EZ Preproduction Mac or PC ?

[robertkoa]

I need a little advice. I want to set up a very simple preproduction studio for writing and I want to be able to mix down in a large pro studio. I have done this before on commercials and with MIDI tracks for singers but now I'm doing a CD with my main instrument, guitar,a sort of funkier than Steely Dan but NOT JAZZ Cd. I do NOT want to recut the guitar tracks in the pro studio so all I need to know is which will be less of a headache Mac Mini with a TC Electronic interface and Garage Band or Logic. Or a PC running Pro tools. I do not need or want plug ins as its an endless road and they will have hundreds of them in the Pro Studio where I'll mix down and let a pro master it. But I want to concentrate on the music NOT the software my guitar is my Axe NOT the Computer. I use hardware sequencing ,just need the DAW to serve as a good 24 bit 88.2k recorder(multitrack). I'm used to overdubbing ,and recording, but NOT using an engineer at home so at home preproduction I'm looking for SIMPLICITY and NO TROUBLESHOOTING "Why doesn't my interface work with blah blah blah...." Some people have told me a MAc will just work with far fewer problems. Is this true ? THanks.

Also -not sure Garage band will work at 24 bit 88.2K or at least 24 bit 44.1 ( mastering guys have told me multiples of 44.1 k are best) ?

The cheapest really good sounding converters seem to be the TC Electronics Konnekt Series which are all supposed to sound close to the RME and Apogee stuff.

My other option is to use TRACKTION to at least come up with inspiring mixes at home and then STILL transfer to Pro Tools on the best tracks.

Back in 1999 I was producing a R@B/Urban singer in Miami and used a Masterlink for "mastering" and even used some tracks in the clubs that way BUT the Alesis Masterlink is not as powerful as a good software program I learned.

But I still like good mixes from home preproduction - will Tracktion do that ?

I'm not comfortable with Computers for recording- used hardware myself but NEVER recorded with a computer (except with engineers).

Even MIDI production - I use hardware sequencers and used samplers for vocal preproduction on jingles ,demos etc.

I have a tube guitar rig - don't need the computer for that - just a big EZ digital multitrack.

Seems like people get LOST in the computer world and don't finish their projects..................................if it's a hobby that's OK but if trying to make money NOt ok.

[IbanezFreak777]

as far as I am concerned always choose what your most comfortable with. The more you need to learn and get used to, the less time you have for actual music..

For me its PC

good luck

[Draco]

For me, it doesn't get any simpler than a Mac running Garageband - no bells and whistles involved, but it doesn't sound like you want any. Just hit record and play.

[Rachmaninoff]

I can setup and start recording with my Cubase SX3 in a few seconds.
But regardless of the DAW, there is a learning curve involved.

[nato101010]

Mac gets my vote. Garage Band is simple to use, and no bell and whistles, as said before.