and in some cases the system interface. Some are easier to deal with than others...just like pedals.

I'm no programmer, but the stuff for PC doesn't have near the limitations one has with a Mac. When I done messing with DAW stuff I can play some Call of Duty 4 on my PC.


There's where I'll part company, seeing 1) all I have to do to use plugins on a Mac is drop them in a specific folder, and 2) I could give a crap about gaming.

When it comes to music software-no pain, no gain. The worst advice I usually see is Mac users give newbies who use PCs who want to get started in digital audio music. I'm not referring to this post but the many times someone goes into the local GC requiring about a program like Reason or the over rated Pro Tools LE.


I've used Pro Tools and I hate it, but that's just me...YMMV.

So often people who stick with one OS platform are so ignorant of what's out there or if they've stuck with a certain app that is easy for them they assume everyone can use it with ease.


True - you need to do some homework, and learn to use multiple programs. IMO, none of them really does "everything" well.

If anyone wants a PC program that's simple try Sonoma Wireworks Riffworks. Another one which is like Garage Band but better is Sony Acid. Unfortunately they don't come free like Garageband. But they cost far less than a Mac.

....but if you buy the Mac, you'll never go back.

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- Rufus
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