Who builds DAW PC's ???

> > > Who builds DAW PC's ???

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Member Since: Feb 20, 2009


Does anyone where online to find reputable PC builders ???

Looking for someone who can build me a good PC for in-home voiceover work.

Money is tight, so that's an issue for me when considering builders as well.

Any recommendations guys ?

Many thanks to all for input.

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Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Feb 20, 2009 09:37 pm

Do you have Best Buy or the like near you? I think one of our members here recently had one built there and loves it.

That would cost a bit less then having one built and shipped.

Otherwise, if you have a college town nearby there are usually a couple PC shop's on campus or close the will build a custom PC as well.

Member
Since: Feb 20, 2009

Feb 20, 2009 11:11 pm

Yes, we do have a bestbuy store, however, I have never heard any mention of bestbuy actually building PC's.

I know a couple PC repair shops in my that are good, but I don't think they have ever built a PC for someone using this type of application.

I know there has got to be a builder somewhere that understands exactly what is needed.

Czar of Turd Polish
Member
Since: Jun 20, 2006

Feb 21, 2009 03:09 am

Really there is nothing that special needed. I record multitrack (up to 16 channels) on a Inspiron 1420 laptop and a Gateway desktop (my last DAW was a gateway as well, many good years). Just make sure it has firewire and is not too loud. I honestly think you would be more than happy with a midrange or even entry level PC for doing voice overs.

Money being tight, you could probably get into a PC, mic and interface for 5-600ish no problems. There are free DAW applications available that would also be more than enough for your needs.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002

Feb 21, 2009 05:15 am

Yeah, a DAW is just a computer like any other...just with a somewhat better sound interface than most.

Czar of Cheese
Member
Since: Jun 09, 2004

Feb 21, 2009 09:52 am

Apple builds some nice DAW workstations, complete with free software just itchin' to be used for voice-overs!

Ha...couldn't resist! Macs are far more expensive, though...

Before you go too hog-wild on the DAW thing, remember what your end product is. If you're "just" doing voice-overs (not to minimize their importance, Herb) you probably don't need a lot of tracks or crazy effects and stuff. A budget minded PC with a decent interface is all you probably need.

When I used to be a Windows man I used to buy components from this website and build my own:

www.tigerdirect.com/

Don't know if they're any good anymore.

Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004

Feb 21, 2009 02:02 pm

sweetwater builds audio PCs, that are quite (so they say), though they will probably be more $$$ than just a Tigerdirect or Newegg put-together build.


Member
Since: Feb 20, 2009

Feb 21, 2009 04:51 pm


Hmm....interesting....

Well in that case, take a look at this link to an HP I have given serious consideration to buying, if you don;t mind looking!

www.officedepot.com/a/pro...sktop-Computer/

Member
Since: Feb 20, 2009

Feb 21, 2009 04:55 pm

Oops...almost forgot....

Between SONAR or CUBASE, which would be a better apllication ?

Are there any free versions that I could use ? ( trial versions )

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Feb 21, 2009 05:19 pm

That PC would do plenty well. Then you simply need to add a small 2 channel interface, possibly with mic pre's on it already.

As for Sonar, yes there is the liter version called home studio which would work well.

But they do have down loadable demo's of all their apps here.

www.cakewalk.com


Czar of Turd Polish
Member
Since: Jun 20, 2006

Feb 21, 2009 05:36 pm

With that PC, do a bit of reading to make sure the interface you purchase does not have issues with 64bit vista.

Other than that, nice rig for the $$$.

Member
Since: Feb 20, 2009

Feb 21, 2009 06:18 pm

Ok, sounds good so far, but I thought of something else too.

Here's the deal...
I plan on making this system "stand alone," meaning it will be completely unconnected from the internet.
My question is this; if I install the SONAR or CUBASE software, won't I need to activate said software by going online ?

This kinda puts me in a bind.

Originally I planned to download all neccesary materials to my general purpose PC and then transfer files to STUDIO PC by either CD or data link of some sort, maybe even wireless.

Any ideas how best to activate software and yet remain " isolated ?"


Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Feb 21, 2009 07:41 pm

Sonar does not need to phone home to authorize itself. And for updates you simply download em on the internet PC and load em onto a USB stick or CD and your all good.

