letyourlightshine
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Recommendations on buying PC desktop
Hello everyone,I started music production on sonar x1 on a hp laptop,with an i7 processor and 16 gb ram,then last year my wife gave me a macbook pro and while I enjoy using this,and use logic,sonar is still my favorite DAW.
I am looking into buying a fast PC desktop that can handle recording and production.I have been researching processors but feel like I need some advice from other users.
Obviously I am going to get as much ram as I can,but can anyone help point me in the right direction?
I realize some of this may be subjective,but any thoughts and recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
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Larry Jones
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Re: Recommendations on buying PC desktop
2015/08/23 15:02:40
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If you are in a family where gifts are at the level of a Macbook Pro, you won't have any problems. Just get out your credit card and call Purrfect Audio or ADK. Don't mean to be flippant, but these are purpose-built machines made by people who understand audio requirements.
SONAR Platinum 2017.10 • CbB • Win10 • i7/2600 • 16GB RAM • Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 • NVIDIA GeForce 8400GS
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Doktor Avalanche 
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Re: Recommendations on buying PC desktop
2015/08/23 21:26:36
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I use Dell but I'm liking a lot the HP Z workstations. I will probably upgrade in a year when USB-C and Thunderbird 3 is out,and Windows 10 has stabilised. If I were to make one big recommendation it would be to wait.
post edited by Doktor Avalanche - 2015/08/23 21:34:58
Sonar Platinum(64 bit),Win 8.1(64 bit),Saffire Pro 40(Firewire),Mix Control = 3.6,Firewire=VIA,Dell Studio XPS 8100(Intel Core i7 CPU 2.93 Ghz/16 Gb),2 x 1TB SSD (Samsung EVO 850),GeForce GTX 460,Yamaha DGX-505 keyboard,Roland A-300PRO,Roland SPD-30 V2,FD-8,Triggera Krigg,Shure SM7B,Yamaha HS5. Rap Pro,Maschine Studio+Komplete 9 Ultimate+Kontrol Z1,Addictive Keys,Waves Silver,Izotope Nectar elements,Overloud Bundle,Geist,Acronis True Image 2015.
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Mesh
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Re: Recommendations on buying PC desktop
2015/08/24 10:10:47
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Also, another alternative (if you're inclined to do this) is to build your DAW. It's a great way to customize/select all the components specific to your needs and get the satisfaction of knowing exactly what's in your machine (in case something goes wrong). You'll also have complete control of what software gets to be installed. Just need to do some research to make sure there aren't any compatibility issues and the good folks in here will also help you along the process (like they did for me). Heck, if an amateur hobbyist like me can build one, anyone can. 
Platinum Gaming DAW: AsRock Z77 Overclock FormulaI7 3770k @ 4.5GHz : 16GB RAM G.Skill Ripjaws X 250GB OS SSD : 3TB HDD : 1TB Sample HDDWin 10 Pro x 64 : NH-D14 CPU Cooler HIS IceQ 2GB HD 7870Focusrite Scarlett 2i4The_Forum_Monkeys
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S.L.I.P.
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Re: Recommendations on buying PC desktop
2015/08/24 16:36:38
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Perfect Audio! You won't be disappointed. Jim built a monster machine for me, almost 2 years ago, and it still feels brand new. I will never buy another machine from anybody else. Plus Jim is always on the Sonar forum.
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letyourlightshine
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Re: Recommendations on buying PC desktop
2015/08/24 18:23:25
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It was a wedding gift from my wife,I'm not "rich:,but thanks
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letyourlightshine
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Re: Recommendations on buying PC desktop
2015/08/24 18:24:57
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Ill look into that,I was just wondering about what processors,ect is better in your opinion.
Thanks
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Mesh
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Re: Recommendations on buying PC desktop
2015/08/25 09:08:14
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The i7 is generally a common favorite for a DAW and it's favored much more over the AMD. Depending on your budget, the newer AMD's might be a more economical solution. On the benchmark tests (when I was researching my build), the Ivy Bridge outperformed many of the top AMD processors and I'm pretty sure Haswell is doing the same.
