Zenwit
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Before All Else Go Dual Monitors
I'm really ashamed of myself for procrastinating on the issue of dual monitors. Today, for some odd reason, I decided to try a little experiment and connect up an old 21-inch monitor next to my newer, higher rez 24-inch monitor. I had the old monitor, had the card that supported two monitors, even had the cable to hook it up. Kept holding off saying "no, I'm going to wait until I can scrounge up $250 to buy a good matching monitor."
Dumb de dumb dumb.
What I got for free with the older monitor is a dramatically better workflow experience. I have moved the multidock / console to the slightly smaller monitor and left the track view and pro channel in the main monitor. Wow. Just Wow. The difference is NOT subtle.
Working in X2 with a single monitor is like playing the guitar with one hand behind your back.
Sonar Platinum x64 Windows 10 x64 Couple of guitars, a bass, bunch of plugins, not enough time....
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jb101
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Re:Before All Else Go Dual Monitors
2013/01/05 17:39:42
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+1 I can't recommend multiple monitors enough.
I've been running two 23" monitors for the last eight months and have the Sonar window spread across both, like having one really wide screen. I also sometimes split them as you have yours.
I recently had some eye problems and had to use one monitor just for a magnifier, so ran Sonar on just one screen. I can't believe how cramped it felt. I'd hate to go back.
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sharke
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Re:Before All Else Go Dual Monitors
2013/01/05 17:41:46
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I have been double monitoring for about 4 years now and could never turn back. In Sonar I use the second one for the multi dock into which I put the console and browser, as well as any plug interfaces I use a lot. I know some people are fine with a one screen workflow but personally I need space to breathe.
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Jimbo 88
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Re:Before All Else Go Dual Monitors
2013/01/05 17:43:29
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I use 3...I have an old TV just for picture playback. I connected it with a $45 usb adaptor. I love scoring to picture with Staff View scrowling along. Now if staff view was better!
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InstrEd
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Re:Before All Else Go Dual Monitors
2013/01/05 17:51:28
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 LOL
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BobbyT
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Re:Before All Else Go Dual Monitors
2013/01/05 18:19:10
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Dual monitors or more with X2,the way to go brother.......
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backwoods
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Re:Before All Else Go Dual Monitors
2013/01/05 19:04:36
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I downsized from two 24 inch monitors to just the one.
I only rarely use the console view and that's what I had placed on my second monitor. Multidock and screensets help.
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wizard71
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Re:Before All Else Go Dual Monitors
2013/01/05 19:20:10
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Dual monitors are nothing short of immense. They would be immensely immense if my second monitor showed a maximised console on opening the project.
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John
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Re:Before All Else Go Dual Monitors
2013/01/05 19:21:12
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backwoods
I downsized from two 24 inch monitors to just the one.
I only rarely use the console view and that's what I had placed on my second monitor. Multidock and screensets help.
That explains why you look so sad in your avatar. I not sure I could do without dual monitors. I have had duals for a very long time. I agree fully with the OP.
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Shadow of The Wind
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Re:Before All Else Go Dual Monitors
2013/01/05 19:25:11
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I think I said it before in a similar thread: The only reason for not using two monitors is using more than 2.
Wilko
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garrigus
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Re:Before All Else Go Dual Monitors
2013/01/05 19:29:34
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Marcus Curtis
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Re:Before All Else Go Dual Monitors
2013/01/05 19:53:57
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backwoods
I downsized from two 24 inch monitors to just the one.
I only rarely use the console view and that's what I had placed on my second monitor. Multidock and screensets help.
I use to do that until I discovered it was better to float the multi dock instead of just the console view. That way everything in the multi dock can be on the second monitor. I like to dock the browser view before a float the dock. I keep the inspector where it is. I need to get a third monitor for things like session drummer and plug ins. Even if you don't float the multidock a spare monitor is a cool place to adjust plug ins as the project plays back.
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Swiller
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Re:Before All Else Go Dual Monitors
2013/01/05 19:54:54
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If a spare pc monitor is lying about, it's a no brainer. I'm not sure whether its worth the extra dollar for a decent sized new one though.
Dual display monitors will not turn you into a great producer or musician.
The money is spent better elsewhere IMHO. Like a copy of diva:)
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John
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Re:Before All Else Go Dual Monitors
2013/01/05 20:14:49
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Swiller
If a spare pc monitor is lying about, it's a no brainer. I'm not sure whether its worth the extra dollar for a decent sized new one though.
Dual display monitors will not turn you into a great producer or musician.
