http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/ Engadget Comments for http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/
dk]]>Feb 7th 2006 11:03PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/Apr 21st 2008 10:55PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/First off, a Shure SM57 and the M-Audio gear will produce mediocre results.
Second, you don't have to use Pro Tools with that, you can use any program it supports.
It's decent advice though.

My Set-Up.

Apple IMac 20" Dual Core
Apogee Ensemble
Apogee Big Ben
Presonus Central Station
JBL LSR 4328P Studio Monitors
Soundelux U195
Blue Dragonfly
SE Z3300A]]>Apr 4th 2006 8:40PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/May 13th 2006 10:24AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/Mac mini with 512 Mb of RAM
Alesis Photon X25 midi controller with audio and MIDI interface (similar to the Ozone in the article, but in my opinion much better quality construction. Itlacks built-in preamps on the audio I/O, which means you'll need a seperate preamp, but it makes up for this with a lower price tag, better controller, and MIDI in and out for those who need it. Also, the outputs are balanced, which does make a difference in quality.)
AKG K 240 Studio headphones
ART Tube MP preamp
Edirol MA-10D micro monitors (nowhere near top of the line, but work out quite well for a bedroom studio, and they have digital inputs, which I'm not using but could prove to be useful down the road)
Logic Express 7
Ableton Live 5
Cubase LE (came with the Photon)
Garageband
]]>Jun 15th 2006 3:53AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/and P.s. as far as Garageband vs. Logic express...definitely Logic Express. Much more full-featured, gives you better control over your mixes, and if anyone here is using Garageband and not seeing the level of performance that I'm talking about, that's because Garageband is a terrible CPU hog. Logic and Ableton are much more efficient.
I hope this helps the newbies.]]>Jun 15th 2006 3:54AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/
Don

Recording Studios in Los Angeles]]>Aug 6th 2006 7:57PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/Aug 31st 2006 9:34AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/
Does anyone know how to fix this?

Thanks!
Jamie]]>Jul 25th 2009 2:20PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/Nov 11th 2006 2:57PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/342700/use_your_headphones_as_a_microphone/]]>Dec 20th 2006 9:05AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/I mean, I have a really good projectstudio:

AKG C3000B
Shure Sm7
t.bone SCT-800 Tube
SPL Gainstation

RME-Fireface
M-Audio Fast Track Pro USB

Edirol PCR-M50
Akai MPD 24

DynAudio BM-6A Aktiv Nearfield Monitor
AKG-271 Studio
SPL Volumecontroll 2
Mackie BigKnob

Samplitude 9.0 Pro
Reason 3 LE
Appelton Live Lite
Sonar 4 Pro + 6 LE

And I get really good recording results.
But with the components wich r postet on this site to build a "recordingstudio", u´ll get nottin more than shit!
Thats just my opinion, u don´t have to join´in but just believe me!

Hounest regrets, LilAndré straight outta Austria *gg*!!]]>Jan 6th 2007 2:51PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/Jan 16th 2007 5:36PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/Mac Mini
Reason 2.5
Garageband
M-box with pro-tools lite
Shure sm57 - 58 mic
and two event or mackie monitors and u've got a kick arse above pre-production studio.


]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/
I thought about it and decided to use GB in the meantime while I made my mind up. One year later I still use GB and only GB, no Logic on this mac! I am happy, I produce loads - from day one onwards!

Now GB2 is out there is less reason to go pro again.]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/
First off, if you are at all serious about doing anything with the music you record, or want to learn something more 'high-end', GET LOGIC EXPRESS!!! Yes, express, because garageband (as great as it is to mess around with) is not even low end recording software. Obviously express is not going to be the whole bucket of chicken either (as someone said), but it is high enough quality software to get a professional sound out of. It only costs 300$ for full straight up version.

Second, get to know compressors and download the C3 multiband compressor, these tools are very helpful. Do not use them to modify your sound, only use them to reinforce it, thats what they are there for. Personally, I put a multiband on the entire mix, compressor on the bass only (below 124hz), and turned the gain to 6dB and turned limiter on. This makes the sound more consistent overall. The direct effect is not noticable, but you will hear the difference.

