Author Topic: Laptop (ibook) Taping. (Read 10097 times)

Rick · « **on:** June 22, 2004, 05:12:18 PM »

I was just about to buy a ibook from the apple store, but reading through some of the old post it got me scared

I've never used a mac before so all the different OS and file types have me confused. Maybe someone can help me out with a few questions....

1. Is the UA-5 > ibook 800 error free for doing 24/96? or will I have to do 24/48?
2. What file format does not have a file size limitation?
3. Should I do all editing, tracking and flac/shn conversion on the ibook? or can it be done on my desk top PC. (I'm assuming I would have to convert the files to .wav format for the PC?)

Anything else I should know about since I've never used a mac before?

John Kelly · « **Reply #1 on:** June 22, 2004, 05:48:01 PM »

1. I have successfully taped with a UA-5 in 24/96 before. (iBook 700)
2. SDII and WAV64 do not have the 2 gig limit.
3. I edit everything on the iBook, although you could move it to a PC if you wanted to.
4. Make sure you try it out in the store to see if you like it at all. Don't just buy one and find out later you don't like it.

Chris K · « **Reply #2 on:** June 22, 2004, 05:53:15 PM »

get a refurb from the apple store or check out www.dealmac.com for newer old stock apples. many good deals there!

if using the ua-5, you will probably be using a usb cable, and some people have success with 24/96...others don't. usb has not been proven reliable for 24/96.

aif (audio information file) is the standard audio file for macintosh, and it has a 2gb limit, as does wav. this 2gb limit is a problem if trying to record 24/96 as an hour show/set will probably bring you over 2gb. i believe only the discontinued tcelectronics/works spark xl 2.8 (and above) has a file format that will allow recorded files over 2gb...i think its wav64 or SDII.

you can do all the editing, tracking, and flac/shn conversion on the mac, and all the audio editing programs that i have used have an option to save in aif or wav. get xAct and you can convert aif to shn or flac without having to save to wav.

anyything else to know about owning a mac...yeah...once you go mac you never go back! you will be pleased!

Rick · « **Reply #3 on:** June 22, 2004, 05:54:28 PM »

Yeah I'm going to head over to my local mac store to try them out

How do you go from SDII/WAV64 to FLAC/SHN ?

Chris K · « **Reply #4 on:** June 22, 2004, 05:57:32 PM »

Quote

Yeah I'm going to head over to my local mac store to try them out

good idea!!! kick the tires around!

Quote

How do you go from SDII/WAV64 to FLAC/SHN ?

i've never done it, but assume you would first separate into tracks and then batch convert to aif/wav for conversion to shn/flac.

john kelly may be able to help you out better...but that's how i would do it

Rick · « **Reply #5 on:** June 22, 2004, 06:01:02 PM »

Thanks for all the help... Ok things are clearing up...

do you think 128 ram is enough? I saw a good deal on a 700/128/20GB/CD-RW-DVD refurb.

kindms · « **Reply #6 on:** June 22, 2004, 07:35:22 PM »

If you are running a Mac I would suggest the Metric halo ULN vs. the UA-5. I have been wanting to run 1 butthey are Mac only. It has all the bells and wistles that the UA-% with the addition of AES in. So you could run the AES out of a V3 right in to the thing (drool)

It really seems like a solid unit. I just wish they would make PC drivers for it

Rick · « **Reply #7 on:** June 22, 2004, 07:40:16 PM »

Quote from: kindms on June 22, 2004, 07:35:22 PM

If you are running a Mac I would suggest the Metric halo ULN vs. the UA-5. I have been wanting to run 1 butthey are Mac only. It has all the bells and wistles that the UA-% with the addition of AES in. So you could run the AES out of a V3 right in to the thing (drool)

It really seems like a solid unit. I just wish they would make PC drivers for it

I already have the UA-5 though. I'll keep it in mind for an upgrade though! Thanks!