The money is spent better elsewhere IMHO. Like a copy of diva:)
Right except dual monitors are very useful even if you are not running Sonar. The one thing they will do is make you more productive. And no they are not just a nice addition they make all computing better and faster. With Windows 8 they really shine. With Sonar dual monitors are a wonderful fit. How many times have I had this forum opened on one monitor and Sonar open on the other so I can answer a question. Having more screen room is never something to dismiss. If you do video they are a necessity. I recommend getting 2 monitors of the wide screen size and at least 22 or more inches. No they are not an after thought. One should make room for them and have this idea in mind when looking at a new system.
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Mosvalve
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Re:Before All Else Go Dual Monitors
2013/01/05 20:30:25
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+1 Dual is the way to go for sure. Workflow is a cakewalk. Did I really say that?
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Swiller
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Re:Before All Else Go Dual Monitors
2013/01/05 20:50:00
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Not right or wrong John, simply an opinion. Please dont declare correctness or judgement on any posts i make on here. State your opinions, fine.
I never said they were not useful. I run duals myself.
But, You could also argue that you are less productive with two screens as the second one serves as a distraction to the first ones workflow. There are not many pc users that operate two different applications at the same time.
Everything remains available on one screen. Therefore IMHO, it remains in the non essential kit category. I run duals btw. But I am reasonably well off.
I am not really buying having cakewalk forums on screen one and sonar on screen 2 as a reason for buying having an additional monitor. Just in case you have to rescue a nube from the depths of sonar misunderstanding hell?
Nope sorry, I don't get the appeal.
Pffftt.
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tomixornot
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Re:Before All Else Go Dual Monitors
2013/01/05 20:55:43
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You will soon add one more.. till there is no more space or the graphic card ran out of output.. which ever comes first 
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John
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Re:Before All Else Go Dual Monitors
2013/01/05 21:29:28
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Swiller
Not right or wrong John, simply an opinion. Please dont declare correctness or judgement on any posts i make on here. State your opinions, fine.
I never said they were not useful. I run duals myself.
But, You could also argue that you are less productive with two screens as the second one serves as a distraction to the first ones workflow. There are not many pc users that operate two different applications at the same time.
Everything remains available on one screen. Therefore IMHO, it remains in the non essential kit category. I run duals btw. But I am reasonably well off.
I am not really buying having cakewalk forums on screen one and sonar on screen 2 as a reason for buying having an additional monitor. Just in case you have to rescue a nube from the depths of sonar misunderstanding hell?
Nope sorry, I don't get the appeal.
Pffftt.
If you think that my post was trying to correct you you are mistaken. But here I will. Please don't say I am disingenuous when I provide an example. No where did I say I bought a monitor only to help a poster here. But I did say having the two monitors was helpful to me and I gave a obvious example that I think we can all relate to. If you get distracted by one or the other of your monitors doesn't mean others do. Like I said I wouldn't want to work on a computer without at least two monitors. Edit to add; My post was not meant to correct yours but was posted in opposition to yours. There is a difference.
post edited by John - 2013/01/05 21:36:56
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BCnSTL
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Re:Before All Else Go Dual Monitors
2013/01/05 22:03:43
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I can only look in one direction at a time.
I hit "d" and the dock comes up instantly.
Works for me.
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elsongs
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Re:Before All Else Go Dual Monitors
2013/01/05 22:24:34
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Sigh...if only I had the desktop space for a 2nd monitor... 
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DW_Mike
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Re:Before All Else Go Dual Monitors
2013/01/05 22:42:11
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I too have been working with 2 monitors for a few years now.
Track view on the left, Console on the right.
I wish I could add a 3rd for plug-ins and whatnot.
I also agree with John that dual monitors are also extremely handy even for basic everyday puting.
Moving files, having 2 or more web pages up for reference purposes, watching videos and pausing so you can try what you just watched etc.
