MBP as centerpiece of Logic Pro 7 home studio?

Hello All.
I am VERY close to placing an order for my first Mac and right now its neck and neck between the MacBook Pro and the 20-inch Intel iMac.
My main purpose for the Mac is to be a dedicated computer for serious hobbyist music creation with Logic Pro 7, Garageband & various plugins, web surfing, management of an iTunes Library over 12000 songs and occasional iLife usage. I currently use Cubase, Reason and various VST's on my PC. My songs consist mainly of sofwtare instruments, a few breakbeat loops or beats that I create myself. Eventually, I will add those programs and VST's to the Mac when the universal binary versions of them come out.
I've been debating this for weeks now and I'm seriously torn between the MBP and the IMac; both have their good and bad points. For the MBP, I love the idea of portability and not being stuck at a desk when I'm working on my tracks. This would be especially handy when my wife starts bugging me to use the Dell PC that currently sits on said desk or when my 20-month son gets too rowdy and chases me out of the room. I don't travel much nor do any professional recording or touring, but I must admit the ability to even just play around or surf the web from another room in the house is appealing which is why I'm considering it.
On the other hand, I'm definately not rich and I'd be paying a serious premium for that portability. Plus when you add laptop accessories, the price gets up there rather quick. Alternatively, I could get an Intel iMac with the same configuration, Logic Pro 7 and the 7.2 Crossgrade for about the same price of the MBP and accessories WITHOUT Logic Pro 7. Furthermore, I've gotten used to the 21" CRT we use for our Dell PC and I'm wondering if the 15.4" screen of the MBP would wear on me after awhile. I could get the iMac with all the same specs with that big beautiful display, but it would obviously take up more space and I'll lose the portability.
1) Anyway, have any of you ever used a laptop (like the PowerBook G4, for example) as the centerpiece of your home studio? How did that work out? Is that something that you'd recommend or would I be better off with an iMac desktop?
2) Also, should I be concerned with the heat that laptops like the MBP and PowerBowk put out? I was gonna have the 100GB 7200RPM drive installed in the MBP so I wonder if drive noise could be a factor here as well?
3) Lastly and on a side note, regardless of whether or not I get the MBP or the iMac, I'd be using my Edirol PCR-50 MIDI USB Keyboard Controller to control the software instruments and plug-ins. If I simply plugged this into the computer via USB, would I experience any latency issues with Core Audio/Core MIDI of OS X? Or is a MIDI absolutely necessary? Does OS X allow you change the latency settings?
Thanks in advance for your input.
Mac OS X (10.4.4)

Hello
i used to have a Soundcraft 24/8/2 mixboard, a MPC 2000XL, an EMU e6400, a MicroModular, a Nord Lead, three DBX266XL compressors, a TC M-One, a Lexicon MPX100, a Sherman Filterbank ...
i've sold everything except the nordlead and bought a powerbook G4 1.5 ghz with Logic Express 7.
i've never been as productive as now. I used to be forced to compose in front of the same stupid wall. now i can make music anywhere. i bought some good headphones, plug them directly to the powerbook soundcard and make music most of the time on the sofa next to my girlfriend while she watches tv.
i have a super small usb midi keyboard (m-audio o2) which i plug when i need to enter notes. sometimes i even enter notes using the CapsLock keyboard integrated in logic so i don't even need my usb keyboard.
when i've finished my track i go to my office and plug my firewire soundcard (Echo Audiofire 8, lots of inputs / outputs, useful to plug guitar / bass / mic and eventually a friend's computer) and check the mix on my monitors.
i'll never go back to a desktop computer again. i'm not a pro working for any kind of business, i'm just a musician making my demo. my mixes sounds as good as or better than when i had all this audio hardware.
i have two sessions in os X, one internet, one audio. i surf the web heavily, no virus, no ********. sometimes i even load safari while boucing a track in logic, professionals will tell you it's baaaaaaad, i don't care.
so :
1) i recommend having a laptop and good headphones (100$ minimum) if you're just making music for pleasure. pro need big G5, we don't.
2) i don't have problem with heat. when it's on my thigs it can get very hot which is not recommended. you must let the heat get out.but i didn't have any problem
3) no midi latency problem at all, wether it is pure midi or usb.
Lastly : i think the MacBook Pro is too expensive. a powerbook G4 is too old for big sessions. wait for the MacBook (the iBook successor), which is supposed to be intel 1.67 ghz solo core 13"3 inch screen, a little more than 1000$, and may be released on April 1st (apple aniversary)
i'm currently waiting for my copy of Logic Pro 7.2 to arrive, and i'll get a MacBook as soon its released
(be careful there are near to 0 plugins out on intel macs yet be sure you will only use logic plugins)
cheers
Mac OS X (10.4.4)