If your budget can afford it, go i7 I say. :))
Platinum Gaming DAW: AsRock Z77 Overclock FormulaI7 3770k @ 4.5GHz : 16GB RAM G.Skill Ripjaws X 250GB OS SSD : 3TB HDD : 1TB Sample HDDWin 10 Pro x 64 : NH-D14 CPU Cooler HIS IceQ 2GB HD 7870Focusrite Scarlett 2i4The_Forum_Monkeys
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gswitz
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Re: Recommendations on buying PC desktop
2015/08/25 09:13:50
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Purfect audio pc has definitely worked out well for me. Ask for guidance so you get what YOU need. I suspect that Jim can point you to the right thing for you, even if you don't need one of his custom builds today .
post edited by gswitz - 2015/08/25 09:24:37
StudioCat > I use Windows 10 and Sonar Platinum. I have a touch screen. I make some videos. This one shows how to do a physical loopback on the RME UCX to get many more equalizer nodes.
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DeeringAmps
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Re: Recommendations on buying PC desktop
2015/08/27 09:20:53
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Call Jim at Purrfect and call ADKproaudio.
That way you can quit worrying about the hardware and just make music.
Tpm
Tom Deering Tascam FW-1884 User Resources Page Firewire "Legacy" Tutorial, Service Manual, Schematic, and Service Bulletins Win10x64 StudioCat Pro Studio Coffee Lake 8086k 32gb RAM  RME UFX (Audio) Tascam FW-1884 (Control) in Win 10x64 Pro
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Doktor Avalanche
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Re: Recommendations on buying PC desktop
2015/08/27 20:40:53
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To add some balance here, I'm not worrying about my hardware here either.
Cheers...
Sonar Platinum(64 bit),Win 8.1(64 bit),Saffire Pro 40(Firewire),Mix Control = 3.6,Firewire=VIA,Dell Studio XPS 8100(Intel Core i7 CPU 2.93 Ghz/16 Gb),2 x 1TB SSD (Samsung EVO 850),GeForce GTX 460,Yamaha DGX-505 keyboard,Roland A-300PRO,Roland SPD-30 V2,FD-8,Triggera Krigg,Shure SM7B,Yamaha HS5. Rap Pro,Maschine Studio+Komplete 9 Ultimate+Kontrol Z1,Addictive Keys,Waves Silver,Izotope Nectar elements,Overloud Bundle,Geist,Acronis True Image 2015.
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Joe Barnett
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Re: Recommendations on buying PC desktop
2015/09/09 22:05:43
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Thanks Mesh! "The i7 is generally a common favorite for a DAW and it's favored much more over the AMD. If your budget can afford it, go i7 I say. :)) " I need to get a new computer for music. I will get i7 for sure! Thanks! I will get i7 in an ASUS Desktop PC. My music computer just died and I need to get a new one now - Sept. 9, 2015 I have been using my writing laptop as my music computer to get by until I get a strong music computer going again. We have been using Cubase for our last 25 albums, but I am now switching to using SONAR Professional. I also do much of my software music through Reason 8.3
post edited by Joe Barnett - 2015/09/09 22:16:50
Joe BarnettCrystal Magic Orchestra
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TheMaartian
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Re: Recommendations on buying PC desktop
2015/09/10 09:09:51
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Couple of things. 1. Sure took some time to track down Jim's website. "Purrrfect" has THREE 'R's in it. http://www.studiocat.com/open_cart/ 2. Now that I've figured out how to turn the audio off, I'll take a look at it. 3. Whatever PC you pick, even if it's got the latest and greatest Intel chip set with Thunderbolt 3 support, make sure you are clear on the USB ports and their configuration (how many hubs; how many ports; which ports attached to which hubs; USB2 v USB3; etc.). 4. Just a recommendation, but...whatever PC you pick? Don't plug an iLok into it.
post edited by TheMaartian - 2015/09/10 09:19:50
Intel i7 3.4GHz, 16 GB RAM, 2 TB HD Win10 Home 64-bit Tascam US-16x08 Studio One 4 Pro Notion 6 Melodyne 4 Studio Acoustica 7 Guitar Pro 7 PreSonus FaderPort Nektar P6 M-Audio BX8 D2 Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro NI K9U XLN AK, AD2 AAS VS-2, GS-2, VA-2, EP-4, CP-2, OD Toontrack SD3, EZK
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sven450
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Re: Recommendations on buying PC desktop
2015/09/10 13:35:07
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☄ Helpfulby Larry Jones 2015/09/10 15:41:52
Just a quick nod to us "regular" PC users. I have a Dell XPS with a i7 processor. It is not in the same league as a custom built DAW from either of the great companies mentioned here, but it has taken everthing I have thrown at it (giant projects heavily loaded with synths and plugins) and has never even hiccupped. I did nothing to it other than get rid of the crappy stuff Dell preloads.