I could never go back. I feel claustrophobic when I use my girlfriends PC. Always clicking, flipping, re-sizing and moving. UGGHHHH! lol
Mike
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RobertB
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Re:Before All Else Go Dual Monitors
2013/01/05 22:57:07
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It may not be essential, but having duals is sure nice. I like having the main Sonar screen on one, and my VSTs on the other. It's not unusual here to have Sonar open on one, and Photoshop on the other when building posts with screenshots. I spend a lot of time working with new users, and to that end, it's quite useful. Viewing a tutorial video on one, and having Sonar or whatever program on the other is very cool. I've grown so accustomed to having different stuff on both monitors, that I feel really crowded on just one. I've had dual CRTs for a long time, and only recently upgraded one of them to a flatscreen. The room is a lot cooler now 
My Soundclick Page SONAR Professional, X3eStudio,W7 64bit, AMD Athlon IIx4 2.8Ghz, 4GB RAM, 64bit, AKAI EIE Pro, Nektar Impact LX61,Alesis DM6,Alesis ControlPad,Yamaha MG10/2,Alesis M1Mk2 monitors,Samson Servo300,assorted guitars,Lava Lamp Shimozu-Kushiari or Bob
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sharke
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Re:Before All Else Go Dual Monitors
2013/01/06 00:44:48
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Dual monitors enhance every aspect of computing for me. Sometimes you have to have two browsers open. Anything artistic like Photoshop or Illustrator is much better with two screens. Learning a new program is so much easier when you can have the tutorial on the other screen. When I do my payroll at the weekend, I have Excel, Quickbooks and Outlook open at once. I can split one screen into Excel/Quickbooks (Windows key + left or right) and have Outlook on the other screen. Before I had 2 screens, switching between apps on one screen felt like a real kerfuffle.
JamesWindows 10, Sonar SPlat (64-bit), Intel i7-4930K, 32GB RAM, RME Babyface, AKAI MPK Mini, Roland A-800 Pro, Focusrite VRM Box, Komplete 10 Ultimate, 2012 American Telecaster!
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Teds_Studio
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Re:Before All Else Go Dual Monitors
2013/01/06 02:15:00
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Yup....been running two 28" Hanns-G monitors for a couple of years now....absolutely love it...!
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burkek
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Re:Before All Else Go Dual Monitors
2013/01/06 06:48:09
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I use a 28" Hanns-G for tracking, and this is flanked by 2 X 24" LGs: the left for console view (full screen) and the right for instruments and FX. Multiple monitors is definitely the way to go. Having everything open and in view really streamlines workflow.  KEv
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Zenwit
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Re:Before All Else Go Dual Monitors
2013/01/06 11:09:37
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I know I'll be dating myself somewhat but reading of all the multi-tasking that leads to the real need for multiple monitors is making me long for the old school ambience of a single amber tinted monitor on a desk connected to a Wang Labs mini computer. Just sitting quietly single tasking on lines of code.
Nowadays at work I have Oracle in one monitor, Excel and a project controls database in another monitor, Lotus Notes and Communicator popping up when I get pinged, the phone ringing, my cell phone buzzing with texts and calls and, worst of all, people walking in asking "got a sec?"
As Firesign Theater says "Welcome to The Future"
Sonar Platinum x64 Windows 10 x64 Couple of guitars, a bass, bunch of plugins, not enough time....
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FastBikerBoy
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Re:Before All Else Go Dual Monitors
2013/01/06 11:17:50
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I've been multi monitoring for years, currently running three. I found them almost a necessity with 8.5 and earlier versions. Since X1 they've been a nice luxury but I don't miss them that much when on my laptop. The new interface helps a lot in that respect.
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joel77
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Re:Before All Else Go Dual Monitors
2013/01/06 11:31:05
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Yep, love my dual 22" widescreen setup. What I have on each screen changes with screen sets. Gotta love screen sets!! lol I don't find it distracting at all. In fact quite the opposite. Makes my workflow SO much faster and smoother.
I also have a laptop in the studio for video tutorials, internet surfing, up and downloading files, etc, as I don't have my DAW hooked to the 'net. So, I guess I really have THREE screens! HA!!
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Fearful Symmetry
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Re:Before All Else Go Dual Monitors
2013/01/06 12:15:05
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Well, on the strength of this thread, I tried dual monitors for the first time this morning. Truth is, I erroneously believed my vid card couldn't cope. Apart from obstructing one of the sets of speakers, I am an enthusiastic convert. Cheers, Zen!
post edited by Fearful Symmetry - 2013/01/06 16:42:57
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Kev999
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Re:Before All Else Go Dual Monitors
2013/01/06 15:55:05
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...dual monitors are very useful even if you are not running Sonar. The one thing they will do is make you more productive. And no they are not just a nice addition they make all computing better and faster.
I agree 100%. My first experience of a dual-monitor setup was at work. At first I couldn't see the point of it, but after a couple of hours I was hooked. Going back to one monitor, you realise how much time you waste maximizing and minimizing windows. After all, if you are trying to cross-reference information between two hard-copy documents, you put them both side by side rather than closing one before opening the other. Why should electronic info be different? The idea of a paperless office was never practical until multi-screen setups became affordable.
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