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Logic Pro Home based studio on 10K budget

Continuation of discusson from:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=436969&tstart=15
I will sumarize in the next message.

I think anyone would love to have this setup, but I can't resist a few comments:
I think an appropriate setup, without buying any
truly cheap stuff, would be more like $6000.
Example:
- Mac mini CoreDuo, 2G RAM, keyboard, mouse $1160
- 20" Dell Monitor $500
- external hard drive $200
- Focusrite Saffire $400
- monitors $900 (lots of good choices)
- Rode NTK $500
- cables, etc $200
- Logic Pro $900
- MIDI keyboard $500 (Fatar)
- some more software, samples $900
For the price of a Mini, 2G of RAM, and a $500 monitor, you can get a 17" iMac with 2G of RAM. (I went to the store with my heart set on a mini and walked out with the iMac for this reason.)
There's no need for an external hard drive right off the bat. They are only getting cheaper and bigger while you wait.
Few people need more than two simultaneous inputs, and fewer still need more than two outputs. For $400, the Saffire looks like a pretty awesome deal. I think I'd feel a little cramped with this setup though. I'm thinking some day you may want to have a buddy or two over with his guitar for a little jam; you'd be wishing you had some more mics. For just a little more you can get a Mackie Onyx 1220 with four mic pres and four stereo inputs, all of them running simultaneously.
I would also recommend getting a dynamic (an SM58 is as good as any) and a pair of good cheap condensers for X-Y recording, in addition to your main mic. One really expensive mic isn't as good as four or five decent ones.
(Don't forget that your mac will have a pair of 24/192 input, and the mini also has a S/PDIF input.)
If you are going to spend money for a nice keyboard controller, forget buying a controller. I would put the extra money into a cheap digital piano like a Roland RD-300 or a Yamaha P-series. Dedicated MIDI controllers have poor keyboard actions, and the RD will absolutely blow away the audio quality of the piano in EXS24 while using zero of your CPU. Plus, you have a real zero-latency piano in your studio for when you just want to play.
I think 1200 for monitors as budhalite suggested is a little over the top, but I'll admit that I am saving up for a pair of HR824's right now. I don't like the events as much.
And finally, something I discovered when I set up my first studio, almost nobody ever correctly estimates how much they need to spend on wire. In a small pro studio or a moderately large home studio, wire and patchbays can add up to more than the computer.
When you get your dream studio set up, you will find that all sorts of things you never thought of will become weakest links. Soundproofing, room size, computer fan noise, the guy nextdoor with the CB hobby. There will always be something to spend that next pension check on.

Logic Express on MBP 2.2 to Logic Pro or Wait? Track count? 720 RPM drive?

