Choices in Expanding My Processing Power

Question

Hi,
I'm considering choices in expanding my processing power. Unlike those
who only own Logic Pro (which only works if a dongle is inserted), I own
Logic Express and I have upgraded to Logic Pro. This means, when considering
the equation for expanding my processing power, that one option is to buy
a new Macintosh computer and install Logic Express on it and use this
external computer as an external musical instrument.
So, there appears to be two ways to expand my meager G4, 1.5 gigs,
Mac OS 10.4.8 system:
1. I can buy an external box, probably one that plays EXS-24 samples, or
2. I can buy another Macintosh computer (probably a lower-end computer,
but it would have 1.5 to 2.0 gigs of memory, it would have at least one
intel duo processor).
Does anyone have any suggestions on how they've expanded their system
to perform more musical instruments in the orchestra? Specifically, I'd
probably off-load my Garritan Orchestral Strings (using the lite versions)
to this new outboard box or computer as EXS-24 samples.
Are there any surprises in store? For instance, if I buy an outboard,
non-computer, but an actual sampler-player, is it relatively easy to copy
ESX-24 samples that my Mac has converted from gigastudio format
to this external musical playing box?
Right now, I'm leaning towards simply buying another Mac and installing
Logic Express on it. Since Logic Express has a Channel Splitter in the
environment, I should at least be able to get 16 articulations out of this
one Mac computer.
Thanks,
Sys6
P.S.
Jonathan, thanks for your response to
http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=3436479
I will in the relatively near future, have more questions, as I investigate
in more detail your ideas. Thanks much.

Answer 1

Hi,
Since I posted this question, I've been reading pertinent sections
from Paul Gilreath's The Guide to MIDI Orchestration, 3rd Edition.
I'd like to restrict my above question to an "older" set-up. That is,
assume that I will buy an external computer to use as an out-board
player (that is, it will respond to MIDI and create the sounds of, say,
the string section); and, assume that I will be using MIDI interfaces
or USB MIDI interfaces to carry the MIDI signals. All audio signals, both
from my main, old computer and the new external playing-computer
will go to simple mixer and then out to my speakers. Keep in mind that
this set-up is just for live, fast feed-back while composing (bouncing
is quite a time consumer).
So, do any of you out there use an extra computer (or two) simply
to play back more sounds? Or, do you primarily just bounce within
Logic using one computer?
And, this is my fundamental question:
If you bought a new computer, what brand, and what software would
you run on it?
My virtual orchestra is gradually growing and now consists of the
following:
Apple's JamPack Orchestra (but, as I explore, I find it not a real solution).
Westgate Studios: Woodwind Collection, Expanded Edition, $200
Garritan Orchestral Strings: I use the lite patches to save memory and
processing power)
Pro Sessions Orchestral Brass (based on $1,000 Sonic Implants brass), but is a much reduced edition for only about $100 (and has limited solo instruments).
Apple's EXS24 trumpet and trombone.
Westgate Studio's free Trumpet I downloaded.
However, even the above "low-endish" orchestra uses up more computer
processing power than I have if I want to hear the orchestral score "live"
(that is, in real time as I write the music).
Thanks,
Sys6