Isolate room noise as much as possible. I boult a 14X14X14 inch box that contains a speaker and a microphone, plugged it into my guitar amp, and I now mic my bass, eletric, and even ran my martin through it. It keeps the noise at a minimum and does not piss off the neighbors. If you are using an iMic, you will probably need a good loud source (as its amp sucks).

And other than that, it is all just EQing and levels. Less is more.


You can hear an example of what a low quality studio sounds like in the link above, under the Live folder.

My setup:

Gibson SG (p90 soapbars)
Martin DM12
Fender J Bass
Default garageband rock drum kit
Line 6 Spider 2X10 amp, right channel ran through a sound proofed box with a mic inside
Cheap 20$ nady mic (want to get a 57 SOOOOOO bad)

iMic

Logic Express 7


Side note on why logic over GB: logic lets you control the mix a lot better. think of GB as the 4 channel tape deck, and logic as the rack units + expensive mixing board.]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/
There are pro-audio/video hardware and software that can definitley turn it into a pro audio/video workstation. I have a powerbook with half the processing speed that was able to handle production, recording and editing with reason/logic/cubase and digital performer. I already have an oxygen 8 that was attached to this laptop and I'm picking up a motu 828 mk2. I could use the Mbox as well. Apple was very smart in marketing the mini; most of us have keyboards and a mouse as well as a monitor. Those of us who produce and remix music have midi/audio usb firewire keyboards and other interfaces. It's a great way to get back into a mac (if you couldn't afford upgrading) or to be introduced to the mac.

Propellerheads: the makers of Reason 2.5 ended the need for racks of expensive sampling and synthesis hardware. Apple's final cut pro ended the need for expensive workstations (digidesign's avid) to record and edit digital video.
Logic Audio is the answer to digidesigns Pro Tools. No more minimal 20,000 workstations for recording/producing music.

Mac Mini; another revolution! I thought a 20 gig ipod was a great idea for transporting my multi track recordings from studio to studio. But the Mac Mini allows me to bring my personal workstation to any recording studio (home or big budget)
I ordered mine a week ago from musiciansfriend.]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/
http://www.samsontech.com/products/productpage.cfm?prodID=1810&brandID=2]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/
Hey folks, I'm looking for a way to start digitizing all my vinyl and granted, the imic looks like a great option, my concern is the sound quality. Ideally, I'd like to use Rane or FinalScratch in the near future for djing mp3's, so I want to ensure that if I take up the laborious task of encoding my vinyl it's done properly the first time.
If anyone has any suggestions regarding the best RCA or XLR to USB/Firewire solution out there, I'd greatly appreciate it.
Many thanks,
-Garth.
(Oh, also the sample rates, etc.,. if you feel like you're on a role...)]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/
Hey folks, I'm looking for a way to start digitizing all my vinyl and granted, the imic looks like a great option, my concern is the sound quality. Ideally, I'd like to use Rane or FinalScratch in the near future for djing mp3's, so I want to ensure that if I take up the laborious task of encoding my vinyl it's done properly the first time.
If anyone has any suggestions regarding the best RCA or XLR to USB/Firewire solution out there, I'd greatly appreciate it.
Many thanks,
-Garth.
(Oh, also the sample rates, etc.,. if you feel like you're on a role...)]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/
Hey folks, I'm looking for a way to start digitizing all my vinyl and granted, the imic looks like a great option, my concern is the sound quality. Ideally, I'd like to use Rane or FinalScratch in the near future for djing mp3's, so I want to ensure that if I take up the laborious task of encoding my vinyl it's done properly the first time.
If anyone has any suggestions regarding the best RCA or XLR to USB/Firewire solution out there, I'd greatly appreciate it.
Many thanks,
-Garth.
(Oh, also the sample rates, etc.,. if you feel like you're on a role...)]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/I would recommend this setup to anyone who wants to get into digital recording for cheap. how could you beat it?]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.bluemic.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=11&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/I was thinking I'd like to "digitize" all my records too. I have been looking at the Stanton ST-100 turntable, because it has a digital out. Seems it would be real straight-forward to get a decent USB digital audio input unit for your computer and something like Audacity , or better if you like, for some simple filtering (don't want to get rid of all the crackly vinyl goodness) and you're good to go.]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/if you have an audio line in on your machine, just go out from your mixer (RCA) to the audio line in(1/8in) and as Vinal Fan says get Audacity and your all set. I would use gold connectors if your worried about quality loss. I've digitized many albums this way and it sounds good.]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/
So we're back to the old 4-track recorder trick: bumping tracks. At least it's digital!