Hey there,
Just a few easy questions, some of which I am sure have been asked but didn't find with search.
Wondering if I should upgrade to Logic Pro or wait until after Leapord? As their is some speculation the FCP is going to come out (NEW) and be very, VERY Apple like, not like iMovie, (he said, and saw), but nonetheless very VERY Apple like for FCP, so wondering how far Logic is. Also, how many times can you install LP?
Right now everything from Storm Drum FX EXtreme, EWQL SO, VLS, etc, are all on PC and I still don't use the PC that much and am hoping new LOGIC include a great drum machine.
II. Anyone know what track counts you can expect with off the shelf MBP 2.2 and plug ins? (Soft Synths)?
III. Has anyone upgrade their HD to 7200? If so, more or less batter life? Any real world difference besides boot up time in AUDIO work advantages?
Thanks

Now see, this is what I was afraid of. (LOL), I have built PC's for a long time and was always under the impression having a 7200 RPM System drive is fine and these days so fast with eSata that on a MBP 2.2 (which is what I have - someone asked what I was using, or did they mean software), that is should be plenty fast enough, just wondering though for samples, BFD, DrumCore, VSL, etc if those should go on a firewire.
I also use Absysnth (if this is what you mean (other poster), Nuendo, FC Express, SX3, Logic E, Reason, ......
Two scenarios:
Music=Mine, Drum machine, really like the Addictive (also have and Drumcore) as well as have Groove Agent, Storm Drum, (No storm drum yet or FX Extreme for Intel, let alone EWQLSO?), bass, guitar, vocals.
Scenario II. Scoring Trailers:
Soft Synth, Samplers (EWQL/VSL), Reason, Absynth.
Most of the time I could do this on a old system equal to first duo on PC on the system disc, although I had 4 HD's. The Firewire is Mackie 400F, which also has a firewire, (extra) that I have plugged a digital cam cord AND up popped iDVD, iMovie, also have FCP.
But it's interesting that the two responses I got one said much better performance, the other not.
So, are we using in the new 2.2 (LED) eSata)? Is the a 32 slot for the MBP for eSata HD? Isn't this supposed to be the fastest?
http://www.firmtek.com/seritek/seritek-2sm2-e/
Thanks!

Logic Pro + Node + Studio Setup, Need Advice, Please Help.

Hello everyone.
Ive just recently bought Logic 7.1 for my Quad PowerMac G5, and Im loving it!
Im going to build a studio in my garden (yup, im no pro). And I was thinking of purchasing a PowerBook for the studio and offload all processing and storage to my Quad machine (located in my study room in the house).
Im also considering purchasing another PowerMac G5 as for my server, and I would like to setup the server to also process Logic data and storage. Is this possible? Would i need to buy Xsan?
Another question, can I use more than 1 PowerMac G5 for Logic Pro? Also, how do I setup a Node? And in order for the Node to work do I need to purchase more Logic Pro USB Keys?
You may be wondering why am I going to purchase a PowerBook for the studio, well the answer is, i don't feel its safe to have a very expensive machine in studio, don't want it to get damaged by environment such as damage or theft, plus i spend alot of time studying.
One more thing, I have a PowerBook G4 and IMac G5, can i also setup Nodes on these machines aswell?
Any input would be brilliant. Also, your suggestions on studio setup would be also welcome.
Thanks in advance.
Haresh
Quad PowerMac G5 Mac OS X (10.4.4)

You won't need Xsan. I would test things out before getting too far into the idea. Your host should really be the strongest computer, all 3rd party, EXS, etc..plugins are not nodeable. You can use more than 1 node but as I see it your bottleneck would be the PBook. You can use regular file sharing just fine for this. You will need 1 USB key for each computer running Logic, the Node app requires no key. Therefore, you can run Logic on your book and 3 nodes with 1 key if you like. I would encourage you to use an iMac G5 as opposed to a Pbook if you really want to flex Logic muscle, which from the sounds of it, you intend to. iMac G5s are even cheaper than the Pbooks. Another thing to consider is some people have had no luck setting up Nodes-I've never had problems with it but there are some out there, maybe they're weird, maybe I am-but don't be 100% reliant on Nodes all the time until you have proven that in practice.

Attempting To Bring Logic Pro Home..

