chamlin
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New Computer - Drive Configuration Assistance
Tryin' to configure out what to do with the drives I have (internal drives and external backup drives). Here's what I'm thinking...any guidance appreciated. The system will have plenty of power, 16 GB Dual-channel RAM. Windows 7 Professional 64-bit.
Part A: Internal drives 1. SSD 180 GB primary drive (operating system, general programs) 2. WD Green 2 TB (general data) 3. WD Velociraptor 600 GB drive (audio data) 4. WD Velociraptor 150 GB drive (???) Option 1:- Put Sonar X2 (both in 32-bit and 64-bit) on the SSD
- Put samples on the 150 GB drive (don't have much at this point, just the Dimension that comes with Sonar, and maybe 20 GB of DrumCore samples.)
Option 2:- Put Sonar X2 (both in 32-bit and 64-bit) and the samples on the 150 GB drive
Part B: External drives 1. WD Green 2 TB 2. WD Green 750 GB I'm thinking of using the 2 TB for image backups and the 750 GB for audio data backup. Note: I'll also be doing online backups for all of the internal drives (CrashPlan). How do you guys do this? Suggestions? Many thanks, Chamlin
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mmorgan
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Re: New Computer - Drive Configuration Assistance
2013/07/12 10:02:46
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It appears you already have the right idea(s). The only thing I would say is look at how much you will need for samplers and their libraries versus how much you need for projects. In my experience sample libraries have a habit of growing (a lot!) over time and once you have used one you do not want to have to move it. On the other hand my projects (songs) can be archived to remote disks to clear up space (and restored later) with out any deleterious effects. Something you may want to consider.
Regards,
Mike Win8(64), Sonar X3e(64) w/ RME Fireface UFX.
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scook
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Re: New Computer - Drive Configuration Assistance
2013/07/12 10:05:35
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Option one make sense to me. The thing about DimPro is the samples are all read into memory when the synth is loaded so from a performance perspective, it really does not matter where they are installed. I would guess part of this exercise is not to fill up the C drive. To that end, I might also install the "Cakewalk Content" in the 150GB drive. SONAR itself really wants to be on the C drive.
Alternately, maybe the 600 GB for samples and the 150 for audio. Down the road if you get any of the larger synths based on samples the 150 is going to be too small. You probably won't have 150GB of active projects going at any given time.
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Glyn Barnes
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Re: New Computer - Drive Configuration Assistance
2013/07/12 10:05:42
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One thing - the green drives are not ideal for audio or sample streaming. Option 1 would seem the best bet to me.
My set up
SSD drive for OS and programs.
2TB Cavier Black for Audio
2TB Cavier Black for Samples (Toontrack, FX Expansion, Cakewalk, NI Komplete, Steven Slate 4 etc.)
1TB Cavier Black with SSD cache for my largest Kontakt libraries.
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garrigus
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Re: New Computer - Drive Configuration Assistance
2013/07/12 10:09:37
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chamlin
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Re: New Computer - Drive Configuration Assistance
2013/07/12 10:16:13
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Thanks for the quick response. You guys are great!
Normally, I would have gotten a larger drive than the 150 GB, but I bought that drive last year thinking it was going to be my boot/OS drive...then Life got in the way and now here I am making lemonade.
Sounds wise to consider using the 150 GB Velociraptor for the audio data (then archive to my backups when necessary as suggested) and the 600 GB Velociraptor for the samples. And hey, if things go well, I'll outgrow them both! :)
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chamlin
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Re: New Computer - Drive Configuration Assistance
2013/07/12 16:04:41
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Considering which drive I should put my audio data on and which drive the sample data: a 160 GB drive and a 600 GB drive (both velociraptors).
How much "sample data" in GB's do you find on your drives, and what are some bigger name reasonably priced packages that I can look up to get insight into sizes of such things? Trying to get some perspective.
I recognize this is a broad question with so many complexities inherent... but if you feel like it, just throw some info my way, no need to be comprehensive.
Thanks!
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Bristol_Jonesey
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Re: New Computer - Drive Configuration Assistance
2013/07/12 16:11:10
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Glyn Barnes
One thing - the green drives are not ideal for audio or sample streaming. Option 1 would seem the best bet to me.
My set up
SSD drive for OS and programs.
2TB Cavier Black for Audio
2TB Cavier Black for Samples (Toontrack, FX Expansion, Cakewalk, NI Komplete, Steven Slate 4 etc.)
1TB Cavier Black with SSD cache for my largest Kontakt libraries.
