GEAR UPDATE ADVICE

[windowman]

Hi folks- I haven’t been around much lately, but I’d like to ask for some advice from some of the pros here. I’ll do my best to keep this short & simple.First of all, here’s the gear that I have-Yamaha AW4416A for recording audio, etc. I guess you would call it my DAW.My drum module is an ALESIS DM5.Keyboard sounds are an M3R, basically the brain of an M-1.My sequencer is a very old ROLAND MC-500 MK 2. (My 2nd one. Man, remember when things actually lasted? It’s been through more physical abuse than me!!)The keyboard I use to program with is an old KORG DW-8000, which I sometimes also use the sounds from.My guitar processor is a POD XT.Mastering program is WAVELAB 5.Mics, speakers, power amps etc. aren’t my concern right now.I’m trying to integrate myself into the computer recording world gradually, so that I don’t waste too much time on learning curves which ceases my writing process. One thing at a time, so to speak.I would like to ask about what kind of ‘puter to buy. I could use my home computer, or as I like to call it the ‘PORN’ computer, but I’m afraid of having a ‘puter that’s been on the net. Is this warranted or am I listening to too many music store geeks? I know MAC’s are preferred, but the cost scares me. If it’s viable though, what would be a good MAC to start with for music? Also, if I found the parts I needed on a regular PC, I could get a friend to build it. First of all, I’d need a decent DAW. A free one might work for me but I don’t know what kind of limitations come with those. Pro Tools/Cubase/ Sonar anyone? For software, I want to start with drums, ADDICTIVE DRUMS, from what I’ve seen & heard. I like BFD, but I’m concerned about the RAM usage. I’ve programmed & worked with BFD in other studios & found them fairly user friendly. From there, I would be looking at piano-organ-synths-orchestral etc., but the first step is definitely drums. LOOPS are OK, but I need the ability to manipulate & write my own tracks.I’m sure I’ll have more questions, but this is the gist of what I’m looking for.Thanks, thanks & thanks in advance.Wade