I mention this simply because it is a cheaper alternative and is a perfectly viable solution if you can't afford a custom DAW.
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Bajan Blue
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Re: Recommendations on buying PC desktop
2015/09/10 16:38:42
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+1 for Jim here - I have a couple of his computers - both been 100% reliable and DO exactly what they say on the tin!!
Oh and he's a good guy and very knowledgeable......
Nigel
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kzmaier
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Re: Recommendations on buying PC desktop
2015/10/09 16:29:52
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If your mic'ing up near the PC, you may want to think about getting a silent case, power-supply, and CPU fan. Mines too loud and I'm trying to deal with it.
post edited by kzmaier - 2015/10/09 16:39:28
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townstra
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Re: Recommendations on buying PC desktop
2015/10/11 21:39:42
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My last computer had an AMD processor and when it died I replaced it with a new computer with an i7 processor. Huge improvement and not really all that much more expensive.
Regards, Tracy Sonar Platinum, Harrison Mixbus 4, Melodyne 4 Studio, Slate Digital FG-X, ARC 2, Windows 10 Pro x64, Intel I7-4790@3.6ghz, 16 Gb RAM, GeForce GT730, Focusrite Scarlett 18i20, Behringer ADA8200, Prodipe Ribbon 8 monitors, Prodipe Pro5 monitors, Behringer B2030P monitors, Korg nanokontrol, Korg microKey, Samson Graphite MF8, rack full of channel strips and processors, lots of guitars, basses, and pedals. www.TracyTowns.com
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musicroom
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Re: Recommendations on buying PC desktop
2015/10/13 11:11:15
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Doktor Avalanche
I use Dell but I'm liking a lot the HP Z workstations. I will probably upgrade in a year when USB-C and Thunderbird 3 is out,and Windows 10 has stabilised. If I were to make one big recommendation it would be to wait.
I took a look at the I7 HP Z recommended configuration workstation and it was only a couple of hundred less on the front end of the purchase than Jim's Pro Studio DAW - but you also get quite a bit less. Tangible $$ benefits: - HPZ = lower rated power supply
- HPZ = cpu stock cooler vs. larger quiet cpu cooler
- HPZ - no second HD vs 1tb audio 2nd drive
- HPZ = 8gb RAM vs 16gb RAM
- HP/Dell, etc = installs bloatware
Subjective benefits: - Jim has shown me no hassle, no waiting on hold, no computer generated messages requesting I push 3, 7 then 9 to speak with an out of the country rep reading from a service cue. :)
- Installed all the music software I requested (I provided serial numbers)
- Tweaked and streamlined the DAW for my primary uses
- Peace of mind knowing I had premium components installed / setup by a daw expert
- DAW almost too quiet - I have to look at the tower lights sometimes to see if it's running
- My time
What's not to like? Very fair, honest pricing by a skilled craftsman (check pricing for quality components - no way there are huge amounts of profit in these systems). Either way, nothing to bash or deter others based from my experience.
Dave Songs___________________________________ Desktop: Platinum / RME Multiface II / Purrfect Audio DAW I7-3770 / 16 GB RAM / Win 10 Pro / Remote Laptop i7 6500U / 12GB RAM / RME Babyface
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S.L.I.P.
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Re: Recommendations on buying PC desktop
2015/10/16 21:53:29
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musicroom
- DAW almost too quiet - I have to look at the tower lights sometimes to see if it's running
When I first turned mine on, I didn't hear anything. I was cursing, because I thought it was broken. I was just about to call Jim, when I saw the windows logo appear on the screen.
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letyourlightshine
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Re: Recommendations on buying PC desktop
2015/11/23 16:06:01
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TheMaartian
Couple of things.