John Kelly · « **Reply #8 on:** June 22, 2004, 07:56:02 PM »

Quote from: kindms on June 22, 2004, 07:35:22 PM

If you are running a Mac I would suggest the Metric halo ULN vs. the UA-5. I have been wanting to run 1 butthey are Mac only. It has all the bells and wistles that the UA-% with the addition of AES in. So you could run the AES out of a V3 right in to the thing (drool)

It really seems like a solid unit. I just wish they would make PC drivers for it

Yeah, if you want an oversized unit that is 5x the price.

If you're spending that much you may as well get a V3 and a Firewire Audiophile.

scb · « **Reply #9 on:** June 22, 2004, 08:55:01 PM »

get more than 128 megs. buy a 512 stick for under 100 bucks from a 3rd party and you're golden

MattD · « **Reply #10 on:** June 22, 2004, 09:34:37 PM »

Quote from: John Kelly not Kelley on June 22, 2004, 07:56:02 PM

Yeah, if you want an oversized unit that is 5x the price.

Hehe ... of course, for the guinea pigs (me, for one), it was probably less than the mod UA-5. What do they go for now? I've had 24/96 success since I started using it. I do agree that it's too big ... but it's also a pretty good D/A converter and headphone amp, so I can also use it in my playback system.

John Kelly · « **Reply #11 on:** June 23, 2004, 12:58:19 AM »

I thought the ULN-2s were around $1200 or so. I could be wrong though...

MattD · « **Reply #12 on:** June 23, 2004, 08:44:54 AM »

As an original MIO owner, I got an offer from Metric Halo to preorder the ULN-2 when it was first announced. All who owned an MIO and ordered by a certain date were allowed to purchase the ULN-2 at $500. The only stipulation was that it cannot be sold for another 2 years. Still, I have heard of people selling theirs as "long-term borrowing arrangements with deposits."

nic · « **Reply #13 on:** June 24, 2004, 01:47:15 PM »

SDII *DOES* have the 2gb size limit.
SDII(extended) does not.

you will definately want more than 128 ram. dont buy memory from Apple...buy from 3rd party such as crucual, etc...exact same memory for half the price

John Kelly · « **Reply #14 on:** June 24, 2004, 01:50:15 PM »

Quote from: luvean on June 24, 2004, 01:47:15 PM

SDII *DOES* have the 2gb size limit.
SDII(extended) does not.

you will definately want more than 128 ram. dont buy memory from Apple...buy from 3rd party such as crucual, etc...exact same memory for half the price

Well the SDII in Spark doesn't have the limit. It must be "extended" but it is not labeled as such.

nic · « **Reply #15 on:** June 24, 2004, 01:56:14 PM »

Quote from: John Kelly not Kelley on June 24, 2004, 01:50:15 PM

Quote from: luvean on June 24, 2004, 01:47:15 PM
SDII *DOES* have the 2gb size limit.
SDII(extended) does not.

you will definately want more than 128 ram. dont buy memory from Apple...buy from 3rd party such as crucual, etc...exact same memory for half the price

Well the SDII in Spark doesn't have the limit. It must be "extended" but it is not labeled as such.

are you recording stereo or split mono?

John Kelly · « **Reply #16 on:** June 24, 2004, 03:36:02 PM »

Stereo.

Rick · « **Reply #17 on:** June 24, 2004, 03:51:32 PM »

Quote from: luvean on June 24, 2004, 01:47:15 PM

you will definately want more than 128 ram. dont buy memory from Apple...buy from 3rd party such as crucual, etc...exact same memory for half the price

Would 256 be ok?

nic · « **Reply #18 on:** June 24, 2004, 04:05:28 PM »

if at all posible, max out the ram.
if you cant max it, then have at least 512

Rick · « **Reply #19 on:** June 24, 2004, 04:11:55 PM »

Well I'll start at 256 and then upgrade later (when I have the money)

Last question... What's the difference between a G4 and G3 ?

edit: nevermind. I guess its a new processor. Any truth to the rumour that it gets longer battery life?

John Kelly · « **Reply #20 on:** June 24, 2004, 05:18:34 PM »

G3 should yield better battery life, but the G4s have higher capacity batteries.

And do yourself a favor and get at least 512mb now.

