New Computer build (HELP PLEASE)

Hey guys... I know I don't spend much time on here. But... I would like your help.
I have been using Cakewalk since '95.... Love the product. Time to start "networking" with some of you other users.


I hate migrating to a new system....... I am on everyday.... I work fulltime at ULTIMIX..... so I cannot have "down time".

I have started.. over the last year... using less out-board gear... turning more towards Soft-Synths.
Actually.... last 3 remixes... Jewel , Justin Timberlake and just finished a JC Chasez .... have been done with all soft synths.
Problem is... system can't keep up with my production... constant drop-outs and re-starts.

I am researching for a new system.

Let's not turn this into an Intel vs. AMD debate --

I am still running a P4 - 2.0 --- lol --- as I said... I hate migrating.
I want to know..........
"STAY AWAY FROM........ etc" ---- "I HAVE HAD GOOD LUCK WITH.....etc"

I need a SOLID system.

THANKS for your help in advance.

Stacy"DJ Volume"Mier

Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 on a Intel Media DG965WH MoBo (debate?), 4GB 667 DDR2, Antec Take 3 or 4 case (rackmount), Western Digital Raptor system drive 74GB, 2 Project drives SATA 400 GB Raid 1, Misc. Drive SATA 400GB, Removable HD setup with extra cassettes 200GB, Backup drive - External 1TB system. DVD/CD RW Optical drive, OS - XP Pro or Home. Vista is probably not ready to use for heavy music production and integration with other music programs and plug-ins (debate?). EVGA 8800 graphics card, 1 or 2 Widescreen LCD monitors.

Thats a start. This should be able to handle anything you throw at it and is Vista and 64 bit ready if and when you want to install.

I can provide further details if you want. I have a feeling that others will pitch in as well. In a couple days you will be totally overwhelmed, know exactly what you will do or be sorry you even asked. The Dual Core Duo chips are the best these days. The quad chips are coming out but I would ask Cakewalk about them first, and Then there is price.

Have fun, KM

For what it's worth I am using a system made for me by Scott Ream (Liquid Audio DAW). He built around specs taking into account the software I am using, the outboard equipment I have, as we'll as taking into account what I was looking to do musically. I got it at a resonable cost and have had zero problems with it since I got it 14 months ago. It's a Dual core AMD X64 4400+ with 4 gigs of ram and I've had as many as 22 tracks running along with effects on each track and only used about 65% of the CPU capacity. Works like a dream every time I boot up.

Hey DJVOLUME,

You sound like a busy guy who admittedly doesn't like migrating. Knowing that, the BEST solution I could possibly give (and I've successfully designed/built many DAWs) is to let someone else do the the design and build for you. Why go through the time doing all the research and sorting through everyone's opinion when you can count on the fact that someone else has already done all the research and testing for you? Then, you can spend your valuable time on what is most important -- making music.

For the record, I am NOT trying to sell my design/build services to you or anyone else on this forum. I only accept a limited number of DAW clients and by known referrals only. I have that luxury because building DAWs is not my primary focus (although I love it), and I have a great full-time day job. Besides... I'd rather be making music.

Having said that, there are plenty of people here on this forum that DO offer their DAW building services, and I believe that will give you the best chance of having an enjoyable and more productive experience migrating to a new system -- not to mention a trouble/headache free one.

A good place to start for you would be ADK Pro Audio. Not only does ADK enjoy a fantastic reputation on this forum (and well deserved), their prices are very reasonable, and more importantly their "after the sale" service by all reports is outstanding.

Best regards,

hounDAWg

I think the best advice is to stay away from "packaged" systems (like Dell or HP or Compaq etc.) They tend to be optimized for applications other than audio. Also, stay away from Windows XP Media Center. You won't get it to work will with professional audio applications. You will need Windows XP Pro. I have no idea about Vista. I'd stay away from it until it's been around long enough for others to work the bugs out. You also want lots of full size PCI slots. You should be able to get most of this with a custom system. You could also go with a system that is made specifically for Sonar or other pro audio applications. You'll find these in many catalogs like Full Compass, Musician's Friend, etc.

Good luck.

ORIGINAL: DJVOLUME

Thanks guys...... still looking for some more to chime in.

mrsoul --- that looks about right..... I want to try to stay in the $2k range.

Maxthecat..... "I've had as many as 22 tracks running along with effects on each track" ------- I can typically run 15-20 stereo audio tracks with 3-4 plug-ins per and 15-20 midi (soft synth) -- on my current set-up..... I would think your system should handle a bit more than that.

Look at These
Scott Reams, who makes these, also uses Cakewalk products and does the "math" when he compares systems.

Enjoy the process.

sd

AJ, hopefull he will have an E-sub to read the articles within the past 8 months on line. It may still be in the Stores, but the latest magazine is already on the website and it's featuring Audio Snap again for Sonar section, Yea, that's right, ...Sonar audio snap again! ...Enough already with the audio snap.

Peace

I did have a thought about this...... sorry to muddy the waters.

Assuming you have someone put it together for you, there is one option worth considering. Although probably about 30% less powerful than a Core Duo E6700, the AMD 3800 X 2 is now insanely cheap at just over a hundred bucks for the CPU vs. just over FIVE hundred bucks for the E6700.

So that's five times more money for about 30% more performance. Actually it'll be more than five times because although you have a great selection of low-cost motherboards for socket AM2 the Intel mobos tend to be considerably more expensive.

If I were putting together a replacement, I'd consider building TWO 3800 X 2 boxes. Then put most of your softsynths on one and leave the DAW on the other; use good ole MIDI to treat the second machine like a hardware rack.

ALSO

You are now totally bulletproofed against a system failure. One machine goes down.. fine, you have a backup, more than powerful enough, believe me, for just about anything you'll wanna do.

ALSO

Have a new plugin you wanna try?. Upgrade to Sonar 6.3? (just kidding...) Not sure if it'll cause problems. Fine, you have a test machine to try it on without risking the main production DAW. Want to surf the net on one machine but not risk viruses on your production DAW?..... and so on.

This is why I have two machines - one is a laptop and the other is a 3800 X 2 desktop. I went with ultra-low cost and use the Asus M2V motherboard which is really really cheap. Given how cheap disk drives & other things are now, you might find this a very attractive alternative rather than one ultra-powerful PC. Oh, and those two boxes running together will in effect be a quad core processor with the load fully balanced across boxes. Worth considering...

You can use a cheap keyboard/monitor switch to keep the clutter down & control both machines, and/or use the free VNC software to control one from the other, as well..

Just for my info. what did you decide to do? How is it working out?

mrsoul