nyogisanz
Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
- Total Posts : 29
- Joined: 2013/06/06 12:56:05
- Status: offline
What is the best Hardware for DAW?
Hi! I am currently on the drawing board for my next PC upgrade thus I would just like to ask what are the best desltop hardwares for a DAW like sonar X3 or Pro tools 11. I have here some specs, any comments or suggestions would greatly be appreciated.
OS: windows 8.1
Processor: I7 470K
RAM: 32 GB (Coursair)
MOB: Z78 Pro
SSD HyperX 3k- OS and DAW
SSD HyperX 3k- Samples
2HDD 2 TB
Video Card NVIDIA NVS 310
|
LunaTech
Max Output Level: -85 dBFS
- Total Posts : 273
- Joined: 2012/02/04 09:58:46
- Location: Atlanta, GA
- Status: offline
Re: What is the best Hardware for DAW?
2013/11/11 09:49:20
(permalink)
Hello,
I have a similar setup at present(your new specs are more powerful... ). I use two workstations for each DAW. Sonar is my preference but many clients feel "more comfortable" with "seeing" pro tools so I have it. I use my Zed R16 ADAT to talk Sonar and PT. I am more comfortable letting my creativeness flow in Sonar and can send that directly to PT via ADAT to a Focusrite Pro 40 PT 11/Digi 002 PT 10 if a client or other party requires it.
My point in mentioning that is this, your hardware pc build wise spects out great. ( I would research to ensure compatibility with the Nvidiia chip set and audio performance). I think a key focus at this point has to be your interface and ensuring that it is also at a level equal to your workstation. High quality Pre's and Converters are to be considered as well as how and what you will be recording. This will relate to the number of inputs/outputs and to the routing flexibillty of the interface. I am not suggesting getting into the technocratic discussions about AD/DA conversion theory and esoteric Pre's vs whatever, I am simply saying there is good information about good equipment out there. Search for it, look at forums like these and if you have any questions, ask.
Having a strong workstation (which you have) and an interface that fits the way you intend to work will on the front end can give you the tools needed to hone your craft and insert some longevity into your setup. With that said, As of November 1st Windows 8.1 is not officially supported by Avid. If stability is a conerstone requirement, It may be prudent to wait for both Avid's approval and more support from 3rd party vendors. X3 (I am almost sure) on the other hand supports Windows 8.1. IHTH
"Life could capture me with songs of innocence... And enrapture me with pleasures galore... Suddenly it could all quickly fade away... But I'm not surprised any more...." Sonar Platinum Pro- Win 10 64- I7 6800k - Asus - 32gb DDR4-SB ZX sound card (cd output to mixer)- Toshiba 960gb SSD (OS - Audio APPs)- 4TB Seagate (Storage/ App Content)- M-Audio Keystation 88 Pro - Akai MPD 232 - Zed R16 - PT 12 - A&H QU 24- Axiom 61 - XD 80usb "When He is all you have, He is everything you need"
|
robert_e_bone
Moderator
- Total Posts : 8968
- Joined: 2007/12/26 22:09:28
- Location: Palatine, IL
- Status: offline
Re: What is the best Hardware for DAW?
2013/11/11 11:11:55
(permalink)
Great specs - I would HIGHLY recommend you make sure all of your drivers and application software will work with Windows 8.1, as I have seen multiple reports of instances where things will just not work at all once the upgrade to 8.1 occurs. That does not mean it will not work for you, but it does suggest you do your homework. Bob Bone
post edited by robert_e_bone - 2013/11/11 11:35:03
Wisdom is a giant accumulation of "DOH!" Sonar: Platinum (x64), X3 (x64) Audio Interfaces: AudioBox 1818VSL, Steinberg UR-22 Computers: 1) i7-2600 k, 32 GB RAM, Windows 8.1 Pro x64 & 2) AMD A-10 7850 32 GB RAM Windows 10 Pro x64 Soft Synths: NI Komplete 8 Ultimate, Arturia V Collection, many others MIDI Controllers: M-Audio Axiom Pro 61, Keystation 88es Settings: 24-Bit, Sample Rate 48k, ASIO Buffer Size 128, Total Round Trip Latency 9.7 ms
|
nyogisanz
Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
- Total Posts : 29
- Joined: 2013/06/06 12:56:05
- Status: offline
Re: What is the best Hardware for DAW?
2013/11/11 23:46:26
(permalink)
Thank you Luna Tech for the very informative response and thank you as well Bob Bone. In this regards, may I ask what are your recommended audio converters and pre's for this kind of specs. As far as windows 8.1 being buggy, that does not matter to me as more likely, by the time I would be heading out to PC stores to shop for these specs, my uncle Bill Gates has already scared the hell out of windows 8.1 developers to catch whatever bugs infesting windows 8 hehe...
But in anyhow, thanks again. :)
|
Paul P
Max Output Level: -48.5 dBFS
- Total Posts : 2685
- Joined: 2012/12/08 17:15:47
- Location: Montreal
- Status: offline
Re: What is the best Hardware for DAW?
