Metro system requirements

[chipster]

I am looking to run Metro for midi files and using Arturia minimoog for live performances. No problems with my G4 tower but I need portability. I am looking at Powerbooks. The last generation 1.5 ghz had 4200 RPM hard drives while the newer ones have 5400 RPM. Would the 4200 suffice? I see where 7200 RPM is strongly recommended for Metro. What would suffer with a 4200 RPM drive? Thanks

[MP]

Hi Chipster,

As I understand it, the slower HD would mostly impact the number of simultaneous audio tracks in Metro (that said, if you hit the limit, you can always add a fast Firewire HD).

Running softsynths, including Arturia Minimoog, is more a function of the processor and memory. I find Metro to be very processor efficient (especially compared to its competitors) - leaving plenty of processor power for softsynths and other plugins.

The real experts will on this forum will be able to give you more definitive guidance. But I would bet that the current crop of Powerbooks (as well as the previous 1.5) are more than capable of getting the job done for you.

Good luck!

Mike

[Scoot]

Can't argue with MP.

Running/spitting out the audio tracks to a firewire drive is a very good move. 10,000 rpm even better again.........multi platter drive system better again but there is a limit to budget vs gain........and another drive hopefully at least 7200 is a very good start.....bus powered would be very portable.


Once you start reaching the Powerbooks' limits there are tricks like turning off scrolling, not having a track open to record as this takes away CPU, launch with option key down to disable notation, automatic midi thru, audio thru switches etc and keep effects installed to a minimum.

Heaps of RAM always helps


Reading your message again........running midi files you should be fine with a standard PB.

You do start taxing a system when running heaps of samples like using soundfonts of highquality as replacement sounds for your midi instruments/tracks. A 1.5Ghz machine is probably ok.

[Jerm]

Would the 4200 suffice? I see where 7200 RPM is strongly recommended for Metro. What would suffer with a 4200 RPM drive? Thanks

4200 would suffice for what you want. However a slow hard drive has a system wide impact because of virtual memory. If, on the other hand, you have a large amount of ram then running the Arturia software and MIDI will not be affected by the slow hard drive speed.

[chipster]

Thanks for the info guys. I'll be upgrading my Metro SE as soon as I get the Powerbook. Just waiting for the Mac Expo in paris tomorrow to see if anything new pops up and Apple drops the price on older models. There is a 1.33 ghz 15" Powerbook now in refurbs for 1449. I might not be able to do better than that. Thanks again for your direction and help