Totally agree with this. Green drives are a PITA - even when used just for backups. (you ever tried to retrieve something from one?) Caviar Blacks have never let me down
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,
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Bristol_Jonesey
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Re: New Computer - Drive Configuration Assistance
2013/07/12 16:20:25
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chamlin
Considering which drive I should put my audio data on and which drive the sample data: a 160 GB drive and a 600 GB drive (both velociraptors).
How much "sample data" in GB's do you find on your drives, and what are some bigger name reasonably priced packages that I can look up to get insight into sizes of such things? Trying to get some perspective.
I recognize this is a broad question with so many complexities inherent... but if you feel like it, just throw some info my way, no need to be comprehensive.
Thanks!
I have 2 reasonably massive libraries: BFD2 along with a few expansion packs weighs in at about 170Gb EWQLSO Platinum Plus consumes 194Gb - though i could easily remove the 16 bit files as i don't really use them
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,
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scook
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Re: New Computer - Drive Configuration Assistance
2013/07/12 16:32:02
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Between Cakewalk, Camel Audio, Toontrack and iZotope I have filled up my 128GB SSD and a little more than 50GB (and counting) of another hard drive with samples.
post edited by scook - 2013/07/12 16:50:41
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garrigus
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Re: New Computer - Drive Configuration Assistance
2013/07/12 17:50:14
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scook
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Re: New Computer - Drive Configuration Assistance
2013/07/12 18:01:21
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Very true. I my case, the drive was there so it just made sense to put read only stuff on it. None of the samplers I use are setup stream so it does not really matter.
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garrigus
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Re: New Computer - Drive Configuration Assistance
2013/07/12 19:29:01
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aglewis723
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Re: New Computer - Drive Configuration Assistance
2013/07/12 20:44:20
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Why would you want to install 32bit and 64bit versions of Sonar?
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scook
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Re: New Computer - Drive Configuration Assistance
2013/07/12 20:58:58
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If one had older projects with 32bit DX effects and synths a 32bit host must be used to open the projects and keep the plug-ins intact. It is also easier to work with older 32bit plug-ins in a 32bit environment. Other than that, I would use a 64bit host.
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cparmerlee
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Re: New Computer - Drive Configuration Assistance
2013/07/12 21:40:23
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Consider using the SSD as a temporary "scratchpad" area where you house your active projects and their AUDIO folders. When you are done with the projects, copy that entire file tree to the lower cost storage.
I had an SSD for my OS for a few years. it was cool to have fast boot time, but really made very little difference after the boot. But using the SSD for your project data pays dividends continuously.
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chamlin
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Re: New Computer - Drive Configuration Assistance
2013/07/13 01:40:07
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aglewis723
Why would you want to install 32bit and 64bit versions of Sonar?
I use the DrumCore plug-in and have heard it should work in 64-bit but may be finicky, so I thought I'd install both. However, now that you're asking the question... it makes more sense to install 64-bit, and ONLY if there is a problem, install the 32-bit. Yes? No?
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chamlin
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Re: New Computer - Drive Configuration Assistance
2013/07/13 22:24:33
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garrigus
Those of you using SSD drives for samples... keep in mind that you really only get a performance boost for sample libraries that are streamed from the disk as they are being played. Many libraries (all those from Cakewalk) are just loaded into RAM, so you don't really gain an advantage there and you're wasting precious SSD space. Just my opinion...
Scott
Can someone explain the difference between sample libraries streaming from the disk as they're being played and ... the other kind, whatever that is? And a few examples of each kind so I can learn about this?
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scook
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Re: New Computer - Drive Configuration Assistance
2013/07/13 22:35:04
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Streaming - To reduce their memory footprint some synths such as Kontakt or BFD can be configured to read their samples from disk while playing. Nonstreaming - All of the Cakewalk sfz engine synths (Rapture, DimPro, Session Drummer, Studio Instruments) read their samples into memory when the synth loads into the project.
post edited by scook - 2013/07/13 22:44:38
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Kev999
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Re: New Computer - Drive Configuration Assistance
2013/07/13 23:46:37
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I believe that the streaming samples are very much the minority and probably a non-issue for most of us.
SonarPlatinum∞(22.11.0.111)|Mixbus32C(4.3.19)|DigitalPerformer(9.5.1)|Reaper(5.77)FractalDesign:DefineR5|i7-6850k@4.1GHz|16GB@2666MHz-DDR4|MSI:GamingProCarbonX99a|Matrox:M9148(x2)|UAD2solo(6.5.2)|W7Ult-x64-SP1
Audient:iD22+ASP800|KRK:VXT6|+various-outboard-gear|+guitars&basses, etc.
