G5 compatible with UAD2/Duende PCI ??

You will not be able to use a UAD-2 card, unless your G5 is one with PCIe slots. Most G5's had PCI, or PCI-X, I believe.

However, the plug-ins available on the UAD card are among the best out there, imo.

Duende's plug-ins are excellent as well. I used to own Duende, but it didn't play nice with my UAD-1 card back when I had a G5. I wasn't willing to lose my UAD plug-ins. so Duende was removed from my set up.

Waves SSL-4000 plug-ins sound good, but aren't as full or rich sounding as Duendes. Still, I use mine a lot.

A fully native system with a Mac Pro is tempting. DSP solutions like UAD and Duende certainly sound great, but there can be issues. When the UAD-2 card was first released a few months back, it had some serious issues... I know, I was among the first reporting these to UAD, but they have worked out most of the kinks now.

I never did use Duende when it wasn't causing havoc on my system (when used with UAD-1 plug-ins), but I've read those issues did eventually get sorted out.

Tough call... I think either way, you will have a great sounding set-up. The advantage of going with a new computer keeps you current, being able to take advantage of the newer OS, as well as future Logic updates optimized for the new OS (if we ever see them).

But if your G5 is PCI slots only, the new UAD-2 card isn't an option for you.

Hi,

I have same PowerMac and use the Duende PCIe with no problems. IMO Its a great enhancing sound for mixing and the stereo buss compressor is great across sub mixes or even final out. Personally never had a problem running it with my set up and it works a well with my MC mix. Never used UAD but IMO keeping it simple is the way I go so I just use what's in Logic + the SSL Duende!

Faisal Baig wrote:
My only option to upgrade my sound are the Waves SSL/NEVE?API bundle......
U said they don't sound as good as the Duende/UAD, but i'm assuming they still sound great and very pro.

If it's the Waves Studio Classics Collection you're talking about (which is SSL/V-Series/API), you can always download the free trial to determine whether they sound good to you. Be quick, though, because Waves is offering a discount on that bundle this month. Buy it from a 3rd party because buying direct from Waves is pricey.

-droo

My G5 certainly is - its PCI express and easy to insert - check your manual to be sure or system profiler.

FYI, The Duende unit I used to own was the Firewire one. A one rack space hardware unit connected to the G5 via a firewire cable. That unit, as well as the "mini" version, are still being made.

So that could be an option for you, if you choose to stay with the G5, and don't have PCIe slots.

Hi Faisal,

The early 2005 G5 dual 2.3 has PCI-X (not compatible), the late 2005 dual 2.3 has PCI-e.
Go to →'about this mac' and press the 'more info' button in the window that pops up. This opens System Profiler. In the *hardware overview*, if your Model Identifier is 7.3, you have incompatible PCI-X, if the MI is 11.2, you have the compatible PCIe(xpress) model and you can run SSL/Duende.

regards, Erik.