New DAW Questions

Author
Post
Essentials Only Full Version
EltonJohn
Max Output Level: -89 dBFS
  • Total Posts : 90
  • Joined: 2010/05/27 23:09:02
  • Status: offline
2011/08/30 21:54:48 (permalink)

New DAW Questions

Hello.  I am planing my fourth DAW.  I have built three DAWs in the past, and this one will be DIY as well.  I am planning to go to 64-bit OS (primarily because one of the soft-synths I am interested in works best in 64 bit, but also to take advantage of greater amounts of RAM).  And I have some questions for the group.
 
A) Is there an advantage to getting one of those CPUs that have built in graphics?  Is there a down-side to using one of those processors?
 
B) Will my older software work in a 64 bit OS, like my version of Adobe Audition v2?  What about the drivers for my older Motu MIDI interface?  My older shareware plug-ins (SIR, etc)?  
 
Any help with these questions is appreciated.  EJ
#1

3 Replies Related Threads
    tyacko
    Max Output Level: -67 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 1190
    • Joined: 2007/01/06 07:20:16
    • Location: Pittsburgh, PA
    • Status: offline
    Re:New DAW Questions 2011/08/31 08:08:33 (permalink)
    I personally prefer letting a graphics card handle all things graphics and let the CPU worry about handling the processing of audio/VST data.

    On the old software question, I would suggest that you ask the vendor who created the software as they would be the most knowledgable with regards to 64-bit compatiblity of their software.  Also, if you run into issues, you'd need to talk to them anyway, right?

    Tom

    Our SoundClick page

    ASUS P9X79 PRO, Intel i7 3930K, 32gig RAM G.SKILL Ripjaws, RME Babyface USB, GeForce GTX 550 Ti, UAD-2, Intel 510 120gig SSD Drive, Win7 64-bit, Sonar X1E 64-bit, Studio One V2 
    #2
    EltonJohn
    Max Output Level: -89 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 90
    • Joined: 2010/05/27 23:09:02
    • Status: offline
    Re:New DAW Questions 2011/08/31 09:52:56 (permalink)
    Hello.  Thanks for your reply.

    I suspect if I ask the software venders "does such and such version of your software work in a 64 bit environment?", the answer will be "buy our newest version and all will be well".  

    I am hoping I can get answers without the sales pitch.

    Maybe I should go duel-boot: 64 bit OS AND 32 bit OS for use of all my older software. 
    #3
    Alegria
    Max Output Level: -54.5 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 2075
    • Joined: 2008/11/07 12:57:49
    • Status: offline
    Re:New DAW Questions 2011/08/31 11:58:29 (permalink)
    "EltonJohn"
    Is there an advantage to getting one of those CPUs that have built in graphics? Is there a down-side to using one of those processors?

    IMHO on a dedicated DAW for audio only... YES (you can't go wrong with the i7 2600k). Less individual hardware components to deal with (simplified setup and $ savings which can be applied to --> ). Any downside? The chip is going to run hotter and the stock cooling solution won't be enough. Allow an extra $70 to $100 USD for a solid and lasting cooling solution. Ultimately, if you come to the conclusion that a GPU is needed, modern motherboards offer the possibilitty of using both the GPU and integrated graphics for even more visual horsepower.

    "EltonJohn"
    Will my older software work in a 64 bit OS, like my version of Adobe Audition v2? What about the drivers for my older Motu MIDI interface? My older shareware plug-ins (SIR, etc)?

    Why not take this opportunity to convert to 64 bits... all the way. You currently have a working setup. So if you're in a position to build a new machine while keeping the old one intact, you're getting the best of both worlds. Concerning drivers for older components, you have no choice but to research this and hopefully find some success stories which can be applied in your case. I would also recommend being picky about the plugins you intend to use in your new 64 bit environment. Re-using older plugins will save you some hard earned $ but, at the cost of stability (maybe or not)? It's a bit of a crap shoot.

    You may also have noticed a couple of very capable professional DAW system builders in these forums. Their reputation preceeds them, and for a small "consultation" fee could easily answer all of your most difficult questions. If you are unsure as you seem to be currently, then I would view this option as a wise investment, again IMHO.

    Good luck,
    jc





    #4
    Jump to:
    © 2024 APG vNext Commercial Version 5.1