Opinion about Mac Pro for photo/video/audio stuff

I am looking to upgrade from my old dual-core iMac 24' to the new Mac Pro and was thinking of the following specs.

Mac Pro
- 6-core 3.33 GHz processor
- 12 GB of RAM
- Intel X25-M SSD 80 GB boot drive, 1 TB Data drive, 2x WD RE3 1 TB in RAID 0
- ATI Radeon 5770

As I don't do broadcast work, I'm not planning on getting a reference video monitor just yet, so I was thinking of the HP LP2475w computer monitors (calibrated of course).

As I shoot mostly on the Canon XH A1 and 5D Mark II, I do not need a capture card just yet, because the tape footage goes straight to the Mac via FireWire 800 and to ProRes immediatly.

For audio monitoring, I'm leaning towards the Genelec 6010a with the 5040 subwoofer and the Apogee Duet interface.

To make editing a bit easier, I'm also getting the Wacom Intuos4 tablet.

I will back up everything to external eSATA or FireWire drives.

Is this a good setup for the diverse stuff I do (video editing, audio voiceovers, photo editing, ...) ?

Don't get a subwoofer. You should have a pair of good speaker for accurate monitoring.

Chris Tompkins
Video Atlanta

And which speakers do you recommend?

Thanks,
Nace

I was actually looking at the non-Dreamcolor HP LP2475w, which runs for about 550$, whereas the LP2480zx Dreamcolor runs for 2400$.
Will the LP2475w have what it takes to be a good reference monitor replacement for editing or should I really look towards the higher-end Dreamcolor? Will the difference even be worth the extra 2000$?

Thanks,
Nace

Thanks for the clarification Shane,

So what kind of setup do you propose, 2x Dell 22'' and the Dreamcolor? I doubt my budget would allow for the Dreamcolor, but thanks anyways.

Nace,

for audio monitors - i swear by the PMC DB1SA models.

I have put them in direct comparison with several other well known brands and i found these to be the most accurate sounding monitor for the price.

adam

Adam Taylor
Video Editor/Audio Mixer/ Compositor/Motion GFX/Barista
Character Options Ltd
Oldham, UK

http://www.sculptedbliss.co.uk

The Apogee Duet is totally great in sound, ergonomics (big knob and on screen mixer), and very good micpres with 48V phantom power.

The less expensive Genelecs (<$2K/pair) I find to sound too "pleasant."

That's a problem when mixing and mastering, because it can make you think you've got great sound even as your clients wonder if you need a hearing aid.

Get a pair of Alesis M1 Active mk2 Biamp Monitors for $299 + a pair of Auralex MoPads ($38) to isolate them from whatever they are standing on + a pair of 1/4" signal cables to connect to the Duet.

The monitors should ideally be at ear level to avoid a nasty bass bump from the surface they're on, but even just the little raise from the MoPads will help some. Keep them at least a foot from the back wall also.

Don't snicker at the low price of these monitors, they are very very good for this purpose, and they're not tiring to listen to, which is important at the end of a long day.

Although I own a pair of Genelecs I agree that they sound too nice and would back up the choice of PMC's. Also, ditch the sub from your budget as you will get tired from all this overwhelming bass when you edit.

Pat

Thanks so much for the response,

So I guess I will go for the Duet. But how can I connect the monitor to the Duet, if the monitor only has an XLR input? Go for a different monitor?

Nace,