Hello forum. First time posting so I help you can help with kindness.
For the record, I have used the search function and will continue to do s0, but I'd like to have some recent opinions on purchasing a new Macbook Pro with Logic 7. I currently use Logic at work although I'm still getting pretty used to Logic let alone the Environment itself.
I attempted to build a Macbook in the Apple store, and my cost came to about ohhh...$5000 with a monitor included. I already own a G5, but I need a laptop for use when I am in Pennsylvania. Is it possible to easily install your own ram into a macbook pro? I'd rather purchase for newegg since the ram from Apple seems to be on the extremely expensive side. I'd rather not run into system incompatibilities u know?
Also what's the opinion on using a Seagate 300 gig 7200rpm external drive for recording audio? Any issues?
Any other suggestions you'd might want to add before I take the plunge? I know I just missed the 7.2 update so I'm considering just waiting for L8, and installing Live on the Macbook for now. I'd value any thoughts and opinions on the subject.

Welcome to the forum!
Seagate... seagate... seagate... that's ringing bells... do a Logic forum search for "Seagate" within the last month or so. I think someone reported a serious problem with those drives. Could be wrong tho...
I can't tell you which RAM is reliable or not, but I'm sure people will chime in with good suggestions. But there is an Apple Store line that goes something like, "well, if you run into a problem with your computer and 3rd party RAM is installed, it might void your warranty". I had a salesman try to pull this on me at my local Apple store when I brought my G5 in with a hardware problem. I said to him that the instruction manual shows you how to install RAM, and it doesn't specify anything about voiding warranties or only using Apple RAM... He had no choice but to back down and honor the warranty.
There are plenty of 3rd party RAM manufacturers out there who make perfectly reliable RAM. Apple doesn't manufacture its own RAM; they get it from a "third party" too!
Food for thought.

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Thanks,
A

That's right. The new Intel Macs don't have PCI slots. So if you buy a PCI card, and you upgrade your Mac, then you render your PCI card useless, and nearly valueless by the time you upgrade.
Also, it seems many people are complaining about how Logic 8 runs on the G5s. This is no surprise. The upgrade is designed to take advantage of the Intel Mac, and this, in turn, causes you to upgrade your hardware.
Since I've been having my high-frequency problem with the MOTU card, I used an M-Audio Profire Lightbridge. Now, I don't do any recording here in my Logic room, so I can't attest to that. But as a playback machine, it was sketchy. Finicky, even. And the converters are horrific. For myself, that didn't matter so much, because I have 24 channels of external converters. But I did check out the converters on the Lightbridge, and they were probably--I'm not exagerating here--the worst converters I've ever heard.
PCI cards are the only way to go if you are running a pro facility..
The problem is, there are only a few cards on the market for PCIe slots.
The MOTU-424, which so-far doesn't seem to be compatible with the Intel Mac. I'm sure they'll figure it out, the question is when?
The RME HDSPe, which was recalled for what I suspect is the same problem as the MOTU card had with the Intel Mac.
The RME MADI card, which is an expensive solution, with high output abilities. More thn you need for your situation, methinks.
And the Apogee card, which goes with the Apogee interface (Symphony?). Another expensive solution, but certainly easy. And if you have no converters, that might be the best option. However, I've never listened to these particular converters, so I'm just guessing. Frankly, I've never thought Apogee converters have been anything beyond adequate, but I'm sure they'll be better than any of the other solutions I've laid out above.
Enjoy,
Mixerman
Message was edited by: Mixerman.net
Message was edited by: Mixerman.net

Logic Pro 9 as Slave?

I have Logic 9 and Pro Tools 9. I was wondering if there was a way to open Logic within Pro Tools. Maybe as a plug-in? Apologies if this thread already exists.

you can slave presonus studio one pro to Logic Pro on the same machine I have been told. as far as Logic Pro as a slave for protools your best luck is to have a dedicated second machine with protools to slave with Logic Pro on its own machine. Logic Pro and protools are notorious for not talking well together slaved on the same machine since protools uses rtas plugins and logic pro uses audio units or wrapped vst's to audio unit plugins. Logic Pro and Studio one both host AU plugins.

