Basic query about editing on a mac

Jim Brennan

Jim Brennan

VHS Member Old Skool
I know this isn't a mac forum, but I've rarely gotten a bum steer on this site. Since most folks that use FCP/E seem to work on macs, I thought this would be a good place to ask.

First off, I recently switched from a PC/Premiere set up to a G4/FCE set-p. I've been very happy overall, but there have been some glitches. I like to edit my audio is Cubasis VST, and my software is hybrid and should run on my G4, but it apparently won't run on OSX, it keeps asking for OS9 when I try and install. Anyone have any tips on getting around that? I know my version is a little old, but it serves me well, I'm used to it, and I would prefer to not use my resources on a new audio app if I can help it.

Secondly, I heard that you can use a 2 monitor set-up with FCE. Meaning (just know you know what I'm saying) that when I am working in Real Time, I can have my canvas window open on one monitor and and my workspace on another monitor. I hate having to resize my windows all the time to view my footage. Now I am NOT talking about firewire. I run out to my zr-20 and to a TV at times, but that takes more rendering time. I'd prefer to work in a dual monitor, real time scenario as much as possible. Can anyone explain to me if this is possible, and if so, how to do it?

I use FCE v. 2.0.3 on a G4 running OSX 10.3.9

Thanks in advance for any help.
 
Dual displays requires a dual display video card. In other words, if the computer has a second output then you can use a second display. If not, then you need a different computer. Apple doesn't offer upgrades, afaik.

OS9 and OSX require different versions. It's kind of like DOS and Windows. You may be able to run your program in "Classic Mode" inside of OSX10.3.9 or older. But, it's hard to say how well that would work with a resource intensive audio program like Cubase VST. (I have no idea...)

Hope this helps. Good to see you back on the forum, vjbrennan.
 
Thanks for the help. I was thinking both those things, but I wasn't sure. I could go back to using my PC for audio I suppose. My other audio apps are PC only anyway.

Thanks for the welcome back. I've had a busy few months, shooting 3 shorts , a commercial and a doc. Plus potty training one of my kids. Sigh...the sweet blissful days of sitting around on DVXuser have gone by the boards...
 
Might be worth it to have one machine (your PC) dedicated to your audio apps, since that seems to be working out. The other choice, since your version of Cubase seems to only work for OS9(classic) is to install it in classic - BUT you'll have to switch between the two environments - which isn't such a big deal. Ideally you want to use OSX but that would mean getting an upgrade to Cubase for OSX. I have no idea how much that will cost.

As for the dual monitor situation - as thisiswells pointed out you'll need a dual montior card. A card that either has the standard VGA out and S-video out or something newer like a ATI Radeon Mac Edition card. One card (http://www.ati.com/products/radeon9200/radeon9200me/) has DVI port, a VGA port and S-Video port. I just got this (http://www.ati.com/products/radeon9800/radeon9800prome/specs.html) and it is amazing on my Dual 867 G4. Also it made my machine up to spec to be able to use with Apple's Motion.
 
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