I'm about ready to make a Great Leap.
 
How soon can one of you fellas build me one of these? 
 
I'm saving for next year's BF sale.  What do you think CCLarry? Doable?
 
Please Santa?
 
http://www.technologyreview.com/news/537041/ibm-shows-off-a-quantum-computing-chip/
 
Jesse Q. Screed
 

Since this is an old thread originally, I was using an off the shelf Dell, which was doing OK.  Previously I had a custom built back in the 90's, but spent about $3k and didn' want to go that route.  That said, I bought what is probably a "typical" StudioCat computer about a year ago.  It has totally been rock solid, I NEVER crash with Sonar, just get the updates and roll on.  It has been BY FAR a superior machine, than what I had ever used in the past, and probably to Jim's specs...isn't all the glamorous anymore.  But it's great.

Any rate...just reading some of my old comments back in 2013, I felt the need to update my opinions on this thread.

I think its better to build your own PC, that way you have complete control over your build and if you ever need to replace hardware now you know how, is not hard as some people may think. Also its a lot cheaper and you learn something new.

Vastman
Price, Jim?  Looks like what I'm saving for going into the new year... although I don't need the 3 4K monitors...Three hd monitors are fine. And will be moving to VEP... Plan to continue using my Forte interface.  While not the best latency (at least with my current setup) I love it's pres...and it suits my needs.

In the extreme example I gave, the SSDs alone cost more than most DAWs.  

Of course Jim...not suggesting otherwise, and I was giving a simplistic overview to not bog it down too much with specifics but as the poster above you said anyone who has a bit a researching skill and patience can do the same (or at least very close to) job. It really is not rocket science or some arcane art.
 
I daresay most of your "build" procedure comes from many years of experience...the same goes for those folks interested enough in this side of things with the same level of experience.
 
Dennis

mixmkr
Since this is an old thread originally, I was using an off the shelf Dell, which was doing OK.  Previously I had a custom built back in the 90's, but spent about $3k and didn' want to go that route.  That said, I bought what is probably a "typical" StudioCat computer about a year ago.  It has totally been rock solid, I NEVER crash with Sonar, just get the updates and roll on.  It has been BY FAR a superior machine, than what I had ever used in the past, and probably to Jim's specs...isn't all the glamorous anymore.  But it's great.

Any rate...just reading some of my old comments back in 2013, I felt the need to update my opinions on this thread.

I read comments like this often when users comment on buying a custom built PC and I think it shows why users return to these builders and why they highly recommend them. Comments like "rock solid". I've never bought a pre build specifically for audio, but "specifically for audio" is basically a machine with no boatware, a fresh OS install,  using high quality components, that has whatever audio interface you use adjusted to the best latency and resolution.It also has anything that would conflict with audio either disabled or removed and any services that are running in the background and can safely be disabled are. Configuring a computer for audio can take about 10 minutes for a person who knows how to do it...so these computers really aren't extremely different.
 
I don't think this is an edge since with my last three builds...one of which was an AMD system  were also very stable and "rock solid" with no major software conflicts even with one build that wasn't totally maxed for audio.
 
My built machines and computers "maxed for audio" are really no different. Some builders might try to say that their hardware is better or that they have a better combination of parts. I'm sure they do use great hardware, but it isn't specific or only available to them.

I don't disagree that audio optimized computers are the best way to run sonar. My machine was custom built by a local company and I love it. Suggestions for making optimizations on our current or future computers are greatly appreciated.
 However you did endorse a specific company. Then a representative of that company joined the thread and promoted his company and products.
 It is waddling and quacking, I'm pretty sure it's a 66 Beetle (turbo diesel).

Base 57
However you did endorse a specific company.

 
No. I recommended/endorsed three companies in the first post, and related my experiences with one of them - the one with which I had the most experience (remember, I write non-fiction) - to prove my point. 
 

Then a representative of that company joined the thread and promoted his company and products.
 It is waddling and quacking, I'm pretty sure it's a 66 Beetle (turbo diesel).

 
And Jim Roseberry responded in post #91 with what you might consider promoting his company and products, but I consider adding his (considerable and quite formidable) expertise to the thread. A lot of people don't know the lengths these companies go to in order to create specialized computers. I have no problem with them explaining the facts of what they do, why they do it, and the results they try to accomplish. 
 
Conspiracy theories may be entertaining, but education is useful.
 

Anderton

Base 57
But this thread is not a story. It is an ad (Sponsored Content). I might have to re-read the CoC but I am pretty sure it is against the rules.