1. Sure took some time to track down Jim's website. "Purrrfect" has THREE 'R's in it.
http://www.studiocat.com/open_cart/
2. Now that I've figured out how to turn the audio off, I'll take a look at it.
3. Whatever PC you pick, even if it's got the latest and greatest Intel chip set with Thunderbolt 3 support, make sure you are clear on the USB ports and their configuration (how many hubs; how many ports; which ports attached to which hubs; USB2 v USB3; etc.).
4. Just a recommendation, but...whatever PC you pick? Don't plug an iLok into it.
Not exactly sure what you mean about the usb hubs,do iloks mess up sonar?
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myconsumerclub
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Re: Recommendations on buying PC desktop
2015/12/04 22:06:15
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I had an I7 laptop die and my desktop did as well so I am getting the following built this weekend. COOLMASTER HAFXB EVO TESTBENCH/LANBO CASE awesome in that it has handles on either side for carrying it. CORSAIR 750W CXMOD 80+BRZ ATX Power Supply CORSAIR 32GB 4X8 D4 2666 VGN C16 memory OEM WIN8.1 64BIT ENG 1PK DVD windows operating system ASUS X99PRO USB3.1 LGA2011E ATX motherboard INTEL BOX INTEL CORE I7 5820K CPU SAMSUNG 250GB 850 EVO SSD hard drive main one COOLMAST HYPER 212 EVO UNIV HSF fan ASUSCOMP HD6450 1GBD3 LP SLNT PCIE video card ASUS 24XSATA DVD BURNER OEM $1,299.90 Tax »$107.24 Sale TOTAL »$1,407.14 for the parts $129 is what they charge for putting them all together. hope the other drives I already have are all usable. wish me luck getting it done at microcenter. just need to add a decent touch screen monitor anyone know a good one to get?
post edited by myconsumerclub - 2015/12/04 22:19:05
Samsung I7 8 mb ram windows 8 64 bit on everything x2 & X1 producer line 6 podfarm gold interface event monitors Ibanez rg 350 guitar and GA6CE classical edirol pcr 500 keystation 88 plugins out the wazoo
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myconsumerclub
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Re: Recommendations on buying PC desktop
2015/12/06 23:39:47
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ViewSonic TD2220 Black 22" USB Optical Multi-Touch Full HD LED backlit monitor 200 cd/m2 1000:1 Built-in Speakers got this from new egg for $250 so not a bad deal.
Samsung I7 8 mb ram windows 8 64 bit on everything x2 & X1 producer line 6 podfarm gold interface event monitors Ibanez rg 350 guitar and GA6CE classical edirol pcr 500 keystation 88 plugins out the wazoo
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letyourlightshine
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Re: Recommendations on buying PC desktop
2015/12/20 21:40:16
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myconsumerclub
I had an I7 laptop die and my desktop did as well so I am getting the following built this weekend.
COOLMASTER HAFXB EVO TESTBENCH/LANBO CASE awesome in that it has handles on either side for carrying it.
CORSAIR 750W CXMOD 80+BRZ ATX Power Supply
CORSAIR 32GB 4X8 D4 2666 VGN C16 memory
OEM WIN8.1 64BIT ENG 1PK DVD windows operating system
ASUS X99PRO USB3.1 LGA2011E ATX motherboard
INTEL BOX INTEL CORE I7 5820K CPU
SAMSUNG 250GB 850 EVO SSD hard drive main one
COOLMAST HYPER 212 EVO UNIV HSF fan
ASUSCOMP HD6450 1GBD3 LP SLNT PCIE video card
ASUS 24XSATA DVD BURNER OEM
$1,299.90Tax »$107.24Sale TOTAL »$1,407.14 for the parts $129 is what they charge for putting them all together. hope the other drives I already have are all usable.
wish me luck getting it done at microcenter.
just need to add a decent touch screen monitor anyone know a good one to get?
Did you get it made?Where is micro center,did you order the parts?And they put it together?
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letyourlightshine
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Re: Recommendations on buying PC desktop
2015/12/20 21:42:58
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Larry Jones
If you are in a family where gifts are at the level of a Macbook Pro, you won't have any problems. Just get out your credit card and call Purrfect Audio or ADK. Don't mean to be flippant, but these are purpose-built machines made by people who understand audio requirements.
