custom builds

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mixmkr
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2011/11/25 22:53:11 (permalink)

custom builds

FIRST off... my apologies if I am being unsensitive or rude in my asking, but I will ask the best I know how.
 
In the above user forums, you really see A LOT of complaints, crashing, etc.  I realize bugs exist and that the posts may really only represent a small fraction of actual users.
 
My question is do the custom build computer from the great folks that post in this forum or even stepping out to a Sweetwater build WITH the software installed seem relatively glitch free for the most part?  Many,many, seem to state they'd pay for a Cakewalk update if it was totally under the hood and fixed problems, rather than add bells and whistles.  My 7.02PE is fairly stable, but is known to crash and my Ctl S is a reflex at this point.  Since my audio computer is getting a little old on this end, desiring synths like Omnisphere...  I'd be willing to spend an amount extra for the "insurance", as admittedly, the builders need to make a living too, versus a 'do it yourself'.
 
Again, I am NOT downgrading the great builders that frequent here, as I have no experience with their builds and nothing to comment on.  It seems almost 100% of the owners recommend these people, and that in itself is very impressive and probably answers my own questions.
 
Thanks
edited for clarity
post edited by mixmkr - 2011/11/25 22:58:03

some tunes: --->        www.masonharwoodproject.bandcamp.com 
StudioCat i7 4770k 3.5gHz, 16 RAM,  Sonar Platinum, CD Arch 5.2, Steinberg UR-44
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    Jonbouy
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    Re:custom builds 2011/11/26 12:27:51 (permalink)

    I'd be willing to spend an amount extra for the "insurance", as admittedly, the builders need to make a living too, versus a 'do it yourself'.


    The peace of mind can be well worth the extra $$$.  I know quite a few users of Scott's and Jim's machines and not one of them is in anyway unhappy with their purchases.

    It's a decision you have to offset against your budget and your own ability to specify the parts you need and get things playing nicely together.

    I had a very tight budget but managed to get a system builder to put a basic i7 2600k together a few months ago which gave me a warranty and support on the overall machine and added the extras and tweaked it myself to turn it into a respectable DAW machine (for me) for around £500.

    It took a little time to get it all performing well and for the W7 event viewer to come up clean as well as coping with all the various tasks I put it to without flinching but I quite enjoyed that, it feels like a system rather than just a computer now and I hope to get a few years trouble free use from it.
    post edited by Jonbouy - 2011/11/26 13:14:36

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    #2
    Houndawg
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    Re:custom builds 2011/11/26 16:44:07 (permalink)
    A well researched, designed, and thoroughly tested PC for DAW use will go a long way towards trouble-free performance -- which is exactly what a professional builder (such as Jim or Scott) will provide.

    However, the PC itself is only part of the equation in the quest for glitch free performance. The choice of audio interface and the quality of its drivers (or lack thereof) can easily make or break a rewarding and productive DAW experience.

    We're still not done. The choice and use of 3rd party plug-ins and virtual instruments can also have a profound effect on a PC's perceived performance, and there are a near infinite number of combinations.

    Finally, there's the human element. We all tend to use these incredible tools in very different fashions. Some of those tendencies may support trouble free performance, and some are likely to work against it.

    The bottom line is that trouble-free or glitch-free performance is something we (and the software manufacturers) all aspire to, but given the enormity of the variables involved, perfection is unrealistic -- but we'll keep trying.

    Sonar users have the benefit of this forum with a wealth of experience to help us all on our quest for a rewarding and productive recording experience.

    I should also point out that any good custom DAW builder can assist you and provide guidance with ALL of the above, giving you the best chance of achieving your goals.
    #3
    noldar12
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    Re:custom builds 2011/11/26 20:26:45 (permalink)
    Support is also a key point.  Regardless of what sort of machine you buy/build, by definition, electronic components will eventually break (hard drives/ram/power supplies, etc., etc., etc.).  When things go wrong, having someone other than yourself to figure out what is going on is a real help.

    What the DAW builder also gives you will be a system built from parts that are known to "play nice" with each other, and thereby eliminate a lot of problems from the start.

    Jim
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    noldar12
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    Re:custom builds 2011/11/26 20:29:47 (permalink)
    Oh, I should add that if you are content to do a lot of research, are very computer savvy, and able to build/tweak/fix/modify your own computer, one certainly can build one's own system.  For many of us, if not most of us, that is not a viable option.

    Jim
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    DeeringAmps
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    Re:custom builds 2011/11/26 20:37:42 (permalink)
    Jim or Scott, you can't go wrong.

    I have one issue with X1.
    If I launch X1 after an update; B, C, quickfix, then I get a BSOD when I shut Windows down.
    This is a one shot deal (the BSOD), happened on my StudioCat and the Win 7x32 machine I built.
    Now I update, X1 Expanded on the StudioCat, and re-boot. No issues.

    Just my experience.

    T

    Tom Deering
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