Building computer need suggestions

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Middleman
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Re:Building computer need suggestions 2012/06/21 17:34:05 (permalink)
jcschild


Middleman


Yes, there are no PCI slots on the P9 only PCIe and I need at least one of those slots for my Lynx Two-A audio card.
 
Also note. Some of these higher end ASUS boards come with ACHI set in the bios. I would bet your current systems is IDE if you are just swapping out Motherboards. Make sure you set the bios setting to IDE so you don't spend a couple of hours wondering why you are getting bluescreens.

:::sigh:::
 
1) ACHI must be used for Win7
2) IDE mode is massively asking for trouble
3) a fresh install in the only right way
 
 
1. No to 1, I have been running IDE on Win7 x64, no problems.
2. I've had no problems here.
3. Not really, maybe with AMD but not with Intel chipsets.

Gear: A bunch of stuff.
#31
August
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Re:Building computer need suggestions 2012/06/21 18:03:13 (permalink)
Ok, been looking at the focusrite saffire pro 40 and the echo audiofire 12, good/bad?  Also, the companies have pci-e internal better or worse than external?  I think I prefer external but if internal is better I would go with that.  Thoughts?
 
#32
Beepster
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Re:Building computer need suggestions 2012/06/21 18:14:45 (permalink)
Focusrite and Echo make very nice interfaces and I own one of each. Still doing some other stuff right now so I haven't gotten to a proper list but also take a look at MOTU interfaces. I was gonna go for one of those but they were a little too pricey for me. Also there is no reason to use an internal device these days. With Firewire and USB it's covered. Cheers.
#33
Beepster
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Re:Building computer need suggestions 2012/06/21 18:21:03 (permalink)
BTW you are on the right track if that is the type of stuff you are looking at. Just make sure it has enough inputs/outputs for want you need or is easily expandable to achieve the i/o's you need.
#34
Beepster
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Re:Building computer need suggestions 2012/06/22 02:23:23 (permalink)
Sorry, dude... got caught up in my own shenanigans tonight. Lemme know if you still want a list of interface stuff.
#35
August
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Re:Building computer need suggestions 2012/06/22 09:02:44 (permalink)
Yes a list would be great, if it's not to much trouble.
#36
Matt.Focusrite
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Re:Building computer need suggestions 2012/06/22 11:45:15 (permalink)
As Beepster mentioned, Firewire card choice is very important when using Firewire based audio interfaces.  If you are still considering the Pro 40 or any other Firewire interface, the following article lists some recommended chipsets and other compatibility concerns:

http://www.focusrite.com/...1394_compatibility.pdf

I would also recommend contacting the manufacturer of whichever interface you decide to go with and ask about their recommendations for Firewire card if you decide to use a Firewire interface. 

Matt Pliskin  //  Focusrite Technical Support
#37
jcschild
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Re:Building computer need suggestions 2012/06/22 12:50:05 (permalink)
the newer onboard via works well for most including focusrite.
a Siig PCIe with Ti chipset is all you need otherwise and that insures 100% with anything

Scott
ADK
Home of the Kentucky Fried DAW!
#38
Beepster
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Re:Building computer need suggestions 2012/06/22 13:52:23 (permalink)
Look at that, August. You have two super heavy duty pros from Focusrite and ADK giving you tips. Isn't this forum awesome? I'll try to get a general list together for you this afternoon.
#39
August
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Re:Building computer need suggestions 2012/06/22 13:52:57 (permalink)
cool thanks.
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August
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Re:Building computer need suggestions 2012/06/22 13:58:25 (permalink)
Matt,
  I'm leaning heavily towards the Saffire Pro 40.  Do you know of any issues with the Asus P9 family of motherboards? If no issues which one would be better, the W/S, pro, deluxe or would you recommend another brand of motherboard?  Scott, if you could chime in on these questions as well that would be great.  Also, I would like to thank ALL of the people for the information and the help that has been provided so far!  You are all awesome!
 
 
August 
#41
Beepster
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Re:Building computer need suggestions 2012/06/22 14:27:08 (permalink)
August. If Matt doesn't get a chance to come back you could always email Focusrite support with any hardware compatibility issues. That's what I did before buying my Scarlett 18i6. By the way... I really think you're on the right track with the Focusrite stuff. The more I play around with mine the more I love it. You can check out my real time review here... (Warning: Epic thread) http://forum.cakewalk.com/tm.aspx?m=2593692
#42
jcschild
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Re:Building computer need suggestions 2012/06/22 14:46:58 (permalink)
a word on focusrite:
AD/DA is good. mic press very decent for the $
lots of i/o ability with adding Ad/da via adat
low lantency not so good.

in that price range (450ish) one of the better. however if you need low latency (usually guys doing sample libraries which you are not)
best to keep looking.