Logic Pro 8 with iMac?

I'm planning on buying a refurbished 20" 2.4 iMac, and upgrade it to 4gbs of ram. Will Logic Pro work well. I'm planning on recording up to about 35 tracks at the most. My audio interface is a Presonus Firepod. Would buying a 2.8 iMac make a big difference? Thanks in advance.
-Ash

Hi Ash
That should work beautifully with LP8. I designed a small studio setup for Vancouver Adapted Music Society based around the 24" version of the 2.4Ghz duo core iMac, same ram too, and it has ran great for nearly a year now with Logic Pro 8 Studio. It also has a 1Tb external firewire drive for recording and an Apogee Ensemble for an i/o. As long as you grab an external drive for recording to it should be perfect.
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Bobs
http://www.vams.org

Logic Pro 9 - Final Cut Studio 2?

Some advice please?
I am about to buy a MBP 15" 7200. I already own FCS2 and would like to get Logic Pro. I understand FCS2 and Pro9 are incompatible.
However - is it possible to JUST install FCP, Color, Motion & DVD Studio ....... so that Logic Pro can install Compressor & SoundTrack (the later versions)?
Or - if I can't afford to upgrade FCS2 will I have to stick to Logic Express?
Many thanks

Hi - thanks; It's FCS 2 .... which has earlier versions of Compressor and SoundTrack Pro that Logic Pro 9. I think I found an answer ... If FCS2 is installed, Logic Pro greys out some of the accompanying software and won't install them.
The other way around (Logic Pro first) then I'm led to believe that FCP already thinks it's loaded ... until you go in and delete /Library/Receipts/ProAppsIO.pkg. - but I won't know until I've got them!

Installing Logic Pro 9 upgrade on a different Mac than the one that Logic Studio 8 is installed on.

I have Logic Studio 8 installed on an OLD Mac Mini (10.6.8). It's not really worth the hassle to upgrade hardware (and the hardware that can be upgraded in that Mac Mini is limited). Am I entitled to the Logic Pro 9 upgrade to install on my brand new Macbook Pro using the serial number from Logic Studio 8 on the Mac Mini? Or do I need to purchase the full version of Logic Pro 9 to put on the Macbook Pro? The new Macbook Pro has never had Logic Studio 8 installed on it. (In fact it won't install because the Macbook Pro is running 10.7.2.

You can purchase the Upgrade and install it on your New MBP...
Just have the Serial Number from LP 8 handy for when you are asked for it...
After the install you will need to run Software update to get the Latest version of Logic 9 for Lion..
Or you can Download it from Here
http://support.apple.com/kb/dl1014
Logic for Lion
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4807

Logic Pro Based recording studio

Hi all, I am intending on building a smallish recording studio around Logic Pro - I need your experience and expertise!
My imagined setup is based on a hefty Mac Pro, using Apogee Symphony Cards as Audio inputs. I considered using Motu or M-Audio..any thoughts?
My big Questions:
1. Mixing Desk/Control Surface
Firstly do I need a separate Mixing desk? or will a digital control surface do? Can all the audio go straight to the Mac through the interface? or does it need to go through a desk for monitoring etc?
2. Control Surface
I would very much like to find a decent control surface of the digidesign C24/C20 style, but I don't seem to be able to find anything with more than 8 channel strips that says its compatible with Logic Pro - these all seem targeted at the prosumer/home user category of artist - Any thoughts?
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No software program is truly bug-free. The issue with Logic and the most current OS (10.5.2) is that these bugs are not being addressed... at all. Logic 8 has been around for 8 months or so and so far there have been no major updates to improve stability, core audio issues on the OS, etc.
Basically Logic is $500 because there is no support - you're buying only software.
Avid, Ableton, Cakewalk and the like are primarily software companies and they thrive on constantly updating their apps. Apple Inc, is not a software company. So you proceed at your own risk when it comes to Apple "solutions".
And keep in mind there is no such thing as a "solution"! Only tools, craftsmanship and love of music.
Your other question I believe about an external mixer, there are two simple descriptions: ITB & OTB.
In the box & Out of the box, respectively. Of course these two worlds overlap and arguably, one is not better than the other. I'd suggest looking for those terms on other forums. Tapeop.com, gearslutz.com, soundonsound.com, there are hundreds, I'm sure.
One last thing and it's a bit of a gripe: But Apple has also taken the liberty to arbitrarily remove certain features and/or consolidate features that were special components to Emagic's program... many of these features will be missed, ie, syncing Logic to an external MIDI clock. R.I.P. external MIDI clock...
Have fun.