Rick · « **Reply #21 on:** June 24, 2004, 06:10:54 PM »

Quote from: John Kelly not Kelley on June 24, 2004, 05:18:34 PM

And do yourself a favor and get at least 512mb now.

Gee, my plan to do 24/96 for under $650 sure did blow up

Rick · « **Reply #22 on:** June 24, 2004, 09:11:38 PM »

Got me self an ibook

12' 800/256ram/30GB/Combo Drive Refurbished from apple for $779 and free shipping.

I'll upgrade to 640 when I can

Expect more newbie mac questions from me

scb · « **Reply #23 on:** June 25, 2004, 12:04:43 AM »

isn't a 512 stick under 100 bucks?

Rick · « **Reply #24 on:** June 25, 2004, 01:55:42 AM »

Quote from: scott brown on June 25, 2004, 12:04:43 AM

isn't a 512 stick under 100 bucks?

from... crucial.com

512 - $109.99
256 - $54.99

Not bad at all, but I need to wait a little bit for the wife to get over the $800 I just spent

John Kelly · « **Reply #25 on:** June 25, 2004, 01:58:15 AM »

Quote from: Rick on June 25, 2004, 01:55:42 AM

Quote from: scott brown on June 25, 2004, 12:04:43 AM
isn't a 512 stick under 100 bucks?

from... crucial.com

512 - $109.99
256 - $54.99

Not bad at all, but I need to wait a little bit for the wife to get over the $800 I just spent

http://www.ramseeker.com

drewloo · « **Reply #26 on:** June 25, 2004, 05:34:45 AM »

Quote from: Rick on June 24, 2004, 04:11:55 PM

Last question... What's the difference between a G4 and G3 ?

I read on an ebay auciton where the seller said that the G4 can't be formatted as a dual-boot w/ os9 and os10. Can anyone confirm this? I've been thinking of getting an ibook or powerbook, too. thanks

scb · « **Reply #27 on:** June 25, 2004, 07:03:37 AM »

true, it's X only. but why would you want 9? i haven't missed it at all...

RRobar · « **Reply #28 on:** June 25, 2004, 04:10:06 PM »

Quote from: drewloo on June 25, 2004, 05:34:45 AM

Quote from: Rick on June 24, 2004, 04:11:55 PM

Last question... What's the difference between a G4 and G3 ?

I read on an ebay auciton where the seller said that the G4 can't be formatted as a dual-boot w/ os9 and os10. Can anyone confirm this? I've been thinking of getting an ibook or powerbook, too. thanks

But it runs classic mode if need be. No dual boot needed. It will run your OS9 programs. But as Scott said, why not just run OSX I can't go back to OS9

John Kelly · « **Reply #29 on:** June 25, 2004, 05:44:48 PM »

Quote from: drewloo on June 25, 2004, 05:34:45 AM

Quote from: Rick on June 24, 2004, 04:11:55 PM

Last question... What's the difference between a G4 and G3 ?

I read on an ebay auciton where the seller said that the G4 can't be formatted as a dual-boot w/ os9 and os10. Can anyone confirm this? I've been thinking of getting an ibook or powerbook, too. thanks

Besides, complaining that it wont boot os 9 is like complaining the latest Dell wont boot Windows 3.1.

drewloo · « **Reply #30 on:** June 25, 2004, 06:51:09 PM »

Cool, thanks fellas. Hopefully I can find a refurb at the local apple store here.

nic · « **Reply #31 on:** June 25, 2004, 06:56:48 PM »

Quote from: drewloo on June 25, 2004, 06:51:09 PM

Cool, thanks fellas. Hopefully I can find a refurb at the local apple store here.

apples website has refurbs:
http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/72203/wo/gz61OqrGWYry2gMD1iJ1V2fUoC0/0.0.7.1.0.6.13.0.5.0.0.0.0.3.1.1.0?43,18

Rick · « **Reply #32 on:** June 25, 2004, 08:00:23 PM »

The apple store will do free shipping on refurbs, but you need to ask ;-)

barthatronic · « **Reply #33 on:** June 25, 2004, 09:19:02 PM »

