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Xgrid Clustering Software and Demo
no_demons writes "Along with a selection of other goodies, Apple also unveiled their Xgrid clustering technology from their advanced computation group today. Xgrid can turn a number of networked Macs into a supercomputer, detects nodes automagically via Rendezvous, and can run in or out of a screensaver mode. You can download a technology demo (including a BLAST test app) here."
WTF? What ever happened to the word "automatically?" Originally, "automagically" meant the same thing as "automatically" except that it implied awe-inspiring magic took place to actually implement the described automation. And I'm not talking lame, I-bought-a-book-about-illusions-and-I-want-to-perf orm-at-children's-birthday-parties-because-I'm-a-c hild-molester magic. I mean serious magic. The kind of magic that would have brought Merlin, Gandalf, and Harry Potter all to their knees begging for mercy.
Now, however, the only word I ever see written is "automagically." I mean, come on, that word was clever about a year ago (maybe not even that recent) and now every spelling-challenged, self-deluded, double-posting idiot incapable of independent thought uses it. I think less of any person who continues to use "automagically" when the so-called magic implied does not seem outside of the realm of mere mortals.
[Generic comment about Slashdot editors and submitters perverting the English language, fight back, holy Jihad, morons, etc.]
True story.
I don't think you guys really understand how big of a deal GarageBand is (and I mean to paid musicians whom already own pro audio software). I produce downtempo electro-acoustic psychedelic (bassy breaks stuff) tracks for a local label with Reason, Ableton Live and Logic, but none are as sweet (or should I say organic) looking as GarageBand for recording and editing tracks (Reason actually looks quite good for a synth/sampler/effects rack : yet visually lacks when one is editing within the track mode). Why should I even mention to you how good looking GarageBand is? Why you say? Simple. If it excites me to work with a good looking peice of software - which I admit - it does very much (appealing to my eye - with incredible ease of use and superior workflow), it will inevitably inspire my work. And if it inspires my work, in any sort of creative way, I would gladly pay far more than the small price of $49 for it! Now granted, it does not do all the things that Live, Reason or Logic does, but by the looks of it.... I think it will do what it does better than anything else I've seen. GarageBand should be able to listen to (and record in stereo, I believe) a firewire enabled piece of hardware (like Yamaha's brand new o1x) with the knobs controlling any enabled AudioUnit plugins (in real-time of course). Will the AudioUnit capability within GarageBand allow me to use mastering plugins (not to mention 5.1 mixing)? How many AudioUnit plugins can run in real time while simply monitoring (or recording) my 12 String & vocals? Can you pre-record midi to the AudioUnit plugin effects while monitoring guitar or vocals while jamming to a pre-recorded piece (to provide dub-like capabilities)? Will GarageBand listen to more than one midi device at any given time (keyboards, mixer & envelope pedals)? Obviously I'm not sure on some of these paticular details, but I'll find out soon enough. I must remind myself this is Apple's first release of this product, and updates will inevitably follow! The fact it will seemlessly integrate with Soundtrack (when scoring within FCP 4), plays and records at 24bit 96khz (I think - haven't found the pdf on it yet - Soundtrack does - so GarageBand should), uses AudioUnits, comes with a large amount of high quality (better than CD quality) samples (some of the best I've ever heard by the way) and comes with 100 software instruments... well... it's a steal (to say the least) at $49. Comparable software goes for hundreds of dollars more (not to mention the fact you get to upgrade your iDVD/ iMovie/ iPhoto as well). Not to mention the interface of those other apps are half as clean (re: slick) as GarageBand. Just check out the detailed "wood" side panels on the main mixer window. Don't you think it adds a warm touch? I like details like that. Thank you Apple! I'll be buying it... I'll also be upgrading to the "Jampack" available for it as well. GarageBand is the start of something incredible, for professional and amateur musicians alike... End of story.