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D Voice · Been Here Awhile Joined: 26 Jun 2010 Posts: 232

Just got a Mac G5 Tower 2.0 GHz dual core, 4GB RAM (running 10.4) from someone who moved away. Any advice/suggestions/tips/caveats, etc.?

Not used to Macs. The rest of my computer network are PCs running Windows XP. Thinking about using it for recording and/or editing, if there would be much improvement.

Bruce · Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2013 11:53 am Post subject:

They're very nice and plenty powerful enough to run audio programs. The biggest problem is they're noisy with 8 fans that run at various times. You'll want to separate it from your mic. I bought a 15' powered extension cord for my monitor ($180 new!) so I could put the CPU in a closet. I had to buy a separate DVD burner when I got tired of jumping up and down to make a disc. Of course the new mini doesn't have a DVD player and for the time being I haven't missed it.

Now that I've got a Mac mini (virtually noise free) I probably should sell the extension cord, eh?

B
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D Voice · Been Here Awhile Joined: 26 Jun 2010 Posts: 232

Yes, the noise is rather disappointing. Will eventually hope for something quiet enough to sit near the mics.

Jason Huggins · Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2013 12:30 pm Post subject:

I'd max the RAM if it isn't already. I have 4gb in my iMac, and I am going to double that here very soon, as I get slowdowns when running multiple audio programs, and my browser (gotta have the BB window up at all times).

captain54 · Lucky 700 Joined: 30 Jan 2006 Posts: 744 Location: chicago

You're a few generations behind with 10.4, and 10.5 is the last OS to run on a non-Intel Mac, which the G5 is.. So if anything you load on that machine requires Snow Leopard, Lion or Mountain Lion, you are SOOL.

Yonie · CM Joined: 31 Aug 2011 Posts: 906

Bish · Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2013 7:22 pm Post subject:

I've been considering a G5 just for S&G. I've got an earlier Intel Mac Pro and love it to bits! I'm still running Snow Leopard and see no need to upgrade. Noise is an issue. I have mine outside the studio in a utility space. A couple of sheets of sheet-rock keep it silent. BTW, I'm only using 4GB and feel no great urge to upgrade. What I did though, was to replace the primary boot drive with a 256GB SSD. Wow!

You may not have access to the latest software, but in all seriousness, do you need it? It doesn't sound like you're going to be overloading it, so it should run sweetly.
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georgethetech · Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2013 8:06 pm Post subject:

Update it to 10.4.11, install Twstedwave, stash it in the closet.
I have a client on a Powermac G4 and it runs TW just fine. Beware that not all newer audio hardware will be supported, such as the Focusrite Scarlett series. A Lexicon Alpha or Lambda will work great.
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heyguido · Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2013 12:32 am Post subject:

D Voice · Been Here Awhile Joined: 26 Jun 2010 Posts: 232

Yes. In fact there is some older software and hardware- including an M-Box- that I would like to play with this, so the fact it is a little older doesn't bother me much. (Installed XP on a newer PC for the same reason- unfortunately it is a Small Form Factor Dell designed for offices- a bit noisy for VO).

But I have noticed more recent versions of some software- VLC, Twisted Wave(?) etc. need something newer than Tiger. Put the latest version of Audacity on there for now.

Considering Twisted Wave, Reaper or Ardour. My older Adobe Audition obviously won't run on a Mac- holding out for version 7.x.

captain54 · Lucky 700 Joined: 30 Jan 2006 Posts: 744 Location: chicago

Reporting that TW runs like a champ on a G4 Powerbook with 10.5, and.with 512MB of RAM, mind you.... the Powerbook is still a little noisy when yur on top of it, but not too bad if you can create some distance between it and the Mic....