Basically wanting to upgrade to a new computer/Audio interface . (Sonar Platinum)

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FoggyMind
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2015/04/21 16:31:44 (permalink)

Basically wanting to upgrade to a new computer/Audio interface . (Sonar Platinum)

I think for me the best help would be to know what people are using that works best for them with the least amount of issues for recording audio, soft synths. Mixing down like 20 to 30 tracks with native plugins.
 
I'm more interested in off the shelf systems more then custom built systems.
Brand/model
Hard Drive/s
CPU
Ram
Audio interface
 
Thanks
 
post edited by FoggyMind - 2015/04/21 17:45:47
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    AT
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    Re: Basically wanting to upgrade to a new computer/Audio interface . (Sonar Platinum) 2015/04/21 19:13:54 (permalink)
    Of course one of the builders who hang out here would be the best.
     
    For off the shelf, I've used Sony and HP with success.  Just buy a 7200 rpm harddrive, insert it and you are good to go.  And more RAM.
     
    The audio interface - how much money do you see yourself spending and how many tracks do you need to record at once?  That info will usually give you the answer.
     
    @

    https://soundcloud.com/a-pleasure-dome
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    there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head.
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    Rimshot
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    Re: Basically wanting to upgrade to a new computer/Audio interface . (Sonar Platinum) 2015/04/22 09:05:09 (permalink)
    You really should check out Jim Roseberry's PC lineup at StudioCat.
    http://www.studiocat.com/open_cart/
     
    He builds top end systems that are affordable and designed for DAWS. He is also great is help and support and really cares about his customers.  
     
    Rimshot
     

    Rimshot 

    Sonar Platinum 64 (Lifer), Studio One V3.5, Notion 6, Steinberg UR44, Zoom R24, Purrrfect Audio Pro Studio DAW (Case: Silent Mid Tower, Power Supply: 600w quiet, Haswell CPU: i7 4790k @ 4.4GHz (8 threads), RAM: 16GB DDR3/1600 
    , OS drive: 1TB HD, Audio drive: 1TB HD), Windows 10 x64 Anniversary, Equator D5 monitors, Faderport, FP8, Akai MPK261
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    Cactus Music
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    Re: Basically wanting to upgrade to a new computer/Audio interface . (Sonar Platinum) 2015/04/22 10:57:47 (permalink)
     
    Most everything I know about shopping for an interface. 
     
    http://www.cactusmusic.ca/Articles/Johns%20Audio%20Interface%20blurb.rtf
     
    I recently upgraded my DAW. I first looked at the pre built DAWs which are $1,200- $3,000 price range. I then looked at all the major brands of pre built systems which are actually not a heck of a lot less than the custom built DAW machines if you go with the same specs. Most consumer desktops are minimal specs and AMD processors. So if you think you'll save money Consumer VS Custom built think again. 
     
    The only way to save money is to do it yourself like many of us here have done successfully year after year. 
    You can build a very nice DAW computer for just under $1,000. You can build an very nice office computer for under $500. It takes time and research but is not that big a deal for the average nerd. 
    Another option as example is (if)  there is a computer shop in town and they can build custom and test it out and only charges an extra $150. 
     
     
     
     
    post edited by Cactus Music - 2015/04/22 11:10:54

    Johnny V  
    Cakelab  
    Focusrite 6i61st - Tascam us1641. 
    3 Desktops and 3 Laptops W7 and W10
     http://www.cactusmusic.ca/
     
     
    #4
    FoggyMind
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    Re: Basically wanting to upgrade to a new computer/Audio interface . (Sonar Platinum) 2015/04/22 12:33:30 (permalink)
    Thanks for the advice, I'm starting to see what you all mean about off the shelf.
    Maybe it will be fun to build my 1st DAW system. Cant be much different then the graphic systems I've built in the past. I see that a lot of daw builders list their parts, won't be too hard... I hope. :/
     
    Thanks! 
    #5
    Paul P
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    Re: Basically wanting to upgrade to a new computer/Audio interface . (Sonar Platinum) 2015/04/22 17:29:34 (permalink)
     
     
    The only hard part is quessing how much torque to apply to the CPU heatsink screws.
     
     
     

    Sonar Platinum [2017.10], Win7U x64 sp1, Xeon E5-1620 3.6 GHz, Asus P9X79WS, 16 GB ECC, 128gb SSD, HD7950, Mackie Blackjack
    #6
    FoggyMind
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    Re: Basically wanting to upgrade to a new computer/Audio interface . (Sonar Platinum) 2015/04/22 17:40:10 (permalink)
    Well a few hours later.... Anything I'm missing?
    I would still like to know of any off the shelf PCs that people use.
     
