Apple Logic Pro /LogicExpress Discussion

> Video and audio have a lot in common - large file sizes, real 
> time need for speed, real time operations.

Yes, but video is *much* larger than audio. You can fit an awful lot of 24
bit audio into 2 Gigs.


> I think 64 bit is faster in the sense that twice as much data 
> can be processed at a time - but only in certain situations. 
> I can see how a 64 bit graphics board would be able to grab 
> chunks of pixels twice as fast, and process them twice as 
> fast. However, that task is done by the graphics board not the OS.
> 
> So midi data could be grabbed twice as fast and sent out - 
> but Midi is the least intensive aspect of the whole process. 
> If a floating point number is now 40 bits of decimal and 24 
> bits of exponent as opposed to 20 and 12 (in 32 bit) I don't 
> see a bit of increase. 

I agree. It will be more accurate, but I'm not sure that will be audible.


> I think that Logic does audio in floating point (you might 
> recall some discussion from a few years ago about 900db of 
> signalo to noise ratio). 

Talk about hearing a pin drop...  :)


> By the way, the widgets are already getting old - like 
> Expose. And I got a tip on another list to turn off Spotlight 
> - because it does a lot of stuff on your disk and would 
> interfer with getting the best processing power.

Yea, it has to get the information somehow and probably indexes your hard
drive while it thinks you aren't using your computer. It is probably not an
issue for most Mac users, but I could see how it might be if you are running
a DAW and are already low on CPU or your drive's throughput is already maxed
out.

> Another aside, I saw on the Apple store where they are 
> selling new G5/dual 1.8 for $1499. Maybe Kamm will make the switch? 

Not until I've closed on my new home and am confident of my financial
situation. It is very tempting though!

Kamm