• Computers
  • MAC or PC FOR AUDIO PRODUCTION WITH SONAR? AND WHY? (p.2)
2014/12/30 23:26:46
Splat
They are all PC's now.
2014/12/31 00:20:33
dubdisciple
I think the answer to your question can swing on a few factors. One big factor, IMHO, is if you plan to use your computer for general use as well.  Macs seem to hold up better in that regard. Macs are also a little more functional out the box for music since the native sound is easier to use in a pinch compared to buiilt-in PC sound options.
 
I think Rain has a point about the value, but there are other factors that push Alex's initial version of the truth a little more his way. I rarely bother selling PC's because there tends to be an overlap in usable components. Recycling components like video cards and such can bring about huge savings.  Unless you are a high end gamer or an advanced 3D artist, odds are good that a quality video card from 2010 is still useful. i know that scenario is not perfect and does not cover laptops, but i also know high end gaming pc laptops on par price wise with Macs have higher resale value than your typical Dell or HP.
 
For me, the one thing that makes me contemplate getting a Mac is for Mac only software like Logic.  I have contemplated the hackintosh route but fear Apple will do their best to make using a hackintosh a constant struggle.
2014/12/31 02:16:56
Rain
dubdisciple
 
I think Rain has a point about the value, but there are other factors that push Alex's initial version of the truth a little more his way. I rarely bother selling PC's because there tends to be an overlap in usable components. Recycling components like video cards and such can bring about huge savings.  Unless you are a high end gamer or an advanced 3D artist, odds are good that a quality video card from 2010 is still useful. i know that scenario is not perfect and does not cover laptops, but i also know high end gaming pc laptops on par price wise with Macs have higher resale value than your typical Dell or HP.
 



I was thinking about that earlier tonight... The point is valid, and as a matter of fact, this is also where one of the biggest crossroads is found.
 
Personally, though I've built and I did troubleshoot my own PCs for years, the last thing I want is to do is get under the hood. That component you recycle from 2010 may save you money. It may also cause you headaches. At any point, anything you recycle may or may not be a cause of trouble. 
 
The very least you'll have to do is get into that technical frame of mind and investigate how the various components you want to use work together. As a matter of fact, putting a computer together implies a certain amount of research and staying up to date.
 
I did that, and it was no big deal. Some dig it, and I get it. But after living w/o having to ever worry about such things, I sure wouldn't want to go back. I don't stay up to date, I don't care about technicalities.
 
Every minute I spend NOT thinking about my computer and its components is a gift.
 
When it was time to upgrade a few months back, I visited Apple's web site, found a Mac that matched my needs and budget, went to the MacStore the following day, picked that computer and brought it home.. 
 
I was up and running minutes later.
 
With a bit of research and will, someone could have put together a much better PC, but the fact is that, in spite of all the theoretical superiority, my Mac does all that I need. 
2014/12/31 11:19:27
Jim Roseberry
The platform you choose should be based on the SOFTWARE you want to use.
 
If Logic is your primary DAW application, you buy a Mac.
IMO, Doesn't make sense to buy a Mac to run Sonar (under Bootcamp) as your primary DAW application... when it's not officially supported.  
 
Hackintosh is very intriguing... but by definition you're running a hacked-together OS... which can be "broken" with any update.
 
Neither platform is inherently more/less stable.
 
The basic hardware (motherboards/CPU/RAM) is identical on Mac and PC.
This includes the onboard audio (ie: Realtek).  Mac isn't using a different/dedicated audio interface.
The difference being OSX has slightly better lower-level support for low-latency audio.  
Thus, a Mac will get decent low-latency performance from the same onboard Realtek audio.
You still don't want to use the onboard audio... as it's no match for a dedicated audio interface.
 
 
2014/12/31 16:43:09
Sycraft
Also you don't want to get a Mac if you aren't using Apple's Os because you pay a massive premium for having a shiny box. This is not only in terms of a price premium for what hardware you get, but in terms of lack of expandability. You can just get a lot more PC for your dollar, and you can upgrade that system later in all kinds of ways if needed. So it just makes no sense to spend more and get less, unless you wish the software that comes with it.
 
Also, with regards to audio, you run in to the issue of MacOS and version support. They only patch versions 2 versions old, rev their OS pretty fast, and change things with little notice. This leads to a situation where having a stable platform is hard. You find things like OS 10.6 not supporting the newest Kontakt update, whereas it is supported on Windows 7 (both released 5 years ago) and running fine on Vista (released 8 years ago). MS supports an OS for a minimum of 10 years from original release, meaning you can have a stable platform for a lengthy period if you want. Personally I like upgrading pretty quick, but I know some professionals that want to stay on a set platform for a good long while and MS's support model makes that much more realistic.
2014/12/31 20:27:47
Starise
Well coming to a forum with mainly PC users is bound to be tilted that way. I'm still thinking Sonar might be ported over or written for OSX one day. But if not I'll still be a fan.

It really depends on your wants/needs and what you personally like about each OS and music software.. Either will do just fine. PC is the least expensive route hands down.I'm not personally concerned about my PC once it has seen better days....I'll probably give it away rather than bother with making a few bucks on it.
2015/01/01 10:01:27
gswitz
Linux Ubuntu studio is my favorite. Windows takes tons of configuring to make it work for real time audio and even with all my years of practice I have computer issues in the field. I've never used a Mac for audio but that may be changing as I'm being issued a Mac for my new job role.

That said, my main daw its sonar x3 on Windows 8.1. I'm held back from giving up Windows because RME DigiCheck and TotalMix are not available on Linux.
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