Having fun at work lately
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chamlin
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Re: New Computer - Drive Configuration Assistance
2013/07/14 01:08:22
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scook
Streaming - To reduce their memory footprint some synths such as Kontakt or BFD can be configured to read their samples from disk while playing.
Nonstreaming - All of the Cakewalk sfz engine synths (Rapture, DimPro, Session Drummer, Studio Instruments) read their samples into memory when the synth loads into the project.
So, with that clarity, if most of what I'll be using are nonstreaming, it's still a good idea to put the sample data on my 150 GB velociraptor (not on the OS drive and not on the audio data drive)??? Thanks everyone for your patience with my remedial questions. :)
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scook
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Re: New Computer - Drive Configuration Assistance
2013/07/14 01:15:46
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The location of nonstreaming samples is not a performance issue. The reason for locating the samples on a drive other than the OS drive in your case is the size of the OS drive.
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chamlin
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Re: New Computer - Drive Configuration Assistance
2013/07/14 01:41:58
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scook
The location of nonstreaming samples is not a performance issue. The reason for locating the samples on a drive other than the OS drive in your case is the size of the OS drive.
Got it, so since my SSD is 180 GB, best to put my nonstreaming samples (Cakewalk's, DrumCore) on that 150 GB drive, right?
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scook
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Re: New Computer - Drive Configuration Assistance
2013/07/14 01:53:29
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I think that was the upshot of the first part of this thread. That is if you want to use your SSD for the OS. Personally, I use a regular HD for my OS and an SSD for read-mostly data (like samples). I don't care about fast boot, I am much more concerned about reliability and feel better using a standard drive where disk writes happen often.
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daveny5
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Re: New Computer - Drive Configuration Assistance
2013/07/14 10:29:43
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4 Internal Drives is a lot so make sure your computer's power supply can handle that many. I once added a third internal drive and the power supply I had at the time was not up to it and it caused strange problems and ultimately caused me to lose a bunch of files.
Dave Computer: Intel i7, ASROCK H170M, 16GB/5TB+, Windows 10 Pro 64-bit, Sonar Platinum, TASCAM US-16x08, Cakewalk UM-3G MIDI I/F Instruments: SL-880 Keyboard controller, Korg 05R/W, Korg N1R, KORG Wavestation EX Axes: Fender Stratocaster, Line6 Variax 300, Ovation Acoustic, Takamine Nylon Acoustic, Behringer GX212 amp, Shure SM-58 mic, Rode NT1 condenser mic. Outboard: Mackie 1402-VLZ mixer, TC Helicon VoiceLive 2, Digitech Vocalist WS EX, PODXTLive, various stompboxes and stuff. Controllers: Korg nanoKONTROL, Wacom Bamboo Touchpad
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chamlin
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Re: New Computer - Drive Configuration Assistance
2013/07/14 12:28:47
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daveny5
4 Internal Drives is a lot so make sure your computer's power supply can handle that many. I once added a third internal drive and the power supply I had at the time was not up to it and it caused strange problems and ultimately caused me to lose a bunch of files.
Thanks, Dave. The power supply is adequate to the task. It's a Corsair Gold AX850. The full machine being built for me (with some mods) is from EndpcNoise ( http://www.endpcnoise.com/cgi-bin/e/intel_i5_powerhouse_quiet_pc.html) and the guys there are recording musicians as well. And if I lose files, this time maybe I'll lose the files I meant to delete but never got around too! :)
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chamlin
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Re: New Computer - Drive Configuration Assistance
2013/07/14 12:31:28
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scook
I think that was the upshot of the first part of this thread. That is if you want to use your SSD for the OS. Personally, I use a regular HD for my OS and an SSD for read-mostly data (like samples). I don't care about fast boot, I am much more concerned about reliability and feel better using a standard drive where disk writes happen often.
Thanks, Steve. It may not be the wisest thing, but...I want to experience fast boot at least on one system. Ultimately it won't matter and I'll just adapt to it and wonder why it's not faster!
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chamlin
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Re: New Computer - Drive Configuration Assistance
2013/07/14 12:35:43
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mmorgan
In my experience sample libraries have a habit of growing (a lot!) over time and once you have used one you do not want to have to move it.
Thanks, Mike. Guys, if I outgrow the 150 GB sample drive, and if I just clone that drive to a 1 TB drive later on and replace it in the same slot, would that be transparent in terms of Windows 7 and X2 and the plugins seeing the data/samples in the same place / on the same drive?
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scook
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Re: New Computer - Drive Configuration Assistance
2013/07/14 13:16:06
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chamlin
would that be transparent in terms of Windows 7 and X2 and the plugins seeing the data/samples in the same place / on the same drive?
Yes, just make sure that drive has the same drive letter and you should be OK.
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