For those who wants to know what you can do with GarageBand on an old laptop...
I just installed GarageBand on my PowerBook G3 (Pismo 500 upgraded with a PowerLogix BlueChip G3 900).
Here is what I can do:
- Play any software instrument real time using a midi controller
- Play songs with up to 5 different tracks in real time. Past 5 tracks, I will sometime get the error message saying my computer is not fast enough (exact number of track will depend on the loop/software instrument ratio).
- I can use the virtual amps for guitar without any trouble. I can even use them while playing a few tracks.
- I can record a track (via midi keyboard or using a guitar) while other tracks are playing (3 tracks is typically OK, I can have a little more depending on what I use)
I can get past these limits by muting a few tracks when recording one and unmute them when it is time to export to iTunes.
Here is the setup I use:
- Fatar TMK88 controller with sustain pedal
- Tascam US122 audio/midi interface
- Guitar
- Hard drive on the pismo has been upgraded to a larger one but it still is a 4200 RPM drive
- Power Savings settings are to highest performance
- Garage Band settings are "Optimized for better performance"
As a final word, I must say I am really impressed with this app. For those who want to play the piano but can't afford one, you really should give this a try. With a decent controller and a sustain pedal, you will get amazing results. I just placed an order for the Jam Pack and I don't think I will regret it.
Colddiver
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