Question for Mac Gurus

[hdiddy]

I have been given an old Imac purple one from late 90's
Here are the specs:
CPU
CPU: PowerPC 750
CPU Speed: 233 MHz
FPU: integrated
Bus Speed: 66 MHz
Data Path: 64 bit
ROM: 1 MB ROM + 3 MB toolbox ROM loaded into RAM
RAM Type: 144 pin SO-DIMM
Minimum RAM Speed: 100 MHz
Onboard RAM: 0 MB
RAM slots: 2
Maximum RAM: 256 MB
Level 1 Cache: 32 kB data, 32 kB instruction
Level 2 Cache: 512 kB backside, 1:2
Expansion Slots: mezzanine
Storage
Hard Drive: 4 GB
ATA Bus: EIDE
Optical Drive: 24x CD-ROM

Do you think I can run Pro Tools LE, what would you suggest for an Audio interface? or SHOULD I JUST FORGET IT?

I current run Sonar 5 and Tascam FW1884, but want to dable in Mac world

Thoughts Appreciated

[chadbang]

I've run most audio programs on a 233mhz mac. The only drawback is you might be limited to the number of tracks you can run simultaneously. You might start sputtering around 6-7 tracks.

[Zuper]

While you may be able to get away with recording a track, maybe even two, through an older version of Pro Tools, I wouldn't bother. It will be a headache.

If you want to check out the mac world, buy a used G4, or something along those lines.

My .02

[Platypus]

I agree, it isn't worth your time with that hardware. Hell, if you got OSX to run on ~256MB or below in a usable fashion it'd surprise me.

[stratology]

Run OS 9 on the iMac (needs much less resources than OS X) and try the free version of Protools for OS 9. You can try working with the 'audio in' of the Mac, sound quality is not bad, or with your interface.

I'd suggest you try this setup first (doesn't cost you anything), if you find it too limiting, get a faster Mac.

There's also a free version of Rebirth available for OS 9, try it, it's fun...

[hdiddy]

Where Can I get the free version of pro-tools? I looked on the website and could not find anything?

What cheap interface would work that is cheap? Do you think that I can run the Digi 001? or does that need a pci card

[getbent]

not worth it and you'd end up thinking that macs weren't as good when you are using a machine that is 8 years old.

but, if you choose to do it.. run OS 9 and the free Pro tools, pick up an edirol usb capture box for 70.00 used... the OS 9 driver is still on the site... you could do 8 tracks, but you may want to upgrade to at least 384 mb ram with 1 mb of virtual ram under OS 9.

[d7music]

Pro Tools Free:
http://www.digidesign.com/index.cfm?&key=/products/details.cfm&template=download&itemid=2040&langid=1

The Digi001 does require a PCI card.

[stratology]

The download for Pro Tools free is here (http://www.download.com/Pro-Tools-Free/3640-2182_4-3296394.html).
Rebirth is here (http://www.rebirthmuseum.com/).

You will have to create an account to log in on both pages...

[hdiddy]

Thanks Guys

[Disco Scottie]

You can absolutely run PT Free on OS 9. I have a '98 PowerBook similar to your specs, and I use it for Pro Tools all the time. Speed is great, no problems at all. Never tried OS X on it, so if you go that route you're in uncharted waters. But OS 9, you're good to go!

[T.Wesley]

Put iTunes on it and use it for a jukebox.

Gonna be mighty frustrating to record with ProTools on that machine.

--chiba

[Disco Scottie]

Gonna be mighty frustrating to record with ProTools on that machine.

No, no, no!!! As long as you stick with OS 9, PT will be great on this box. If you're trying to run the latest and greatest, then you'll likely not be happy. But come on guys, give the Mac platform a little more credit... not everyone needs the most current version of whatever to record.

[GaryNattrass]

You have 256m of maximum RAM so I doubt if PT LE will run at all as you need at least around 1gb.

[stratology]

You have 256m of maximum RAM so I doubt if PT LE will run at all as you need at least around 1gb.

Not true for Pro Tools Free on OS 9. (Although to get as much RAM as possible is always a good idea...).

[mike@switchback]

No, no, no!!! As long as you stick with OS 9, PT will be great on this box. If you're trying to run the latest and greatest, then you'll likely not be happy. But come on guys, give the Mac platform a little more credit... not everyone needs the most current version of whatever to record.

Very true. Lest we forget what might be the greatest Mac of all time? Pre-G3, no less:

http://homepage.mac.com/mpackage/9600.jpg


But I also definitely agree with those who say that you shouldn't take your experiences with this iMac as being at all indicative of working with OS X on a new Mac. Different worlds.