    I guess this will be the build for now with lots of room to upgrade.
    Just under $700.00
    MB / CPU Combo w/ Intel Core i5 (Socket 1150)
    w/ Core i5 4590 (4 x 3.7GHz CPU - 6MB Cache +1150MHz Graphics) Asus Z97-P
    8GB DDR3-1600 Memory. 1 stick.
    Windows 8.1
    Performance Cooling Package
    500GB SATA3 6gb/sec 7200RPM (16MB Cache) Hard Drive
    24x DVD+/-RW Drive
    400W - Winsis Mid-Tower Case
     
    Thanks for the help.
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    Paul P
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    Re: Basically wanting to upgrade to a new computer/Audio interface . (Sonar Platinum) 2015/04/22 22:07:58 (permalink)
     
    Are you going to be adding any PCIe cards in the future ?  You've got 6 slots.  Multiple drives ?
    If so, I think your power supply is kind of weak.
    Actually, I find it weak anyway, but it'll probably work as your board looks pretty efficient.
     

    Sonar Platinum [2017.10], Win7U x64 sp1, Xeon E5-1620 3.6 GHz, Asus P9X79WS, 16 GB ECC, 128gb SSD, HD7950, Mackie Blackjack
    #8
    FoggyMind
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    Re: Basically wanting to upgrade to a new computer/Audio interface . (Sonar Platinum) 2015/04/22 23:07:55 (permalink)
    Not really adding any pci cards at this point. I'm manly concerned with mixing in the box.
    I hope this will work. Lots of room to grow and I guess I can swap out the power if I need to.
    thanks
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    Cactus Music
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    Re: Basically wanting to upgrade to a new computer/Audio interface . (Sonar Platinum) 2015/04/22 23:35:18 (permalink)
    You might want to post in the Computer forum as that is the best place for asking about building, The question has been asked a zillion time however so you might just be better off reading all the posts. You'll get a real good idea of what people recommend including few great tips from the DAW builders themselves. When they speak,,, listen. 

    Johnny V  
    Cakelab  
    Focusrite 6i61st - Tascam us1641. 
    3 Desktops and 3 Laptops W7 and W10
     http://www.cactusmusic.ca/
     
     
    #10
    FoggyMind
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    Re: Basically wanting to upgrade to a new computer/Audio interface . (Sonar Platinum) 2015/04/23 04:45:33 (permalink)
    Thanks :) I re posted in the right area.
     
    Still would like to get a basic USB 3 audio ASIO interface, 2 in /2 out. something that will be solid with no issues. (Sonar Plat)
     
    peace!
     
     
    post edited by FoggyMind - 2015/04/23 07:34:06
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    AT
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    Re: Basically wanting to upgrade to a new computer/Audio interface . (Sonar Platinum) 2015/04/23 11:17:15 (permalink)
    USB 3 is, for the most part, redundant for audio and are thin on the ground (or store).  The "best buy" for quality and cost is the TASCAM UH-7000, which at $400 is as good as you are going to get as far as sound quality.  Pro preamps and conversion.  The downside is high latency on the usb 2 drivers and it don't look they will get an update.  If you want similar quality (w/o preamps) the new lynx pci card - $700 to $1000 for a 2x2 or 4x4 unit each with analog and digital ins/outs.  RME is another contender (good hardware and the best drivers).
     
    But I imagine you are looking for something cheaper.  Focusrite is a favorite here on the lower end, tho I expect the new TASCAM series will be good (Gibson owns Tascam and Cake), and Roland (previous owners of Cake) is another good choice.  At the same price range all the hardware is about the same, except for drivers (and all the above companies have good drivers except the UH-7000, which are moderate.
     
    I don't build computers - but pci slots are still valuable.  They are like a van - they don't do you any good except when you do need them, and then nothing else will do.  Try loading your mini with the show's gear.  And power - for a few dollars more you are doing the best thing possible for the long-term service of your computer.  Put something in those slots and you'll need more power, and for music itself the power supply is one of the differences between consumer and pro units. 
     
    have fun

    https://soundcloud.com/a-pleasure-dome
    http://www.bnoir-film.com/  
     
    there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head.
    24 And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the Lord. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them.
    #12
    FoggyMind
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    Re: Basically wanting to upgrade to a new computer/Audio interface . (Sonar Platinum) 2015/04/23 16:08:57 (permalink)
    Well I bit the bullet! upgraded the tower to 600W - Thermaltake Mid-Tower. that's it! I hope this all works! lol..
    I guess they put it together anyway..
    I'm still going to think on it for a bit more incase anyone has ideas...
     
    thanks folks! 
    post edited by FoggyMind - 2015/04/24 23:28:24
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