VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

whalewtchr · Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2010 8:05 pm Post subject: Mac Mini

Making the switch to MAC from PC DAW and wondering if anyone else is using or has used the new Mac Mini. 2.66 gHz Intel Core2 processor, 320GB Hard Drive w/4MB Memory. Plan to get an external 1TB hard drive attached to the fire wire port and use it with M-Box2Mini and Pro Tools 8 LE. Looking for quiet, simple machine for Audiobook Narration.
_________________
jonahcummings

TC · Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2010 9:51 pm Post subject:

For what it's worth, I've heard Grover Gardner of Blackstone Audio say that his company issues Mac minis to its narrators, and that he prefers that the narrators use Pro Tools and record directly to the mini's built-in hard drive.

I record to a MacBook now, but my plan is to get a Mac mini for my studio sometime very soon.

Deirdre · Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2010 10:59 pm Post subject:

I've got a Mac Mini as my backup computer for Camp Cooper East.

Spiffy and quiet.
_________________
DBCooperVO.com
IMDB

whalewtchr · Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2010 5:20 am Post subject:

Thank You!
_________________
jonahcummings

Bruce · Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2010 6:01 am Post subject:

Many positive comments have been posted here about using the Mac Mini for VO. If you need further backup, do a Search using the term:

mac AND mini

specifying the Gear section and you'll see them.

B
_________________
VO-BB Member #31 Enlisted June, 2005

I'm not a Zoo, but over the years I've played one on radio/TV. .

captain54 · Lucky 700 Joined: 30 Jan 2006 Posts: 744 Location: chicago

Can't say enough about the Mini...super super quiet...record directly to the system drive without a problem..

Mike Sommer · Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2010 7:54 am Post subject:

Mini's are fine. Now I will say by the time you add in the keyboard monitor and mouse you're almost at the price of an iMac. Of which the newest iMac as been released, and is a fire breathing dragon.

You also get the opportunity to use Logic Express for your DAW, or the new Adobe Audition Beta- http://labs.adobe.com/technologies/audition/
_________________
The Blog:
http://voiceoveraudio.blogspot.com/

Acoustics are counter-intuitive. If one thing is certain about acoustics, it is that if anything seems obvious it is probably wrong.

georgethetech · Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2010 10:21 pm Post subject:

Love the Minis! I installed the latest model, the flat aluminumy one, today at Jonathan Cook's place. It is incredibly quiet, had to put my ear directly on the top of it to hear anything. While Mike is right about the cost of an iMac, I still like the fact that it can be stashed away from the mic and is cheaper to replace/repair than the all-in-one iMac if a video card fails (it happend to my iMac 24). The iMac will be heard if your mic is right above it by the vents.
It as more than enough oommph for Pro Tools, and even HD video editing (but wouldn't be my first choice for video).
_________________
If it sounds good, it is good.
George Whittam
GeorgeThe.Tech
424-226-8528
VOBS.TV Co-host
TheProAudioSuite.com Co-host
TriBooth.com Co-founder

whalewtchr · Posted: Thu Aug 05, 2010 5:18 am Post subject:

Thanks guys. Plan to use it exclusively for audiobook narration. What is arriving is the 2.66 Core 2 Duo mini w/4MB RAM, a Newer Technology 1TB mini stack Quad, M-Box2Mini w/PT LE8. Plan to run condenser into Symetrix528e. Hopefully, I won't have the hum issues I've read about in archives w/M-Box.
_________________
jonahcummings

Edo · Guest

I recently purchased a killer MacMini... love it. It now serves as a backup PT 8.04 LE system in case anything happens to my HD rig. I also use it for traveling. Hopefully my little blue flightcase will be equipped with a built-in flatscreen soon and then my portable 'control room' is ready for action.

TheVoiceOfBob · Posted: Fri Aug 06, 2010 5:04 am Post subject:

One more vote for the Mac Mini. I have one dedicated to my VO work. Boot Camp with Win XP with my Adobe Audition. Never a hiccup.

We just received some of the new Mini's here on campus. Very slick! Easy memory change-out. Internal power supply (no more power brick) HDMI output, SD card slot, etc... WANT!
_________________
Try to imagine a world where there is no such thing as hypothetical situations.

The Voice of Bob

Billy James · Posted: Sat Aug 07, 2010 8:18 am Post subject:

georgethetech · Posted: Sat Aug 07, 2010 6:51 pm Post subject:

Billy:

What level of production work are you planning to do? 4GB RAM is PLENTY for voice-over audio editing, unless you are doing sampled instrument composition and looping. I have several clients with Mac Minis in the same room with the mic and have zero complaints. Jonathan's is in his booth right next to him. The external hard drives many use are usually louder than the Mini, so I tell people to shut them off when not needed. Just turn on to backup once a day.
If money is no object, SSD would be sweet, and quieter (if that's even possible). But from a performance perspective, completely overkill.
_________________
If it sounds good, it is good.
George Whittam
GeorgeThe.Tech
424-226-8528
VOBS.TV Co-host
TheProAudioSuite.com Co-host
TriBooth.com Co-founder

Billy James · Posted: Mon Aug 09, 2010 6:33 pm Post subject:

whalewtchr · Posted: Mon Aug 09, 2010 8:45 pm Post subject:

The Mac Mini has arrived to Casa Cummings and I am beyond impressed. The Mac Mini makes no noise. I have a Newer Technology 1 TB miniStack v3 external mounted and it makes minimal fan noise but enough to be noticed. I am using an M-Box mini. Impressed with the sound of the mic even though it is only a 99 dollar Behringer B-1 condenser. Pro Tools is strongly suggesting that I "record" to an external Audio Drive instead of the internal System Drive. I am doing Audiobook Narration. I have heard that some folks doing simple narration are recording direct to the internal drive on the Mini then storing files on the external. Any thoughts or suggestions on this? BTW I have 4GB Ram and a 2.66 processor and it is screaming fast--maybe the only thing it would stumble with is video.
_________________
jonahcummings