Music making software for an imac g3

[jimlewis@rhythm]

Hello all.

I recently aquired an Imac G3, which I want to use for recording in my home studio. However I am struggling to get answers as to what software I can use. I know that I can't get Garage Band for it, but surely there must be something like this I can use. It is currently running on OSX10.3.9 and has 768MB SD RAM. I use an old toshiba laptop at present, which is much older than the mac and I have the latest cubase on this, so surley there must be something outhere for a younger G3 imac.

Regards
J.

[strike-down]

hey dude you could look at using logic studio
however i dont think your system matches the minimum system requirements for the latest version, but you could use an earlier release if you can find one. I used it while doing my GCSE and A-Level Music, and personally prefered it to cubase. And it opens garage band files
http://www.apple.com/logicstudio/
If you are able to upgrade the RAM in your G3 to at least 1gb (preferably 2gb) then it should run the latest version

[Lowe]

To be honest an iMac G3 is going to suffer with anything remotely serious. Even the current Garageband will struggle. Cubase 4 will be an absolute no no, as will Logic. Not enough horsepower there in the G3 I'm afraid.

[jimlewis@rhythm]

Many thanks there is hope yet then
Cheers!

[jimlewis@rhythm]

Cheers for the reply but would increasing the memory make a difference.
regards

[Lowe]

No.

G3 iMac is what.. SDRAM with a 400mhz G3 chip. It's simply not got the raw grunt to handle music well. Basic audio recording yes, maybe up to 8 mono tracks with no plugs ins/EQ. Certainly no virtual instruments.

[beeboy]

You might be surprised just what you can squeeze out of it if you are realistic.
If it's newer than your current machine then you're on to a winner. It's a better spec than my old Atari!

Try some of the DAW stuff from the same year as the machine, Logic 5/6, Cubase SX or VST (I thnink, I remember right)
Keep tracks to a minimum, effects too, and you might get somewhere. try some old free VST's (or Audio Units since it's Apple), they (sometimes) run OK on older systems due to the spec that was standard when they were released

The old software should be cheap to pick up.

Stick in as much RAM as you can afford, and maybe a quicker hard drive. If they're not some weird Apple standard it should be a cheap upgrade.

You'll have limitations, but it can sometimes work in your favour. I sometimes clear out all of my VSTi's and try to make a track with just 1 or 2 rather than have dozens of possibility and not know where to start.

Good luck. Have fun.