How Many Gig Of Ram For iMac?

[mstrwooley]

Can someone suggest how many Gig's of ram I would need on an iMac to get say 32 tracks of audio, 32 tracks of sequencing with good plugins, 4 aux tracks of stereo reverb, and as many bus tracks as I would want and as many eq and limiting/compression plugins I would want. This would be on an LE system. An Mbox with PT 7.1. Something tells me I might be look at an expansion chaise.

Thanks.

DR

[mesaone]

8 GB should be fine, more obviously being better. Since PT 7.1 isn't 64 bit, it can only access ~4GB by itself.

Are you buying this computer new? If so, you won't be able to run anything less than PT11 on it, since the operating system will be too recent.

[mstrwooley]

Thank you for the info. I would like to buy a newer used iMac. If I do...what OS should I get it with to continue using 7.1 PT? Thanks again.

DR

[DigiTechSupt]

Hi mstrwooley,

Unfortunately, LE version of pro tools is no longer compatible with the newest iMac. Only Pro tools 12 will be compatible with it.

Here is a link where you can check our Pro tools Operating System Compatibility Chart:
http://avid.force.com/pkb/articles/e...tibility-Chart

Best Regards,

YD

[DetroitT]

And getting 12 is not a bad thing...

For PT's 12 get as much as can fit. (32 GB for iMac I7)
This does make the experience nicer.

[JFreak]

Originally Posted by DetroitT

For PT's 12 get as much as can fit. (32 GB for iMac I7)

32 tracks can be handled with the minimum 8GB requirement, but I'd say 16GB should be the sweet spot today. If you have the budget, buy as much as you can -- especially if you run multiple virtual instruments.

I'm more concerned about the CPU. If there is a possibility to upgrade to faster one, grab it if you can afford it. Memory can be upgraded later if necessary.

[musicman691]

Originally Posted by JFreak

32 tracks can be handled with the minimum 8GB requirement, but I'd say 16GB should be the sweet spot today. If you have the budget, buy as much as you can -- especially if you run multiple virtual instruments.

I'm more concerned about the CPU. If there is a possibility to upgrade to faster one, grab it if you can afford it. Memory can be upgraded later if necessary.

The ability to upgrade memory depends on the size iMac - the smaller one (21.5 inch) doesn't have user upgradeable ram; only the 27 inch models.

[JFreak]

Originally Posted by musicman691

The ability to upgrade memory depends on the size iMac - the smaller one (21.5 inch) doesn't have user upgradeable ram; only the 27 inch models.

True. Sad, but true.