Johnny_5
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New to Sonar, what to get next to make this all work
So my girlfriend bought me Sonar X1 Producer for my birthday. This is the computer I just loaded it on: http://h20000.www2.hp.com...4&prodTypeId=12454 I've already maxed out the RAM on it. But I know I'll need an audio interface. This is my first foray into home computer based recording, but I do have a lot of recording experience. I know my audio card is probably weak at best. I'm reading about audio interfaces that also serve as audio cards? Am I understanding this incorrectly? Can someone let me know what would be needed to make this run correctly on this computer. Actually, let me restate that: I've loaded the program and the program itself seems to be running fine. I'm more curious about the needed hardware for audio, I guess, and any other hardware I may need. I do have an old MOTU 8 channel interface from a really old attempt at computer based recording, but I ended up going ADAT (yeah, that's how long ago it was, haha). Any and all advice would be welcomed. Thanks!
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Bristol_Jonesey
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Re:New to Sonar, what to get next to make this all work
2011/05/25 04:13:16
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Audio Interface = Sound Card = Audio Card etc.
They are the same thing Johnny.
Buy the best one you can afford, but consistent with your needs.
There's no point in buying a 16 in/out device if you're only going to be recording one track at a time.
If you're going to be tracking live bands then that's a whole different problem - and solution!
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timidi
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Re:New to Sonar, what to get next to make this all work
2011/05/25 08:54:50
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" I'm reading about audio interfaces that also serve as audio cards? "
Correct. You can get a mixer/controller that plugs right into a USB or firewire port on your computer.
The main choice I think is whether to go PCI, PCIe, USB, or firewire. (different connectivity options).
If you go firewire, make sure you have a Texas Instrument firewire card. (that's important).
If you spell out your price range and your specific needs, some of the gurus here can give you some good ideas.
I like RME cards myself. (But, I don't like the company).
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Beagle
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Re:New to Sonar, what to get next to make this all work
2011/05/25 09:39:03
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what model number MOTU? ADAT is still alive and kicking, but you probably don't even need it, you can probably just use the MOTU's A/D as is. tell us what model of MOTU you're talking about and that might do just fine for your needs.
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Mesh
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Re:New to Sonar, what to get next to make this all work
2011/05/25 10:30:48
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It might also help to get a couple of internal hard drives: 1 for your OS and software, 1 for X1 projects, & 1 for all your audio samples.
Aren't all the newer desktop HD's supposed to be 7200 RPM (on your sys I noticed the 1.5 TB HD is 5400 RPM)? I don't know if that makes any difference, but I was adviced to look for the 7200 variety when I built mine. If you're going to add any HD's, check and see if there are any compatibility issues you might run into.
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Jim Roseberry
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Re:New to Sonar, what to get next to make this all work
2011/05/25 11:23:13
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Aren't all the newer desktop HD's supposed to be 7200 RPM (on your sys I noticed the 1.5 TB HD is 5400 RPM)? HDs of the 'Green' (power saving) variety are often 5400RPM @OP: Decide what input/output features you need... Go with a proven rock-solid audio interface that meets those I/O needs. That'll go a long way toward a trouble-free experience. As was mentioned, if you have the budget, RME makes great audio interfaces.
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Johnny_5
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Re:New to Sonar, what to get next to make this all work
2011/05/25 18:39:38
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Thanks for all the info and advice!
The MOTU is a 2408, I believe it's a mkII.
I'll need about 8 channels at most. Besides the interface, is there anything else glaring that I'll need? Looks like I'll need a firewire card as well to run the interface if I go that route.
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Johnny_5
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Re:New to Sonar, what to get next to make this all work
2011/05/25 18:42:26
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Oh, and as for prices, I'd obviously like to keep the pricing down. I don't record bands like I used to. This will mostly be for home projects, nothing fancy. So at best I'd like to spend less than $500 if I can. I'm willing to spend more if need be, but no need to break the bank... just yet.
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Kev999
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Re:New to Sonar, what to get next to make this all work
2011/05/25 20:17:15
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Johnny_5
This is the computer I just loaded it on:
http://h20000.www2.hp.com...4&prodTypeId=12454
I've already maxed out the RAM on it.
If the PC relies on the motherboard's built-in graphics, then adding a separate graphics card would free up some RAM and CPU power.
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Johnny_5
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Re:New to Sonar, what to get next to make this all work
2011/05/26 08:58:35
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Kev999
Johnny_5
This is the computer I just loaded it on:
http://h20000.www2.hp.com...4&prodTypeId=12454
I've already maxed out the RAM on it.
If the PC relies on the motherboard's built-in graphics, then adding a separate graphics card would free up some RAM and CPU power.
It has it's own graphics memory (not a lot 512mb) but I also have 16 gigs of RAM in it too. I think this should be enough for home recording, no?
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Beagle
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Re:New to Sonar, what to get next to make this all work
2011/05/27 08:17:19
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Johnny_5
Thanks for all the info and advice!
The MOTU is a 2408, I believe it's a mkII.
I'll need about 8 channels at most. Besides the interface, is there anything else glaring that I'll need? Looks like I'll need a firewire card as well to run the interface if I go that route.
well - you may be out of luck with that. I have read in the forums recently that the MKII units do not have win7 drivers for them. it would be worth checking the MOTU site yourself to verify, tho.
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Johnny_5
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Re:New to Sonar, what to get next to make this all work
2011/06/06 16:55:54
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Ok, so assuming it doesn't work. Does it look like all I need is a decent interface? I'm sure I can pick up a presonus or something somewhere. And I plan on getting some better monitors anway, so I want to get everything all at once.
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batsbrew
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Re:New to Sonar, what to get next to make this all work
2011/06/06 17:21:07
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don't forget the most important piece of gear in the entire list.
microphone.
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