I'm currently in the process of upgrading my studio and i'm about to take the plunge and buy a lovely new shiny G5. The problem is that all of the reviews focus on the super-de-dooper computers that have processor power to do everything you need and then wash your dishes and take you away on holiday as a suprise.

I basically want to know if anyone has experience of the single 1.8GHz and the dual 2GHz as these are the only specs in my price range. I know the rule is "buy the best you can afford" but the extra £300 could really come in handy if i don't spend it on the CPU.

So is the performance between single and dual processors relative? What would happen if you measured up a single 1.8 and a dual 1.8 from the last generation? Would there be a particularly noticeable change in running Pro Tools and Logic through a dual processor?

I write music for film so i always have video in the background and tend to use around 10 audio tracks, 10 MIDI tracks (usually virtual sampled instruments), and a video track (obviously) with Space Designer bussed although i'd like to start using it as a plug-in on each track seperately along with compression, EQ, limiters etc.

HELP!?!

From the way that you describe your usage (in particular about the space designer) I would say that the extra £300 would be a worthwhile investment. The dual 2.0 that I have sings along quite merrily with 15 tracks of Virtual Instruments and at least 3 or 4 Space Designers and a range of other plug ins.

I couldn't guarantee the difference between the Single and Dual 1.8's but I would imagine that the was a 50% increase in performance.


If you work to picture definately go with the Dual 2.0 on Tiger. You will not be sorry you did.

C

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Dual 2Ghz G5 2.5GB RAM, Logic Pro 7.2, Logic Control, MOTU 828mkII Drumkit from Hell C&V and Superior, EW QLSO Gold, Zebra and Cameleon, Melodyne Uno, Atmosphere, Max/MSP

Don't forget the apple refurb store too.

http://registration.euro.apple.com/promo/refurb/uk/

Today Dual G5 2GHz with PCI-X slots for around £1100

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Cubase, guitars.

A dual 1.8GHz won't be twice as powerful as a single 1.8GHz.

When the first G5's came out the dual 2GHz ran about 10-15 (can't remember exactly it was a long time ago!) more instances of Space Designer than the single 1.8.

Make sure you get some more RAM for it, try Crucial.

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A computer, some cool mic's and amps.

it's pretty much a direct relationship, Marshy's recollection of the Space designer figures is slightly misleading in a way.... only 15 more.... when the Machine is running @35 does nearly represent almost 45% .............. which is sort of not that far out of line with what people might reasonably expect.

get a dual machine.... it really is worth it.

Max

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if you don't know who i am, i aint gonna tell you.