 
Furthermore, the thread accomplished what I wanted - a discussion about using computers integrated for music, and hopefully, the people on this forum who have consistent computer problems would realize there are ways to have a much smoother experience if you don't have the time, inclination, or knowledge to build your own machine. I really don't understand how anyone could have a problem with that...but then again, there are many things about humanoid bipeds I don't fully understand . 

 
I certainly don't have a problem with any of that and I think this raises a good point. There are probably a large percentage of folks who come to these threads with Sonar loaded on a computer that is under powered for what they're trying to do with it.
 
I actually had a computer in  one of the vendors mentioned  online cart, but decided I would rather roll my own. I wish all of them well.
 
These guys aren't getting rich doing this ..You  become the mother hen forever. I don't envy these guys. I think they offer a valuable service to the people who don't want the hassle.
 
One thing that could maybe be improved with respect to deciding on a computer to use for recording work is a multi tiered spec based on what the user is trying to do. Maybe more education on how to disable onboard sound select drivers...that kind of thing. Cakewalk has put some info out there already.
 
Far too many new users look at only the cost of Sonar since they already have a computer and I think the view should be threefold. Sonar/interface/computer all in one big package. Looking at only one or two of those and ignoring the others is asking for problems. OTOH if Cakewalk comes out and says that our software will only work for large projects on 50% or less of the consumer computers out there, this wouldn't turn out very well. So the buyer realizes sooner or later that they need another computer if they happen to fall into that category. They then either opt to build their own, buy a more high powered prebuilt or look up one of the companies above.
 
 

Sir Les
 
I think too much education, and doing some of it, as bent science...Is where the Earth blows up by Nuclear fiddling...
 
But, Let us say...why do we need rocket science secrets, in PC land?....to make a PC work (they hide the formula...and if so..Only to gain profits?.....
Why does Sonar sell a windows based software application, saying "system requirements are x,y,z" for it to run...and best requirements are listed after as WKRP...Yet do not disclose that this will not work completely unless bought from ...Builder W>T>C ..///for a very nice price...of do not remove sticker, or open the box to add in or upon...if done it voids the warranty of all Licences, and agreements there in or on, or upon buying....and charges can apply for fixing....endlessly?,,,sure!
 
 
Now updates and upgrades, can be used against that warranty, and lay the user and buyer into a hole, that never resolves if let to happen...or done by, to cause faults.......MS updates if it Screws the light bulb in too tight, oe does a bad thing to the OS, or causes something to be corrupted.... to cause the cpu to hickup, and spiking issues with X cards or HDMI sound implimentation, and the HD Drives to thrash.. causing more issues....
 
And Sonar never does due dillegance to solve..or help resolve..Yet Promotes builders of Choice...be it one or three...or more....It is not on the box.!!
 
 
 
Just got more updates for win 10...hmmm...I guess they are still fixing, breaking things....And it continue to go on, and on....Turn off defender, and all redundant gear....is suppose to work...until they make it not work.
 
I Guess is the game...?
 
Oh El Capitan has issues also, with some audio devices..Nice to know Apple is still charging for tech support?...wonder why no more!...and they just made a update also....interesting eh?.
 
 
Stay tune in for more mayhem, at a cost list price!...and secret secrets to keep it so....is supposed to be in the manual to make Sonar Work with PC and OS.
 
Eh?
 
 

not quite sure of your point here? Anyone who sells software for Windows is aware of the almost infinite number of posibilities for different software/hardware combos. This makes universal compatibility almost impossible. so by providing monthly updates/fixes they are trying their damndest to correct those little foibles.
as you say even in the closed hardware world of Apple they are having lots of issues too. it's just the nature of complex software.
at least CW listen and respond to their customers -for free!

mgh

Sir Les
 
I think too much education, and doing some of it, as bent science...Is where the Earth blows up by Nuclear fiddling...
 
But, Let us say...why do we need rocket science secrets, in PC land?....to make a PC work (they hide the formula...and if so..Only to gain profits?.....
Why does Sonar sell a windows based software application, saying "system requirements are x,y,z" for it to run...and best requirements are listed after as WKRP...Yet do not disclose that this will not work completely unless bought from ...Builder W>T>C ..///for a very nice price...of do not remove sticker, or open the box to add in or upon...if done it voids the warranty of all Licences, and agreements there in or on, or upon buying....and charges can apply for fixing....endlessly?,,,sure!
 
 
Now updates and upgrades, can be used against that warranty, and lay the user and buyer into a hole, that never resolves if let to happen...or done by, to cause faults.......MS updates if it Screws the light bulb in too tight, oe does a bad thing to the OS, or causes something to be corrupted.... to cause the cpu to hickup, and spiking issues with X cards or HDMI sound implimentation, and the HD Drives to thrash.. causing more issues....
 