Member
Since: Feb 20, 2009

Feb 21, 2009 09:52 pm


That's great to know !!

Are you aware of any free trial or free limited versions of the Sonar software that would suit my needs ?

Hate to be so cheap, but money is tight for now.

I looked into the home studio versions but didnt see any trial versions.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Feb 21, 2009 10:02 pm

Like I posted above. They have demo version's of all their stuff on their website. And info for each product as well.

www.cakewalk.com

producer
Member
Since: Dec 07, 2006

Feb 21, 2009 10:10 pm

I'm a Cakewalk guy myself, but I know some people on this forum love Reaper and I have used it enough to know its a rockin program. Cakewalk Sonar is great but might be overkill for your needs if you're just doing voiceover.

Reaper is free to try with unlimited usability but you should buy especially if your going to be making $ with it...but its dirt cheap...like $50 for home use or $225 for Commercial.

Grab it here...

www.cockos.com/reaper/

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Feb 21, 2009 10:15 pm

That's why I recommended something like Home Studio from Cakewalk. Not so many bells and whistles and a good price. As well its upgradeable if he ever does need the bigger program.

But indeed Reaper is well worth the look.

Composer / Musician
Member
Since: Feb 04, 2008

Feb 24, 2009 02:01 pm

Sorry about the late reply on this one. My studio computer is a Pentium III with 512mb of ram (I know, but the 815e chipset max is 512mb unfortunately) and I run Cakewalk Pro Audio 9 doing both midi and audio in every project and I have never had an issue. My soundcard is a simple PCI Soundblaster Live. You can do quite a lot with very little processing power. Granted my software isn't the latest and greatest and newer ones might require more.

Czar of Turd Polish
Member
Since: Jun 20, 2006

Feb 24, 2009 02:05 pm

I used to have a very similar setup mozartist, but with less ram :) Thing is with my oldoldold (samplitude) daw, I had to process FX on a track and save it, there was no real time tweaking of it on 16 seperate channels, this is one area where power and new software shines.

But, if you have time and patience, yes an 8 year old machine can get the job done :)

Member
Since: Feb 20, 2009

Feb 24, 2009 05:34 pm


Here's another question if you guys don't mind.....

I have heard that there are new options with PC's that allow you to use two screens at once.

The reason I am asking is because it may come in handy for audio editing and synchronizing video with it.

What is the process called ?

What is the name of the components involved ?

Is there special software that tells it to show two different sets of images ?

Czar of Turd Polish
Member
Since: Jun 20, 2006

Feb 24, 2009 05:49 pm

Nothing fancy needed there either. Just about any addin video card (non mobo integrated) will have two DVI outputs and windows supports dual monitors by default. This has been the case for quite a few years now.

Member
Since: Feb 20, 2009

Feb 24, 2009 08:22 pm


Ok here's another one for you!!!

If I am using a Presonus Firebox as an audio interface and powering mic with phantom power, do I neccesarily need a soundcard ?

I heard somewhere that between the software for editing as well as software for interface, would be sufficient and a soundcard wouldnt be needed.

Agree/disagree????

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Feb 24, 2009 10:17 pm

The Firebox is the sound card/audio interface.

One in the same.

And ya, dual monitor's rock. I don't know what I did before I had them. Now I can't live without them.

You can see a few pictures of mine before the mounting was changed here. www.homerecordingconnecti...photos&id=5

Czar of Turd Polish
Member
Since: Jun 20, 2006

Feb 25, 2009 11:38 am

Yeah, that gets alot of confusion actually. The interface is basically a kickass sound card.

I actually run my interface as my main sound card and play games through my monitors. So much cleaner\crispier than my standard sound card and pc speakers.

Member
Since: Feb 20, 2009

Feb 25, 2009 08:33 pm


Hmm... I see.

Take a look at the specs on this thing and tell me what you think guys.

www.walmart.com/catalog/p...#Specifications


Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004

Feb 26, 2009 06:33 am

I wouldn't.

1) no firewire
2) No chance for upgrading to a PCI video, or audio card (like my ESP1010)
3) Can't replace screen without replacing whole computer
4) probably untested motherboard, in an audio production environment.

> > > Who builds DAW PC's ???

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