2013/11/12 00:20:10
(permalink)
☄ Helpfulby Andrew Rossa [Cakewalk] 2013/11/12 01:08:41
As LunaTech mentioned, your audio interface is at least as important as your computer, probably a lot more so. I believe you need a really good one, like RME or the like, to get really low latency (for example). You can have the fastest computer in the world, but if your interface is slow, that's what'll limit your performance. Unfortunately, good interfaces aren't cheap. Neither are good computers.
Sonar Platinum [2017.10], Win7U x64 sp1, Xeon E5-1620 3.6 GHz, Asus P9X79WS, 16 GB ECC, 128gb SSD, HD7950, Mackie Blackjack
|
Mistergreen
Max Output Level: -87 dBFS
- Total Posts : 155
- Joined: 2012/12/20 11:05:03
- Status: offline
Re: What is the best Hardware for DAW?
2013/11/12 07:50:36
(permalink)
Intel Core i7 3770K Quad-Core 3.5 GHz Asus P8Z77-V LK 16 GB Corsair Vengeance DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) ASUS 512 MB DDR3 Graphics Card 8400GS-SL-512MD3 SIIG FireWire 2-Port PCIe (NN-E20012-S2) WD VelociRaptor 250 & 500 Windows 7 64 bit CbB 2018.07 x64 Saffire Pro 40
|
LunaTech
Max Output Level: -85 dBFS
- Total Posts : 273
- Joined: 2012/02/04 09:58:46
- Location: Atlanta, GA
- Status: offline
Re: What is the best Hardware for DAW?
2013/11/12 08:03:31
(permalink)
nyogisanz
Thank you Luna Tech for the very informative response and thank you as well Bob Bone. In this regards, may I ask what are your recommended audio converters and pre's for this kind of specs.
Hello, I think that it would be helpful to have more information on what and how you plan to work.. Is this a setup for small venues doing live tracking. Will you be recording a band in your basement studio, Are you a solo artist putting together you own compositions. This will lead to how many inputs/ outputs do I need/want. If you are tracking a band you have to consider I/O for the instruments the vocals and at least 4 to 6 for percussion depending on the complexity of that setup. If it is just yourself then the I/O needs become much smaller. Is your style more "In the box" or "Out of the Box". Maybe you want to do a little of both.. Working in DAW for most of your tracking and effects but using some outboard gear, (a outboard pre's, a compressor you really like etc..). Having an idea of what you envision for your setup will help you and assist us to "focus" on the options that may work for you. Like I said earlier, one can discuss the merits of converters and colorful vs clean pre's until we retire, but the goal is to find the equipment that works for what you are trying to do. And as a community of gear users, inherently there is the benefit of that combined history. There really are a lot of choices out there but having an idea of where your head is will allow us to share our experience and opinions with you so that you can make a decision that is right for you. So.... Whats your plan.....
"Life could capture me with songs of innocence... And enrapture me with pleasures galore... Suddenly it could all quickly fade away... But I'm not surprised any more...." Sonar Platinum Pro- Win 10 64- I7 6800k - Asus - 32gb DDR4-SB ZX sound card (cd output to mixer)- Toshiba 960gb SSD (OS - Audio APPs)- 4TB Seagate (Storage/ App Content)- M-Audio Keystation 88 Pro - Akai MPD 232 - Zed R16 - PT 12 - A&H QU 24- Axiom 61 - XD 80usb "When He is all you have, He is everything you need"
|
robert_e_bone
Moderator
- Total Posts : 8968
- Joined: 2007/12/26 22:09:28
- Location: Palatine, IL
- Status: offline
Re: What is the best Hardware for DAW?
2013/11/12 08:53:06
(permalink)
nyogisanz
Thank you Luna Tech for the very informative response and thank you as well Bob Bone. In this regards, may I ask what are your recommended audio converters and pre's for this kind of specs. As far as windows 8.1 being buggy, that does not matter to me as more likely, by the time I would be heading out to PC stores to shop for these specs, my uncle Bill Gates has already scared the hell out of windows 8.1 developers to catch whatever bugs infesting windows 8 hehe...
But in anyhow, thanks again. :)
Well, it's not just the Microsoft side of things to look at, in terms of choosing to go with Windows 8.1 - there are also potential issues with the various developers for the software and hardware you would be using with Windows 8.1, such as drivers for your audio interface, as well as the various applications you would be running. Even if Windows 8.1's current bugs don't cause issue, there HAVE been multiple reports on the web about drivers working in Win 8, but not in 8.1, and there are CURRENTLY vendors who already state that their code will not for the moment work on 8.1 - so again, I urge you to do your homework ahead of time. Bob Bone
Wisdom is a giant accumulation of "DOH!" Sonar: Platinum (x64), X3 (x64) Audio Interfaces: AudioBox 1818VSL, Steinberg UR-22 Computers: 1) i7-2600 k, 32 GB RAM, Windows 8.1 Pro x64 & 2) AMD A-10 7850 32 GB RAM Windows 10 Pro x64 Soft Synths: NI Komplete 8 Ultimate, Arturia V Collection, many others MIDI Controllers: M-Audio Axiom Pro 61, Keystation 88es Settings: 24-Bit, Sample Rate 48k, ASIO Buffer Size 128, Total Round Trip Latency 9.7 ms
|
nyogisanz
Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
- Total Posts : 29
- Joined: 2013/06/06 12:56:05
- Status: offline
Re: What is the best Hardware for DAW?
