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  #1  
Old 07-04-2011, 02:01 PM
el biciclista el biciclista is offline
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Default Best path to upgrade from PTHD on PowerMac G5?

Please help with some advice. I am not up on the best options for upgrading my system.

Here is my system:
- PowerMac G5 Dual 2.7 running OS 10.5.8
- HD2 system with PCI-X core card and 2 process cards
- PT Version 8.0.1
- Two 192 Digital I/O units connected to Lavry converters.

I have been postponing upgrading from my trusty G5, but my hand is being forced.........for example:
- I want to buy the virtual instrument Strike.......the system requirements include "Intel-based Mac".
- I want to buy an Axiom 49 keyboard..........the system requirements include "Intel Core Duo".

Some questions:
(1) Since I mix out-of-the-box and use almost no plug-ins (iZotope 4 and a few virtual instruments), is the Mac Pro Quad Core sufficient?
(2) Is it time to go completely native w/o an HD core card? (It would be pretty strange w/o HD ). Would this be adequate for me?
(3) Are my 3 HD PCI-X cards worthless, or can I upgrade from them to a newer Core card, if I continue to stay HD (versus native)?
(4) I have 18 digital Out's and 4 digital In's (I convert with Lavry converters). If I buy a new HD card, then I assume I would continue to keep the two 192 Digital I/O's. Alternatively, if I go native with no HD card, how would I get the digital signals in/out? Can I buy a 3rd party I/O card for this?

As I said, I haven't closely followed Avid changes, so I am trying to sort through my options.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
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  #2  
Old 07-04-2011, 08:44 PM
el biciclista el biciclista is offline
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Default Re: Best path to upgrade from PTHD on PowerMac G5?

OK, I've done some homework and have concluded I don't want to go 100% native.
Also, I would want to buy at least a Mac Pro 8-core computer, to handle the processing.

So, let's say I buy a used Mac Pro 8-core.
It then appears I have 2 exchange options:

(1) 1 PCIx core card --> 1 HD Accel PCI-e core card, $1795
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/HDXHD1-HD1e/
Then I assume I could sell the 2 PCIx process cards on eBay.

(2) "Legacy TDM system" --> 1PCIe native core card, $1595
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/HDXLeg-HDNat/
Not sure if I have to give them 1 card or 3 cards.

Questions:
(a) Am I correct that these two options apply to me?
(b) If so, wouldn't I be ahead to pay an extra $200 and stay with a TDM system?
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  #3  
Old 07-05-2011, 07:14 AM
el biciclista el biciclista is offline
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Default Re: Best path to upgrade from PTHD on PowerMac G5?

Nobody have any input on this?
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  #4  
Old 07-05-2011, 09:44 AM
el biciclista el biciclista is offline
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Default Re: Best path to upgrade from PTHD on PowerMac G5?

Well, I am going to exchange for a native core card.
My main considerations were:
- I mix out-of-the-box, not in TDM
- I only use RTAS plug-ins now (Ozone 4, virtual instruments), so the computer is already doing much of the work.
- I only track guitars; all other tracking is done elsewhere.

I will buy a used Mac Pro 8-core.

We'll see how it goes.
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Old 07-05-2011, 11:43 AM
WernerF WernerF is offline
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Default Re: Best path to upgrade from PTHD on PowerMac G5?

You could also keep your cards, when you get your Intel Mac, and buy a Magma PE6R4 chassis to put them into. They cost around two grand and they work flawlessly with zero latency. Many of us here use this configuration and the bonus is that you can pick up extra PCI Process and Acell cards for really low prices on eBay. I have an HD 6 in the chassis and it comes in mighty handy.
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  #6  
Old 07-05-2011, 02:53 PM
gsilbers gsilbers is offline
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Default Re: Best path to upgrade from PTHD on PowerMac G5?

Quote:
Originally Posted by WernerF View Post
You could also keep your cards, when you get your Intel Mac, and buy a Magma PE6R4 chassis to put them into. They cost around two grand and they work flawlessly with zero latency. Many of us here use this configuration and the bonus is that you can pick up extra PCI Process and Acell cards for really low prices on eBay. I have an HD 6 in the chassis and it comes in mighty handy.
+1

you can add picx accell/process cards forever (up tp 6 i think)

but moving away from pcix for that crossgrade price is also a thing to ponder
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  #7  
Old 07-05-2011, 08:13 PM
el biciclista el biciclista is offline
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Default Re: Best path to upgrade from PTHD on PowerMac G5?

Some very good options suggested.............but right or wrong, I have already exchanged my TDM core card for a native HD card.
Exchange cost = 1595
I'll sell the process card on eBay for around 450
So net cost for a new native HD card + PT9 is around 1150.
Onward and upward.
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