PC Requirements posted by dbrook2010

Hi,

I would like any opinions or comments about my PC's suitability for recording in my home studio.

Reading 'recommended requirements' from software manufacturers is one thing but actual real-world experience count for a lot more in my book :-)

I have:

Intel E2140 1.6Ghz Processor

(see ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id...kw=%28e2140%29 )

Intel DG965RY Motherboard
2Gb RAM
1x 750Gb HDD (Sata 7200)
1x 80Gb HDD (Sata 7200)
1x CD/DVD Rewriter/burner
Windows XP Pro (SP3) 32 bit

I will be starting with Sonar Home Studio 7 XL but would be looking to upgrade perhaps to a full-blown package. I may also look at 'Reaper' and Cubase LE.

Would this spec be usable for recording in the real world?

How likely am I to experience problems and/or latency etc?

I am likely to record one track at a time, though some tracks are stereo tracks. I may record both keyboard and vocals at the same time sometimes (so max 4 channels).

However, some songs may contain 16-24 tracks, so although I won't be recording lots of tracks at the same time, there might be several tracks playing whilst I am recording. Is my PC going to be able to cope with this?

As yet I do not have an audio interface. I am considering Firewire (with preamps) or PCI/PCIe.

However, the interface would need to support MIDI (In/Out) and have at least 2 inputs (4 preferred) - any recommendations for this?

My intention is to use MIDI along with a controller for percussion and some synth tracks.

The other factor is that my budget is limited so I couldn't, for example, go out and buy a new PC etc. That is unlikely to change too. I'm looking to pay around £350 GBP max for a firewire interface or soundcard.

My alternative is to record on a Yamaha AW4416 - old but has 16 tracks @ 24-bit and mix automation, which is something I want.

Many thanks,
Darren
(UK)