2013/11/19 06:00:16
(permalink)
Thank you all guys for the great info. I really appreciate it. In fact you even help me save money for spending unnecessary amounts on things perhaps I wont be using anyway. As for the mean time, the specs are the same although I am just momentarily delaying my purchase as Z87 mobs here in where I am are all C1 still. Perhaps once C2 appears in the wild already. I might go into it. As far as the pre's and converters, actually this is just a hobby so probably, id consider in purchasing pre's and converters relative to that avenue. With this, may I ask any specific brands? Also, I know this is irrelevant to the post I posted above but since I am too lucky to have a very knowledgeable resource persons on board, may I ask how do you configure your sonar. I mean what stays in your main SSD drive, what goes into the other what goes eventually to a storage HHD. I notice there are myriads of styles doing it but id like to seek for your opinions. Thanks in advance again
|
Bristol_Jonesey
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 16775
- Joined: 2007/10/08 15:41:17
- Location: Bristol, UK
- Status: offline
Re: What is the best Hardware for DAW?
2013/11/19 06:24:05
(permalink)
Well, your last question again depends on what you plan on running with Sonar.
Are you going to be mainly recording stuff with a microphone or are you going to be running one or more of the massive sample libraries available?
If it's the latter, I would suggest:
SSD 1 : Operating System & Pograms
SSD 2 : Sample Libraries
HDD 1: Cakewalk Projects
HDD 2: Backups
It would help to know the answers which Luna Tech has asked, i.e. how you plan on using Sonar.
It would be pointless suggesting a 2 input interface if you intend to record bands, or mic up a drum kit
CbB, Platinum, 64 bit throughoutCustom 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,
|
nyogisanz
Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
- Total Posts : 29
- Joined: 2013/06/06 12:56:05
- Status: offline
Re: What is the best Hardware for DAW?
2013/11/19 07:59:12
(permalink)
For the mean time, I am more of myself only. I mean not really doing multiple recordings. I am mostly using synths and massive. I only record guitars via TH2 and temporary vocals for just a guide. Usually when its time already for the final vocal samples, I go out to a decent studio for that. I intend to do both in the box and outside the box thingy perhaps in the nearest future. I also would like to delve into doing my own mix and master. But at this point of time, I am just relying on others for these stuffs. Oh by the way, which do you think is a better brand for an SSD. Plextor M5 pro extreme, Samsung 840 pro or the intel 550 series, or HyperX 3k.
|
konradh
Max Output Level: -42 dBFS
- Total Posts : 3325
- Joined: 2006/01/16 16:07:06
- Status: offline
Re: What is the best Hardware for DAW?
2013/11/19 09:33:11
(permalink)
For Sonar, I love the VS-700, but it is no longer being produced.
For Pro Tools, Nucleus is cool, but expensive.
Konrad Current album and more: http://www.themightykonrad.com/ Sonar X1d Producer. V-Studio 700. PC: Intel i7 CPU 3.07GHz, 12 GB RAM. Win 7 64-bit. RealGuitar, RealStrat, RealLPC, Ivory II, Vienna Symphonic, Hollywood Strings, Electr6ity, Acoustic Legends, FabFour, Scarbee Rick/J-Bass/P-Bass, Kontakt 5. NI Session Guitar. Boldersounds, Noisefirm. EZ Drummer 2. EZ Mix. Melodyne Assist. Guitar Rig 4. Tyros 2, JV-1080, Kurzweil PC2R, TC Helicon VoiceWorks+. Rode NT2a, EV RE20. Presonus Eureka. Rokit 6s.
|
Bristol_Jonesey
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 16775
- Joined: 2007/10/08 15:41:17
- Location: Bristol, UK
- Status: offline
Re: What is the best Hardware for DAW?
2013/11/19 11:25:19
(permalink)
nyogisanz
Fwhich do you think is a better brand for an SSD. Plextor M5 pro extreme, Samsung 840 pro or the intel 550 series, or HyperX 3k.
Can't help you there, I'm still running old fashioned HDD's
CbB, Platinum, 64 bit throughoutCustom 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,
|
Paul P
Max Output Level: -48.5 dBFS
- Total Posts : 2685
- Joined: 2012/12/08 17:15:47
- Location: Montreal
- Status: offline
Re: What is the best Hardware for DAW?
2013/11/19 11:40:57
(permalink)
nyogisanz
which do you think is a better brand for an SSD. Plextor M5 pro extreme, Samsung 840 pro or the intel 550 series, or HyperX 3k.
All my research points to top-of-the-line Intels. 550 series ? I guess you mean 530. I have a 520 which was tops last year.
Sonar Platinum [2017.10], Win7U x64 sp1, Xeon E5-1620 3.6 GHz, Asus P9X79WS, 16 GB ECC, 128gb SSD, HD7950, Mackie Blackjack
|