It was a wedding gift from my wife because I always would talk about how slow my computer was,and complain about problems I was having.And she knows music is what I love,and I make it every single day.She surprised me,I would have rather she gotten a very fast PC,but she made the decision herself.It was a one time gift,most of the time we don't even buy things for each other,or we buy cheap.
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letyourlightshine
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Re: Recommendations on buying PC desktop
2015/12/20 21:43:39
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Mesh
Also, another alternative (if you're inclined to do this) is to build your DAW. It's a great way to customize/select all the components specific to your needs and get the satisfaction of knowing exactly what's in your machine (in case something goes wrong). You'll also have complete control of what software gets to be installed.
Just need to do some research to make sure there aren't any compatibility issues and the good folks in here will also help you along the process (like they did for me).
Heck, if an amateur hobbyist like me can build one, anyone can.
I would love to build one,but the prospect of doing it intimidates me.
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letyourlightshine
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Re: Recommendations on buying PC desktop
2015/12/20 21:47:52
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Joe Barnett
Thanks Mesh!
"The i7 is generally a common favorite for a DAW and it's favored much more over the AMD.
If your budget can afford it, go i7 I say. :)) "
I need to get a new computer for music.
I will get i7 for sure! Thanks!
I will get i7 in an ASUS Desktop PC.
My music computer just died and I need to get a new one now - Sept. 9, 2015
I have been using my writing laptop as my music computer to get by until I get a strong music computer going again.
We have been using Cubase for our last 25 albums, but I am now switching to using SONAR Professional.
I also do much of my software music through Reason 8.3
What is cubase like as opposed to sonar,reason,ect.One of the only ones I haven't tried,seems you can't even try demo with out steinberg usb thing,which is freaking stupid,in my opinion.I wanted to check it out
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jbow
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Re: Recommendations on buying PC desktop
2015/12/21 23:10:59
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You have a good wife! I remember the days when we had nothing but I don't remember ever being unhappy.
You will get something good. You already have someone good!
You'll get the tech help you need here. I'm no good at that but congrats on marrying well! You even look happy!
Julien
Sonar Platinum Studiocat Pro 16G RAM (some bells and whistles) HP Pavilion dm4 1165-dx (i5)-8G RAM Octa-Capture KRK Rokit-8s MIDI keyboards... Control Pad mics. I HATE THIS CMPUTER KEYBARD!
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letyourlightshine
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Re: Recommendations on buying PC desktop
2015/12/22 01:13:52
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jbow
You have a good wife! I remember the days when we had nothing but I don't remember ever being unhappy.
You will get something good. You already have someone good!
You'll get the tech help you need here. I'm no good at that but congrats on marrying well! You even look happy!
Julien
Thanks man,i've been pretty discouraged in the music department.So thanks for your encouraging and kind words.
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hollo
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Re: Recommendations on buying PC desktop
2015/12/26 16:40:24
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myconsumerclub
I had an I7 laptop die and my desktop did as well so I am getting the following built this weekend.
COOLMASTER HAFXB EVO TESTBENCH/LANBO CASE awesome in that it has handles on either side for carrying it.
CORSAIR 750W CXMOD 80+BRZ ATX Power Supply
CORSAIR 32GB 4X8 D4 2666 VGN C16 memory
OEM WIN8.1 64BIT ENG 1PK DVD windows operating system
ASUS X99PRO USB3.1 LGA2011E ATX motherboard
INTEL BOX INTEL CORE I7 5820K CPU
SAMSUNG 250GB 850 EVO SSD hard drive main one
COOLMAST HYPER 212 EVO UNIV HSF fan
ASUSCOMP HD6450 1GBD3 LP SLNT PCIE video card
ASUS 24XSATA DVD BURNER OEM
$1,299.90Tax »$107.24Sale TOTAL »$1,407.14 for the parts $129 is what they charge for putting them all together. hope the other drives I already have are all usable.
wish me luck getting it done at microcenter.
just need to add a decent touch screen monitor anyone know a good one to get?
I had to change my PC also and get a very similar setup (except my motherboard is ASROCK) Works wonderfully. All of my performance problems are solved.
sound.artenuovo.comSoundsets for Zebra, Hive, Serum, Spire, Massive & Sylenth
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