Scott
ADK
Home of the Kentucky Fried DAW!
#43
August
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Re:Building computer need suggestions 2012/06/22 14:57:03 (permalink)
Scott,
  What would be your suggestion?
#44
Beepster
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Re:Building computer need suggestions 2012/06/22 15:08:07 (permalink)
Interface Manufacturers:

M-Audio

MOTU

Focusrite

Roland

Presonus

Mackie

Tascam

RME

Digidesign

Steinberg


There are more but those are probably the better brands to be looking at.
#45
Beepster
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Re:Building computer need suggestions 2012/06/22 15:17:13 (permalink)
And I wouldn't discount that Saffire yet. That is a very nice looking box. Look around for user reviews regarding latency. With a nice system you should be able to get the latency down pretty low to the point it isn't noticeable which is all that matters. Also my unit has a "Zero Latency Monitoring" feature where the signal going into the box is sent directly to the main outs while still sending the signal to the DAW for recording. The only drawbacks to this is if you are using any software effects like on a guitar track they won't be applied to the monitored signal. The other drawback being it obviously doesn't work for VSTs being played with a MIDI controller. But really if you are just recording live band stuff I doubt you'll have any problems and you likely won't even notice the latency. Once you start getting under 25ms round trip latency it really doesn't have much of an audible effect unless you have Superman ears. Cheers.
#46
jcschild
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Re:Building computer need suggestions 2012/06/22 16:12:09 (permalink)
looking around for user reviews?

fact is its NOT a low latency interface. none of the focusrites are, same with most Dice II chipsets with very few exceptions.

low latency
RME
Motu
Steinberg
Presonus VSL series (but have buffers added to make round trip not the best)

here is a great list. i agree with most of it. some things have changed for the better like the Steinberg USB and the Presonus..

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/7856057-post276.html
 
OP the question is do you need super low latency? (32-53 buffer) based on your workflow i dont think you do. punch in is one area you might need it but even 256 buffer is usually ok for that.
post edited by jcschild - 2012/06/22 16:14:35

Scott
ADK
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#47
Beepster
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Re:Building computer need suggestions 2012/06/22 16:29:12 (permalink)
@jschild... Certainly not disagreeing but as you said the ultra low latency stuff probably isn't necessary for what he's doing. I'd imagine the biggest thing for recording a live band would be quality mic pres which from most accounts the Focusrite stuff has. But as I said earlier if I had the money I would have gotten a MOTU. And as far as user reviews whenever I'm looking to pick up new gear I check out as many reviews as I can and I find user reviews on sites like Amazon, Sweetwater, Newegg, wherever very helpful. Some people really go into a lot of detail and don't hold back about potential problems. BTW I really wish I could have afforded one of your systems. Maybe next time around or if I ever have enough money for a decent laptop. Cheers.
#48
chuckebaby
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Re:Building computer need suggestions 2012/06/22 16:31:06 (permalink)
jcschild


looking around for user reviews?

fact is its NOT a low latency interface. none of the focusrites are, same with most Dice II chipsets with very few exceptions.

low latency
RME
Motu
Steinberg
Presonus VSL series (but have buffers added to make round trip not the best)

here is a great list. i agree with most of it. some things have changed for the better like the Steinberg USB and the Presonus..

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/7856057-post276.html
 
OP the question is do you need super low latency? (32-53 buffer) based on your workflow i dont think you do. punch in is one area you might need it but even 256 buffer is usually ok for that.


are you saying focusrite interfaces are not low in latency?

Windows 8.1 X64 Sonar Platinum x64
Custom built: Asrock z97 1150 - Intel I7 4790k - 16GB corsair DDR3 1600 - PNY SSD 220GB
Focusrite Saffire 18I8 - Mackie Control
   
#49
Beepster
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Re:Building computer need suggestions 2012/06/22 16:44:42 (permalink)
I think he's just saying you are probably not gonna get 2ms latency like some other devices but to me I'm just happy if the lag isn't noticeable enough to throw off a performance. I'll be pushing the limits of the 18i6 in regards to buffer/latency over the next few days. Currently I just have it cranked all the way up as that is the default.
#50
August
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Re:Building computer need suggestions 2012/06/22 17:34:41 (permalink)
Not discounting the Focusrite at all, I just want to see what he would recommend.
#51
Beepster
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Re:Building computer need suggestions 2012/06/22 17:48:35 (permalink)
If I had a thousand bucks to blow on an interface I'd like something like this... http://www.motu.com/products/motuaudio/896mk3
#52
jcschild
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Re:Building computer need suggestions 2012/06/22 18:01:36 (permalink)
chuckebaby


jcschild


looking around for user reviews?

fact is its NOT a low latency interface. none of the focusrites are, same with most Dice II chipsets with very few exceptions.

low latency
RME
Motu
Steinberg
Presonus VSL series (but have buffers added to make round trip not the best)

here is a great list. i agree with most of it. some things have changed for the better like the Steinberg USB and the Presonus..

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/7856057-post276.html
 
OP the question is do you need super low latency? (32-53 buffer) based on your workflow i dont think you do. punch in is one area you might need it but even 256 buffer is usually ok for that.


are you saying focusrite interfaces are not low in latency?

