newbie seeks G4 advice

[Park Seward]

The Digi Compatibility documents give all the advice you are asking about. Check them out at the link on the top of this page.

Yes, you can hear the fan. There have been many discussions on what to do, including getting a custom cable for the 001 to extend the control box. Putting the computer in a ventilated box was one suggestion as well as some baffles.

You can extend the monitor and keyboard 100 feet with some devices.

You don't need more RAM than the recommendations. In fact, I have seen posts that say too much RAM actually slows down the application.

you can speed it up my using only the extensions you need to run Pro Tools. Disable all the screen savers, sleep, networking, Appletalk and all others you don't need. Use Extensions Manager to give you a "Digi 001" set.

Good luck!

[lwilliam]

Unless you start to add lots of plugins to the session and/or softsynths, etc., 256MB should be nice and solid for you. I ran my PTLE/001 with 192 for a while. It ran fine. I just couldn't add anything like NI's B4, or have any other app running.

[golfshots]

Waiting patiently for the Mbox... but would like to get a new mac so I'm ready.

I will be using primarily for voice-over work... no music, no midi... but want the machine to be rock solid.

Max out the ram? Where does overkill begin for me speedwise?

If I went for a new iMac I'd have to put it within arms reach in my small attic studio and I'm afraid of hard drive noise. I can plunk a G4 tower down on the floor another few yards away and put some sound dampening material between me and it...but still have the monitor/keyboard within easy distance for quick editing. That seems to be the way to go. but someone told me the new G4's fans can be a bit noisy.

So... all things considered... I'd appreciate advice on which G4 to buy, do I need a second hard drive, etc?

Thanks.

[golfshots]

Thanks for the good info, guys. Digi still hasn't put their system requirements for the Mbox up there...but looking at them folr the 001, it appears that just about any tower will do.

Is there any G4 known to be more notorious for loud fans... and one that has a reputation for being quieter?

and for my typical usage... will my current 17" monitor do with pro tools or should I consider something else?

[lwilliam]

If you can afford a 19" monitor, I'd go for it. My 17" is a little small at times.

[where02190]

We up'd the ram in our Dual 800 from 256k to 1.3g, allocated more ram to DAE and PT and noticed a significant difference in performance, speed and capabilities.

Personally I've still got decent eyes, and the 17" monitor does fine for me, but of course 19" would be better...just takes up more real estate.

There are several options to replace the fan with a quieter one, search the DUC or check with your local electronics store. Some models of G-4's do seem to be louder than others, ours seems pretty quiet, and with some isolation and damping, it is a non issue.

Hope this is helpful.

[andyo]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:<HR>Originally posted by golfshots:

I will be using primarily for voice-over work... no music, no midi... but want the machine to be rock solid.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Get the new iMac - that would be solid with the M-Box.

Andy