|
Huh, well 6 months seems like just starting out to me, but then again, I've been doing this for 10 years, so my timeline might be a little different than yours.
anyway, I digress....
Generally If I'm buying a new computer then I would initially put the money into things that cannot be replaced. That means getting the fastest processor you can. Ram and disk can always be added later when you have more cash, but its more difficult to replace your processor.
If I were in your position, Id go with this:
Apple Macintosh G5:
2 3.0 Ghz Intel Xeon Dual-Core processors, 2GB Ram and 2x500 GB hard disks.
Graphics card doesnt matter and with Apple, you do not get to choose a motherboard type.
That will run you about $3200 US.
As for soundcard, that will depend on if you have a lot of outboard hardware. If you do, you'll want something with lots of ins and outs, such as a M-Audio Delta 1010 ($400 US) or a MOTU 24IO (expensive). The 24IO is about $1500 US.
If you do not have much or any outboard hardware, then something simple like a Delta 2496 ($99 US) or a Motu Ultralite ($550 US).
Definitely go MOTU if you are on the Apple platform, MOTU and Apple work great together.
Don't forget to get decent monitors if you dont already have some. Mackie HR Series are very popular, but a tad pricey (about $1000 for a pair). I have heard good things about the M-Audio BX5a (about $350 USD).
Personally, if I were 6 months into it in today's world, I'd just go with the Apple Mac, Logic Pro, a MOTU audio interface and some Mackie HR624/824's. WIth today's VST instruments and the quality of the built in synths and plugins you get with Logic, you wouldn't need much else.
If you are sticking with Ableton, you may want to invest in some third party VSTi's or FX, such as the Waves plugins (awesome, but expensive) or a UAD-1 card (awesome, but can get expensive). I like the Ableton built in FX< but they aren't as good as Logic's, IMO.
|
but I'm not really a 'starter'...