Exactly! compared to many others the Dice II chipset interfaces are poor performers
of all the "budget" interfaces i like Focusrite a pretty good amount. 
post edited by jcschild - 2012/06/22 18:04:41

Scott
ADK
Home of the Kentucky Fried DAW!
#53
Beepster
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Re:Building computer need suggestions 2012/06/22 18:26:22 (permalink)
Whew... you had me worried for a second. And that there is why I decided on the Scarlett. Way more for WAY less. When someone is paying me a hundred bucks an hour to produce music I'll look at other stuff. For what I needed I think I made the best choice possible in my price range. I think August has a bit more cash to work with though so he'll have way more options available to him. Cheers.
#54
chuckebaby
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Re:Building computer need suggestions 2012/06/22 19:04:13 (permalink)
I have a saphire 6 usb and i love it,its just one of my interfaces,i also have a v-sutio which i absolutely love.
its nice to be able to use the 8 faders on the interface to move the faders on the screen.

in my opinion when your talking a few ml sec in latency,can you really tell the difference?

Windows 8.1 X64 Sonar Platinum x64
Custom built: Asrock z97 1150 - Intel I7 4790k - 16GB corsair DDR3 1600 - PNY SSD 220GB
Focusrite Saffire 18I8 - Mackie Control
   
#55
Beepster
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Re:Building computer need suggestions 2012/06/22 19:15:56 (permalink)
I think that would come down to what you are doing. For most of us it won't make a difference but I see the case being made for really intricate stuff where it has to be spot freakin' on. It's kind of like the CPU discussion we were have earlier. Sure you could pay a ton of money just to squeeze an extra little bit of performance out of something but if you don't absolutely NEED to why bother? So far I am extremely happy with my Scarlett and it is the bottom end line from Focusrite. No regrets.
#56
Bristol_Jonesey
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Re:Building computer need suggestions 2012/06/23 02:21:58 (permalink)
I have 2 Focusrites and am well pleased with their performance

CbB, Platinum, 64 bit throughout
Custom built i7 3930, 32Gb RAM, 2 x 1Tb Internal HDD, 1 x 1TB system SSD (Win 7), 1 x 500Gb system SSD (Win 10), 2 x 1Tb External HDD's, Dual boot Win 7 & Win 10 64 Bit, Saffire Pro 26, ISA One, Adam P11A,
#57
jcschild
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Re:Building computer need suggestions 2012/06/23 12:46:29 (permalink)
guys you have to remember how much i tweak, benchmarks etc. (same with Vin who's test i linked to)

i have clients who refuse to work with anything higher than 64buffer even a few with 32.
99% of them are composers.

the average home studio users probably has no issues with 128/256 or even 512 buffer.

funny thing is it was not that long ago 64/32 buffer was unheard of and 512 was about the average.

Scott
ADK
Home of the Kentucky Fried DAW!
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chuckebaby
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Re:Building computer need suggestions 2012/06/23 12:54:39 (permalink)
i run a small studio,stay busy here.
all it comes down to on my end is being able to overdub without hearing a delay.

latency means nothing at all to me unless it is a problem.
those composers your talking about wouldnt be able to tell(with the human ear)a slight difference.

when it comes down to it...my customers are happy,they cant tell the difference in latency unless it noticable.

Windows 8.1 X64 Sonar Platinum x64
Custom built: Asrock z97 1150 - Intel I7 4790k - 16GB corsair DDR3 1600 - PNY SSD 220GB
Focusrite Saffire 18I8 - Mackie Control
   
#59
Beepster
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Re:Building computer need suggestions 2012/06/23 13:11:00 (permalink)
@jschild... Yeah, dude. As soon as I saw "ADK" in your sig I started listening intently to what you have to say. Ever since I discovered your company I've recommended to anyone asking about audio systems to check out your site. Anyway I did a little test last night with the 18i6 in regards to latency. This is a brand new interface and I'm still checking it out so I had it set to the default setting of 10ms on the buffer setting fader. Sonar was reporting something like 50ms roundtrip. Once I figured out how to actually monitor Sonar (as opposed to direct monitoring) I could hear the latency. It wasn't insane but it was definitely enough to be distracting. So I set the buffer fader to 4.0ms and Sonar was reporting 22ms roundtrip latency. If I REALLY strained to hear latency I think there was just an microscopic delay but it very well could have been my imagination. I recorded some stuff and didn't get any pops or clicks. So that's at 4.0ms (which I'm probably going stick to just because I can't hear any latency so why use up more resources?). I can still go down further. The lowest setting is 1.0ms. I will give it a try just to see the latency report from Sonar but I'd imagine I could get things around or below 10ms. That said I'm running an i7 2600k with 16GB RAM and 7200/6.0 hardrives so that probably helps... at least as far as dropouts are concerned. Just thought you might be curious. Cheers.
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