And Sonar never does due dillegance to solve..or help resolve..Yet Promotes builders of Choice...be it one or three...or more....It is not on the box.!!
 
 
 
Just got more updates for win 10...hmmm...I guess they are still fixing, breaking things....And it continue to go on, and on....Turn off defender, and all redundant gear....is suppose to work...until they make it not work.
 
I Guess is the game...?
 
Oh El Capitan has issues also, with some audio devices..Nice to know Apple is still charging for tech support?...wonder why no more!...and they just made a update also....interesting eh?.
 
 
Stay tune in for more mayhem, at a cost list price!...and secret secrets to keep it so....is supposed to be in the manual to make Sonar Work with PC and OS.
 
Eh?
 
 

not quite sure of your point here? Anyone who sells software for Windows is aware of the almost infinite number of posibilities for different software/hardware combos. This makes universal compatibility almost impossible. so by providing monthly updates/fixes they are trying their damndest to correct those little foibles.
as you say even in the closed hardware world of Apple they are having lots of issues too. it's just the nature of complex software.
at least CW listen and respond to their customers -for free!

 
Yes they are...Yet on this post...someone claims the Builders have the secret.....So I play along....And wink.
 
There is never going to be a solution until CW make their own OS...and hardware...Like Avid?...
 
Well speak to Korg...They put a midi and audio sequencer into a keyboard running Linux?...or something liken...just to do the job...with SSDs....and can use usb...and surely other developments.
 
Why base a app that has so much good intensions kind of working, on something so open to mayhem?....Well...answer the question?....I already did....MONEY!
 
And if we make life about money, and more moe money...Then we weigh it all down to a very heavy weight.of burden..And if it is to high a price...many die and suffer more...causing more crime and upheavals in the bent system...then Poor people are born...more so, that cannot have....and the can nots should not exceed the ones who do have in numbers...And they have a lot of em now!...But still they do not share, nor give...or are kind, as they raise the cost and the tax and reajust the counting systems so no one can count right or wrong on it....and sacrifices made for it.
 
.....If war is attached to the third hand, and fourth, that is asking it be under such a system, or born into....And all tied up not doing any sowing of seeds, or tending to the living, or making sure the air and water and soils stay in some form of heathy state of continuance........Got em all  misdirected, and turned aways....on the Box, in some other employment, or diverted into a business polluting it, and lying about the products sold...to sell a pig in a poe....and frustrated consumers+.loss of time.......to make the mind snap...or twist...or contaminate with lies....and it is being fixed?....while dragged along...trying...with faith for..but never perfect...or caused to break down...or just breaking down with the limit set.
 
On the box when bought it says...Works with, this ...And it does for some, for a while, or to one extent or another, but not fully...and then it does not do the deed......and the game is a foot...or a Qubit?
 
And when that counting is done..at the end of the day......Does one.1..1 really add up to 1?....
 
That is just another thing to think about....what is a lie?...and what is a liar?.....
 
Claims, licence agreements, and oath?.....or Promise?...
 
Yah make excuses why it does not work?....I already established that as being so, as it is others causing it!.....is that the pun for fun in this?....
 
 
So if the builders have solutions that are held secret secret...and they sell to run software of audio...and audio is being hampered by something with many....(Not just CW or PC)....Then how is it solved for, so it is good, honest and loyal to its oath?.
 
Here is where I seek the cause....the root...the finite end to the mayhem....
 
Perhaps our efforts are hampered by a higher truth.
 
That is what I now cling to....Lies do not prevail....SO be honest, and keep on....but hay..it now cost too much to even turn on the damn thing, just to troubleshoot it.
 
Might as well move on to other things...and make music without the recorder...scribe thingy...
 
Works for so many who do not buy this stuff....
 
I guess it can continue....if we keep our heads learnt how to do that ourselves...costing nothing but to do.
 
 
Just saying.
 
So something has to give it up!....secrets?...perhaps...truth...Perhaps...
 
cheers.
 

Complaining about people who have done work and research to streamline both product and process in their line of business is just bad form. Besides, people like Jim and Scott, do share their knowledge on this forum ...they just don't give away the farm.
 
There are a lot of tweaks that are out there to be found that are shared. 
 
I build my own DAW. I enjoy assembling a machine and configuring it, but I have been in IT a while. If I didn't feel confident I was in the ballpark of a optimized rock solid DAW, I wouldn't hesitate to have one built. But there were a lot of failures in the early stages. There are a LOT of variables! That, and I don't buy cheap parts!