Another good place to find Apple deals is on the DealMac web site: http://www.dealmac.com Good RAM and hard drive prices as well as other stuff (like deals on refurbs). I'm glad to see people on here using Macs...

drewloo · « **Reply #34 on:** June 26, 2004, 12:39:52 AM »

Once again, thanks for the tips everyone!

drewloo · « **Reply #35 on:** July 14, 2004, 09:14:44 AM »

In case anyone else is thinking about getting an ibook Amazon is doing the $150 rebate again on selected laptops. W/ the rebate, free shipping, and no tax a brand-new 12" ibook is about the same price ($844.49) as getting a refurbished one from the apple site ($779 plus tax and maybe s&h unless you're a smooth-talker like Rick

). Now if only the gawddamn alarm on my truck didn't decide to go haywire and short-out all 4 electric locks (& other stuff) I'd be all over this in a minute, but instead of spending $850 on a lappie the money is going towards $880 worth of electrical repairs. Thanks Code-alarm....feh nuttin! $:-\$

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000U9H40/qid=1089763438/sr=8-1/ref=pd_ka_1/102-7229730-2524128?v=glance&s=pc&n=507846

John Kelly · « **Reply #36 on:** July 14, 2004, 11:45:27 AM »

Quote from: drewloo on July 14, 2004, 09:14:44 AM

In case anyone else is thinking about getting an ibook Amazon is doing the $150 rebate again on selected laptops. W/ the rebate, free shipping, and no tax a brand-new 12" ibook is about the same price ($844.49) as getting a refurbished one from the apple site ($779 plus tax and maybe s&h unless you're a smooth-talker like Rick ). Now if only the gawddamn alarm on my truck didn't decide to go haywire and short-out all 4 electric locks (& other stuff) I'd be all over this in a minute, but instead of spending $850 on a lappie the money is going towards $880 worth of electrical repairs. Thanks Code-alarm....feh nuttin! $:-\$

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000U9H40/qid=1089763438/sr=8-1/ref=pd_ka_1/102-7229730-2524128?v=glance&s=pc&n=507846

Except that iBook is a generation old. I'd rather have the refurb as I could deal directly with Apple instead of Amazon...

Rick · « **Reply #37 on:** July 14, 2004, 04:21:48 PM »

Quote from: drewloo on July 14, 2004, 09:14:44 AM

In case anyone else is thinking about getting an ibook Amazon is doing the $150 rebate again on selected laptops. W/ the rebate, free shipping, and no tax a brand-new 12" ibook is about the same price ($844.49) as getting a refurbished one from the apple site ($779 plus tax and maybe s&h unless you're a smooth-talker like Rick ). Now if only the gawddamn alarm on my truck didn't decide to go haywire and short-out all 4 electric locks (& other stuff) I'd be all over this in a minute, but instead of spending $850 on a lappie the money is going towards $880 worth of electrical repairs. Thanks Code-alarm....feh nuttin! $:-\$

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000U9H40/qid=1089763438/sr=8-1/ref=pd_ka_1/102-7229730-2524128?v=glance&s=pc&n=507846

That's a damm good price. Mine came out to be about $820 (with tax)

drewloo · « **Reply #38 on:** July 14, 2004, 07:48:00 PM »

Quote from: John Kelly not Kelley on July 14, 2004, 11:45:27 AM

Except that iBook is a generation old. I'd rather have the refurb as I could deal directly with Apple instead of Amazon...

Are they different models? They look identical to me except one has 128K more memory. How does one tell the difference? thanks

John Kelly · « **Reply #39 on:** July 15, 2004, 01:47:57 AM »

No, I just thought you meant you could get the current iBook for dirt cheap at Amazon. Since it's the same machine I'd rather deal with Apple (prices are similar)...

scb · « **Reply #40 on:** July 15, 2004, 06:42:01 AM »

but
apple = tax
amazon = no tax?