Now I need to audition some "talent" for my "bedroom" production...]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/
@#7: Regarding the mini's mythical "underpoweredness", as other folks are mentioning in this thread it is pure bunk. I have the lowest-end 1.25Ghz/256RAM version of the mini (until the come back in stock and I can get my second souped up one! ;)) and it handled the 6 "real instrument" tracks with effects used for the demo in this how-to pretty admirably. My 512M chip is on the way and that is only going to help. That is admittedly only the playback, though - I have yet to test recording more than 2 simultaneous "real" tracks at once. We'll see.

@#9: Yes, Logic was already a great app under Emagic and the happy union of Emagic and Apple is only going to make this sucker sweeter and sweeter into the future. Also, if you know anyone who works in academia, or if you can tie up a college student and steal their ID card you can swing Logic Express for the academic price of $99. Apple is pretty decent about the educational discounts - you can also get Final Cut Pro for $299 instead of the normal $999 price tag.]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/
GarageSpin.com is a great new dedicated to digital audio home recording. See what you think!]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/
Linkage: http://www.soundclick.com/bands/6/djhighlifemusic.htm]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/
"Get a decent microphone!" - A Shure SM57 (or 58) as a cheap reliable condenser really great for live use in a sweaty smokey dirty pub. In a recording "environment" you'll need a better response profile. Rode do really nice condensers, and large diaphram(read good for vocals) mics at very reasonable prices...

As to DAW software EASILY the best value for money is Mackie Tracktion...it's $80.00 for heavens sake! I use it INSTEAD of a full blown LOGIC or ProTools...but there's no real replacement for Ableton LIVE....]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/
One thing about the article, though; while Shure SM57 is a legend on stage, today, for under $100 you can find spectacular quality large-diaphragm condenser studio mics (with shock-mount!) from MXL, M-Audio and similar. These are Chinese- or Russian-made, but have pristine sound, which is definitely what you want for your vocals, horns, acoustic guitars... Check them out at places like sweetwater.com or musiciansfriend.com. SM57 does a wonderful job in front of an amp, though.]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/
Where the setup comes into its own is the versitility and ease of use of GB, particularly its loops and software instruments.

But if I was just recording a guitar and voice, I'd just pick up any of the madly cheap digital 4 tracks on ebay.]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/
"create some unique soundscapes you’re guaranteed won’t turn up on the next BT record: Rumblence: zoyd"

Sorry guys, that's not exactly true... BT does indeed use Zoyd (maybe not on his next record, tho). He also uses my More Feedback Machine and Zebra (see comments from BT on Zebra's opinions page).

But thanks for recommending it :-)

Cheers,

;) Urs]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://macminiconga.tblog.com/]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/08/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-low-cost-recording-studio/
And if properly done and kept simple GB records fine.

here is tunage I wrote totally in GB

Hi Fi
http://www.macidol.com/jamroom/play.php?band_id=801&song_id=6106&mode=song_hifi

Lo Fi
http://www.macidol.com/jamroom/play.php?band_id=801&song_id=6106&mode=song_lofi

QuickTime
http://www.macidol.com/jamroom/bands/801/player.php?band_id=801&song_id=6106

Keep in mind all I have is an imac flatpanel and a pin hole mic. Reckon the point I am trying to make is as a self proclaimed songwriter GB1 or GB2 is the perfect tool.

I used ProTools forever. And since getting GB I haven't used ProTools since.

IMHO, GB's strongest atrribute is the drumkits. This particular tunage doesn't have any of those loops but still allowed me very easily and quickly to produce the tunage.

So it really depends on one's desired level of "professionalism" they are wanting. I am one who likes the live feel of things so for me it's all I need.

Peace]]>Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM