Have just got my new mac mini up and running (2.3ghz core i5) and am starting from scratch with regards to doing some "light" recording.

ultimately i want to record the following
basic backing tracks for rehearsal purposes using live instruments, loops and midi files etc. Often our drummer can't make rehearsals
record snipets, bit of riffs and chord structures when i come across them in moments of pure genius (thats not very often)
record my acoustic with my Mrs doing a bit of singing

Firstly I'm going to upgrade my ram to 8GB, as for now i have just got the default 2gb. I'm planning a staggered upgrade to a few bits and bobs over the next few months and am really just thinking out loud for now.

Software - Logic Express 9? reason being a few people i know use it so local support would be great and sharing projects would be easy. Im starting with garageband and will see how i get on

Audio interface - Im thinking of going firewire on this one due to the fact i already have numerous USB devices running (its my office machine too). currently have a line6 tone port ux2 which is ok but nothing special.

Have got a few mics etc including SM57 if i want to record from my amps as well as having a mic in front of my acoustic, with access to a couple of Rhodes.

I suppose people use garageband and simple interfaces and get half decent results so it may be a case that i need to go no further than that.

Anyway like i say I'm starting form scratch and really just thinking out loud, but any direction will be much appreciated

Cheers

Dave

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I eat kebabs when i'm sober!

Quote Dave71:

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Software - Logic Express 9?

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There is no Logic Express any more. Logic Pro is £140 in the app store.

Having said that, you should already have Garageband with your Mac, so I'd start there and see how you get on. It might be all you need, and by the time you want more, then you can move onto Logic and keep your projects compatible.

Oops, was going on what was for sale at a local retailer.

So ram has just been upgraded to 8gb (crucial) and the difference is outstanding, applications open so much quicker and Garageband is no longer sluggish with several tracks running.

hopefully should have a good tinker with garageband this next week and see how i get on

cheers

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I eat kebabs when i'm sober!