Posted on 05/09/2011 9:41:48 PM PDT by This Just In
Logic Express is a great choice because it has well-integrated recording, music-making, charting, and MIDI tools all in one (relatively) inexpensive package. And, of course, it’s Apple software, so it plays well with Macs. One thing he should keep in mind, though, is that the learning curve is pretty long. Beginners with the software can start doing basic stuff pretty quickly, but really mastering it is a long process. The payoff for the long process is a lot a flexibility.
Here’s what we included in the package:
8GB 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 2x4GB
500GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm
The price is already steep, and so I hope this will be suitable.
Thanks for all your help. Greatly appreciated.
TJI
Get a drive for backing up the files.
You can set it to synchronize.
If your kid loses all the files due to a spun drive, that’s it.
It will cost $1,500 to have a company with fancy gear and software get it back.
Or you can use that online service Rush and Levine talk about.
Either way, make sure you have the ability to restore your lost files.
If I’m not mistaken, and I hope i’m not, the package includes one.
I take that back. It’s not included. Any recommendations for the MacBook Pro. The Time Capsule is ideal, but that price is a little high.
See if there is one in the closeout section.
Sometimes half off.
Perfect! With 8 gig he’ll be well taken care of.
Re: Backup drives. The vast majority of drive space usage comes from actual recording. Even then, audio files are relatively small. Most composing is done using Logic’s built in musical instruments, and they don’t produce much data because all you’re doing is creating a series of pointers to the note you want to hear. The Logic project files are also quite small. I tend to just use a forty buck 16 gig thumb drive I bought over the counter. When a project’s complete, I’ll burn a data DVD with the original files. With the price of storage coming down daily, and new types of storage coming on line, I’d let him determine what he needs as he goes along, because his needs if he goes heavily into recording will be different from his needs if he doesn’t. Your package as it is will stand him in good stead for quite a while. He can backup to CD or DVD with the drive on machine until he has some idea of his needs. You’re giving him a very respectable professional level package there. He’ll be well served by it and by the great choice of parents he made.
Thanks for the great input. The reason I focused on the Mac is because it’s the industry standard. All of our friends in the business, which include engineers, use the Mac. I’m thinking more bang for our buck, and long term.
For studio recording sessions here on our home pc, we use a Lexicon/Omega Cubase, Monster cables, along with AKG and MXL condenser mics. It gets the work done, but sending files to engineers in Europe and other parts of the country can be a hassle (esp. when they’re using a Mac).
You know, when I typed “expansion options”, I had a feeling this was probably an out-of-date term, and that some Freeper would surely set me straight. I do appreciate the help. :^)
Our family has worked in the industry for decades. We know of what you speak. :^)
I’m not sure if you worked as a teacher/instructor, or mainly gigged. We worked in both areas of music with an emphases on live performances and session work.
So our child has been around the industry before birth. We have talked at length about the challenges to face in the industry, and encourage a trade to fall back on. Not everyone is gifted with an ability to teach. Our child possess an aptitude in computers, so the budding musician has also been studying in that field.
Our hope is that the talents and gifts the Lord has bestowed will be used for His glory.
Thanks, Darth.
We use a Finale on our pc. It’s okay, but the Logic Express will be a whole new and wonderful experience for our child.
I’m glad you found your solution. Macs are good, or so I’m told. In L.A. some people look down at you if you don’t at least have a mac with you on the job (I try to avoid LosAngeles whenever possible).
It’s always nerve racking for me when I buy new mission critical equipment. Fortunately I’m finally getting to a point where I have my bases covered for most situations.
Have you tried using a hyper/super cardioid mic at home? They really eliminate the bounce/reflections in domestic environments.
btt
I see you already bought.
For anyone’s future reference this is Dell outlet where I have gotten good solid laptops. Here are the laptops w the new generation i3 and i5 processors. Get a two year on site warranty ($119) and you are all set
Fortunately we have yet to be looked down upon by those You-Don’t-Own-A-Mac? folks.
We haven’t used a hyper/super cardioid mic. Fortunately the room is perfect for recording. So the AKG and MXL gets the job done. We’d like to invest in a Neumann U 87, but I’ll have to sell my arm and leg first. :^)
Hubby and I are vocalists, so that's a strike against us right there (lol) as we are not that proficient on the other instruments we play (guitar for hubby and piano for me).
We never taught music since we graduated from SDSU in 1978 right as Prop. 13 passed....after which all the music teacher jobs just dried up. Adulthood also crept up on us and before we knew it, we had 3 kids. I made the conscious decision to put music on the back burner to focus on family life (which I don't regret at all), although hubby still sings in the church choir and any other gigs he can get.
I envy your success in the field. It's a dream job if you can get it....making money while doing something you absolutely love.
Mrs. Prince of Space
I appreciate your comments, and understand your families situation more than you could possibly realize.
Thankfully we have been blessed while working in the industry. We have Gold and Platinum records adorning our walls. I don’t say this to brag, but to share some things.
As you know, the music industry involves a life that is counter to that of a healthy home life. Unless you are a headliner with a fan base of well over tens of thousands of fans, you’re having to really hustle gigs in order to make a living, and being a headliner comes with no guarantees.
The lifestyle finally took a toll on us, and our family was forced to make some tough decisions. We decided to leave the business full time and concentrate on raising a family. We never looked back, and we don’t regret the decision (as you know from personal experience).
We continue to perform live on occasion, and are involved in session work from time to time, but it’s not a full time pursuit.
You and your husband made the right choice in putting your family before your fame.
Fame is fleeting, but your family is forever.
May the Lord bless you and yours.
Again congratulations. If there is a transition period or help is needed put up another FR thread.
Keep in touch with your FR family.
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