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Hi Experts,
I need your suggestion and help in setting up my Home Studio. I have the below hardware and would like to seek the suggestion of the experts in the forum to set this up.
iMac 27 with 8GB DRAM & 1TB HDD - Corei5 2.8GHz
Yamaha Motif XS8
Korg Triton LE
Roland Fantom G6
Roland SP 20 Drum Pad
Akai MPD 32 Drum Machine
Logic Pro 9.1.4
Reason 4
Record 1.5
Garritan Personal Symphony Orchestra
Komplete 7
East West Quantum Leap
Focusrite Saffire Pro 40
Roland Monitor Speakers
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I would also like to know if I can use the Akai MPD 32 Drum Machine as a complete MIDI Controller.
Any inputs are highly appreciated.
Regards,
CCIESRI

I would strongly recommend reading the late great Pondini's article on Setup Assistant and Migration Assistant:
http://pondini.org/OSX/SetupLion.html

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Of course I've lost all the files also.
After re-installing Logic Pro X, I noticed I didn't seem to have as many software instruments as I had before.
That's when I realized I didn't have Logic Studio 9 installed (from the CD package)...which I had previously purchased from the online Apple store.
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Hey Josh,
Got your message on SC but thought it would be more useful to respond here...
It says that the volume "Lexar 1" couldn't be mounted. It then asks me to mount the volume and try opening the document. How do I do so?
That means that at some point in the past you had a device named Lexar 1 (Maybe either an external HD or a Memory Card, given it's name?) connected to your system that was utilized by the project, that is no longer connected....
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http://music.tutsplus.com/tutorials/how-to-use-selective-track-import-in-logic-p ro-9--audio-3181
This should help you resolve your issue... If not, please let us know...
Cheers..
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I have Logic Pro 8.0.2 and would like to upgrade. I'm running OS Lion on a 2010 MacB Pro. What is the best option? Logic Pro 9 App or Logic Studio? Can't find upgrade price. Or should I just stay with Logic 8?

I have Logic Pro 8.0.2 and would like to upgrade. I'm running OS Lion on a 2010 MacB Pro. What is the best option? Logic Pro 9 App or Logic Studio? Can't find upgrade price. Or should I just stay with Logic 8?

Same here, I have Logic Studio 8 and wouldn't mind staying with that version, except that the installer won't run on my new Macbook Pro as PowerPC apps are no longer supported. That's the message I get in any case.
I use to run Logic on a 2006 Macbook Pro.
I guess that makes me a very unhappy Apple user! I've been using Logic from the Emagic days, bought every upgrade only to see Apple kill what used to be one of the best Pro Audio application. Imagine if they had done the same to Photoshop, there would be a lot of unhappy designers out there
Paying the full price for years to slowly see your daily app go down in price & efficiency until it's given away at $199 for semi pro users. Well, at least ProTools is stil alive & kicking so I guess that's the way forward now.
This is coming from someone that never ever used a Windows machine to make music! Life is good still!

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