Conference napalm::commusic_v1

I have never used a Mac II, but here's some comments on the Mac SE:

>     Is the SE adequate for a few years of heavy midi use?
>     (In terms of functionality, not physcial durablity)

I've been using a Mac  SE  w/1MB  memory  /20MB  HD for 2 years, running
     Master Tracks Pro (sequencer).  I  just  recently upgraded to 2.5MB
     memory.

1 MB memory was not a problem with respect to MIDI usage, but I recently
     started    downloading    and    using   all    sorts    of    desk
     accesories/inits/sound  files/screen  savers/Stepping  Out  II etc.
     which  are memory hungry.  So  I  would  say  that  if  you're  not
     "customizing"  you Mac setup with inits etc.,  then  1Mb  would  be
     sufficient for simple sequencing.

Song storage  now  consumes  about  5MB  on  myhard  disk (5 floppies to
     backup, about 50-75 songs/song fragments).

----------
If it were me, I'd keep the Mac IIcx.  When  Apple  comes out with their
     MIDI  manager,  you  will  begin  to  see  lot's of real-time  MIDI
     processors  (software)  that  you  will  want to run together under
     Mutlifinder. Processing speed may become more critical.


/Mitch

    At this point I would advise against Mac systems with only 1 meg of
    memory, and against vanilla 68000 CPUs.
    
    You want to be able to run at least two programs (sequencer and
    librarian) until the 7.0 operating system comes out with virtual
    memory.  At that point you require 2 meg, and a 68030 or a 68020 + the
    PMMU chip to enable use of the VM.
    
    Compare the price of the SE, and buying a 68030 or 020 + PMMU add-in
    board with the cost of an SE-30, which is the SE that you will be
    wanting next year.  (I don't know the prices)
    
    I think you win keeping the Mac II.
    
    Another point: Plug-in SIMM memory is going for ~$100.00/meg now.
    Don't let Apple sell it to you for lots more, but you might get close
    to that in a packaged system with 2 or 4 meg.
    
    	Eirikur (Mr. Mac hackery)
    

     In a purely musical application there is no obvious advantage to having 
     one Mac over another. What counts most with sequencing software is the 
     amount of memory available, not the cpu speed or hard disk size of the 
     system. 
     
     Still, if I had the choice I'd pick the IIcx. If you ever intend to use 
     a scoring program you will need all the horsepower you can get. Another 
     factor is the display size. The SE has a 9" screen which has a tendency
     to become cluttered quickly. Try opening several windows at the same time 
     and you'll see what I mean. The IIcx has a clear advantage here because 
     you can choose a number of large screen displays (color, too). 
     
     Before making a decision I'd call Opcode to make sure Vision has been
     tested on a 68030 system. 

     I'm also researching Macs for my setup, but unless Apple gets more
     realistic with their pricing I may be forced to buy a *gulp* Atari.
     (Just kidding Atari lovers)

     Dan P     

    Not that this has anything to do with your questions in .0, but
    congrats on your win.  It's nice to hear someone getting over once in a
    while. 

    If you *do* decide to get Mac software, I understand that MACZONE
    (1-800-MAC-ZONE) has killer prices.

-b

One other consideration in addition to the excellent input you've already
received, is the availability of slots for options.  The IIcx has 3 slots I
believe which can be very useful for items like Digidesigns sampling card,
larger monitors, etc.  So as for a system with some longevity, the IIcx has it
hands down IMHO.  Don't forget, a computer can have many useful applications
well beyond our beloved music...

- Jim

Congrats!!

I'd keep the IIcx dittoing the previous responses.  Sys 7 will  like
the extra horses next year and the IIcx has a longer product life cycle
left.

The IIcx (or ci 25 mghz) is what I hope to get as my second midi machine and
for school if I return to full time school in 91.  I'd use it for everything
MIDI exceot for the sequencer, which would stay on my Atari (Notator of course).

Chad

    Why you need to worry about system 7 (in case you don't follow Mac
    news):
    
    System 7 requires a minimum memory of 2 MB.  (Note that you can have an
    SE with more than 1 MB if you want.)  To use the virtual memory feature
    of System 7 will require a 68030 processor, which the IIcx has, but the
    SE does not.  (The SE/30 does, however).  And the MIDI-manager feature,
    which allows internal switching of MIDI event streams among
    simultaneously running programs, is a feature of system 7.
    
    So stay with the IIcx (don't call it just a "II".  The "II" is
    something else, that is obsolete and being discontinued.)  Or get an
    SE/30 with more than 1MB if you care about the machine being relatively
    portable and can live with the 9-inch screen.
    
    Both memory and hard disks are cheaper (LOTS cheaper) if you don't buy
    them from Apple.

    
    Thank you all for your replies.
    The general concensus seems to be to hold on to the mac 2cx.
    I am waiting for apple to send me tax forms and then I have
    to wait 10 weeks for the unit.
    So, Im sure I will rejuvinate this note later with more
    questions.
    Can anyone recommend a good editor for the mac and an esq-m.
    Also, a librarian for rx21/esq-m.
    Also, is there a patch editor for the rx21?, you know something
    that will duplicate the front panel on the mac.
    
    
    Thanks everyone Ill keep you posted
    Pete