Da Boss · « **Reply #41 on:** July 15, 2004, 09:57:54 AM »

Though people have been helpful on this thread, I wanna stress that 128MB is PLENTY for stereo recording!
RAM is ONLY a concern when you are adding EFFECTS to multitrack programs.
I have recorded successfully to an 1st generation I-Book for 2+ years!
Use the UA-5 and COASTER for 16/44 and I don't know why people are telling you there is a 2 gig limit on AIIF-THERE IS NOT!
Great purchase-enjoy it!
What do you guys recommend for EDITING-inserting track marks or regions? SPARK always leaves a sample or two out when I make regions! Any tips or step by step instructions would be appreciated!
Thanks!

scb · « **Reply #42 on:** July 15, 2004, 11:39:06 AM »

>>Use the UA-5 and COASTER for 16/44 and I don't know why people are telling you there is a 2 gig limit on AIIF-THERE IS NOT!<<

there most certainly is. I've hit it, with Coaster no less.

it's about 3 hours 22 minutes i think for stereo 16/44.1

and 128 megs ram in OS 9 is a *lot* different than 128 in OS X

Da Boss · « **Reply #43 on:** July 15, 2004, 09:31:28 PM »

It may be "different" scott-whatever that may mean. The premise still stands 128 megs is PLENTY for stereo recording. What else is the guy/gal gonna do while it's recording and using less than 20% of the resources?!
Give Mac's a break!
As for the editing software help. What's the verdict? I use Spark ME and always encounter the sector boundry error thing. What's the work around scott?

scb · « **Reply #44 on:** July 15, 2004, 09:34:46 PM »

>>It may be "different" scott-whatever that may mean. The premise still stands 128 megs is PLENTY for stereo recording. What else is the guy/gal gonna do while it's recording and using less than 20% of the resources?!
<<

the OS might work better with more. OS X needs more than 128 to function as a usable machine (in my opinion)

i use spark and don't encounter errors. track in spark, use xACT/shntool to fix sector errors

John Kelly · « **Reply #45 on:** July 16, 2004, 02:57:21 AM »

Quote from: scott brown on July 15, 2004, 06:42:01 AM

but
apple = tax
amazon = no tax?

Apple = $749 + tax (shipping should be free, easy to talk apple into that)
Amazon = $944.49 - $150 rebate (rebates suck) but no tax

I can't imagine tax on a $749 machine to be more than $100.

Oh, and DaBoss, the machines come with 256mb RAM standard now, so why are you arguing over 128mb? And I agree with Scott, and wouldn't run *any* machine in OS X with less than 384 megs of ram...

MattD · « **Reply #46 on:** July 16, 2004, 09:54:11 AM »

My Pismo only has 320 MB RAM ... but the MIO software doesn't really require a lot. If I were running Spark all the time, I might want more. Editing in Spark is fine with the RAM I have, FWIW.

Da Boss · « **Reply #47 on:** July 16, 2004, 10:19:43 AM »

"Oh, and DaBoss, the machines come with 256mb RAM standard now, so why are you arguing over 128mb? And I agree with Scott, and wouldn't run *any* machine in OS X with less than 384 megs of ram..."

I don't think I was arguing BUT if you say so...I for one like to see SOUND justification for opinions. If you have/had experience with DAW's you'd realize that 128MB is entirely sufficient for 2-track stereo recording! Please show me how this is BS. I value Scott for what he has done for the community and he may even *recall* me from Oade a few years back when I was plugging the Studio Projects emerging line as well as the UA-5...
Anyway-thanks Scott for sterering me towards the Xact-I'll DL it this weekend and run some shows through to get rid of the sector boundry issues that seem to plague me!

John Kelly · « **Reply #48 on:** July 17, 2004, 02:04:48 AM »

I'm saying OS X is dog slow at 128 megs of ram. Just because it is sufficient (read: bare minimum) does not mean it is recommended.

scb · « **Reply #49 on:** July 18, 2004, 01:57:16 AM »

>> If you have/had experience with DAW's you'd realize that 128MB is entirely sufficient for 2-track stereo recording!<<

i love OS X, but it needs a lot of ram to function nicely. try 128 and you'll see the spinning beach ball a lot