hey there guys, this is my first post and i was just wondering if you could give me a hand. im looking to set up a new semipro home recording studio throughout the next month. this post is pretty much about deciding the minimum specs on a Mac Pro to run my system. i most probably will be using Logic, but there is a slight chance of me running cubase 4

What im thinking of running is:

Roland Juno G
MPD24 MIDI pad controller
Behringer UMX 25 controller
2 Stanton Decks through a mixer also using Scratch Live
2 condenser mics

--all through--

some kind of audio interface that i havent decided on yet. although a 2 input is easy enough to use, with the components i will be using, i dont want to have to constantly switch around instruments. id like to avoid this as much as possible. if you have enough time, i would much appreciate ur views on what type of audio interface to get, as im not really sure about how it works.

The main genres of music i will be recording are hiphop/pop but i will also probably digress into rock, however that will just be guitar. the setup will be used mainly to do midi through logic, but the main recording function will be the vocals.

so yeah guys, if you could give me any tips on the minimum specs for a Mac Pro, it would be greatly appreciated, and possibly any ideas on the audio interface.

Cheers, JR

--sorry i double posted this, didnt know exactly where to post it--

There are so many options and combinations that you could piece together to get a stable recording environment. First question to be answered is on the Mac Pro....is there a price range you're wanting to stay within? If not, you might as well go ahead and purchase a new Mac Pro from Apple and go ahead and get the new 8-Core processors. If you're worried about cost, I'd look for something on eBay or possibly www.macmall.com or www.macsales.com. Both the websites carry refurbished and used models....

Minimum recording requirements for this stage in electronics would be to get something with AT LEAST a dual core processor bc once the newer software versions come out, you'll want that faster processor; but other than that, get a computer that will work with the software you plan on using....that's the big part, knowing your program and then get a computer to run the program.

As for interfaces, again, price has a huge factor. For lower end stuff in an 8-channel, I'd start with a MOTU 8-Pre or a Presonus Firestudio Project. MOTU has designed their stuff to work solely for Apple computers, as for Presonus, they're an industry regular not being biased per computer platform. If you want to spend in the 1000 dollar range, you could go with a MOTU 896MK3 which is an amazing piece of equipment and there's really no more units around that price to use unless you're going with ProTools then you could get DigiDesign 003 or something of the sort to work with the program.

Software is also a big thing....whether you're using Logic Studio, Logic Express, Digital Performer, ProTools or Cubase, you need to know how to use them and find which one would appease your taste and your knowledge functionality....I, personally use Logic Studio and it's phenomenal and there isn't anything else I'd use for tracking...

So, if there's anything else you need to know.....ask, that's the best option on any forum....if you need more answers, just message me on here or tylermccay@gmail.com.