[screamingFit]

After years of being out of the loop (not even a full sentence in and already a bad pun!) with computers and music, a Reason 2.0 demo has reopened my eyes. Problem is, I haven't a clue as to what I need, if what I have is enough and what the best solution is. Hoping someone with some knowledge in such things could give a hand.

A bit of background and what I want to do: Years ago I had an Ensoniq sampler, a couple of Yamaha rack modules and an Atari 1040ST. Outputted to tape. Lost my interest so I sold everything off. Through all this to present, I play guitar, cello and piano. My music styling is kind of Coil/New Order/Psychic TV/Lamb/Skinny Puppy/Goth - I want an electronic sound but would also love to include my acoustic instruments, as well. I'm not too into dance/rave/trance so I need something more than just a loop player. Also, this is for personal enjoyment and not sending off to the labels for a listen.

So far, I've looked into buying a MIDI USB controller keyboard and running Reason 2.0. I would like to keep everything running under OSX, if possible. In doing my research, I also see Logic mentioned. How does this differ from Reason? It looks like it's less loop based but still has goodies like drum machines and synths - but I could be wrong. It seemed to be more "pro" oriented, though and maybe out of my league. Maybe I need both? Are there any other programs that may be cheaper and offer functionality I may be looking for that I'm missing?

As far as a computer is concerend, I currently have a dualie G4 450 with 512MB of RAM. Is this going to be enough? When I was running the Reason demo, I noticed the CPU meter within the program was running about 1/2 way while a song was playing. I also have a Powerbook G3 400 with 1GB of RAM that I'd like to use, too. I almost hate stating this but I also have a PC that's fairly powerful. Are their better options on this platform vs. the Mac? I took a gander at Fruity Loops on there and it seemed like Reason, only cheaper in sound and price. I also noticed the tons of other pieces of software that were PC only. Don't know if the things I was looking at are any good, though.

Sorry for the rambling and many questions. Any help anyone could give would be appreciated! It's quite a marvel as to what is possible today compared to my old Atari/Yamaha/Ensoniq rig from years past!

-s'fit

[fisherKing]

i use logic & reason, on a G3 powerbook, with a lot less ram then you have, np.

reason is great for music, synths, samples, drum machine stuff. but to record vocals, live instruments, you need an app like logic (or cubase, or performer) for example.

lots of details to using both together, but logic may prove to be the way to go as apple now owns it...so the future looks good.

you may want to start with reason, learn it.
then, when you're comfortable with it, add an app like logic (which, btw, is the most unituitive app i've ever used)...

check out the reason site for info, check out the forum there.

good luck!

[Hillbilly Wino]

Hey Fisher King,
how do you get your vocals into your powerbook? Or any audio for that fact?

thanks!
Kent

[fisherKing]

truth is, for now, i do vocals at my friend's studio, he's got great mics, a vocal booth...and logic.

then i take home a cd of the files and mix on my pb.

love it!

(altho thinking about getting an m-audio "ozone" when they come out...an oxygen8 keyboard with 2 channels of audio!)


the m-audio duo is a good audio-to-usb unit...