building a DAW

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Member Since: Nov 04, 2005

I have noticed the word dual processors a lot in these communities. I am thinking of building a computer myself. I also noticed Tiger Direct in these communities. I have heard that dual processors are best. I agree, and why not. 2 processors are faster than one. like 2 heads are better than one. I have also heard that Tiger Direct has a bad rep for computer parts.n But comparing the 2 is like comparing apples and oranges. And speed seems like an issue here. I have also heard that dual processors tend to overheat. That they don't have proper cooling devices. Well, in a nutshell, if I were to build a computer for DAW purposes, where would be a good place to get parts, how hard is it to build a dual processor system. So if speed is an issue, then if Idecided to buy a computer for DAW purposes, what would be a good choice for dual processors. I know that MAc5 is good, but what about the Dell workstations. I haven't heard much on how quiet they are. As far as that goes I haven't heard much on how quiet the Macs are either. And what about the IMacs. Are they good for digital and home recording production. Hey, I am talking quality sound here.

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www.TheLondonProject.ca
Member
Since: Feb 07, 2005


Nov 04, 2005 04:57 pm

Heya BigC,

Welcome. There are many others around that can provide more/better info but here's a couple of points.

Dual processors will not help if you don't have enough RAM or if other parts of the system is lagging. Also, depending on what you are doing dual processors may not be necessary. You also mention an analogy that "two heads are better than one". Why don't you get 4 processors then? Point is, only buy what you need.

GIGO (garbage in, garbage out). It doesn't matter what your DAW is if you have any crap gear in the chain like a Soundblaster soundcard for example.


The Eternal Student
Member
Since: Oct 08, 2005


Nov 04, 2005 05:14 pm

BigC, dual processors are nice, but do you really need them? What will you be using the computer for? Are you a stand-alone musician? Will you be recording 20 tracks at a time? Only running midi and a crapload of realtime VST plugins? Or will you only be singing yourself with a few midi tracks of drums and piano, and recorded guitar?

Member
Since: Nov 04, 2005


Nov 05, 2005 03:40 am

Thanks for advice. I guess I need to look at some things in a different way. But what about the Dell computers. They have a better price tag than the MACS do. But again what about the quietness of a computer. Wouldn't you want something a little quieter. Wouldn't that help keep noise out of the recordings.

The Eternal Student
Member
Since: Oct 08, 2005


Nov 05, 2005 11:04 am

From what I've heard on here... Dell is a good brand of PC.. but if you want a "silent" one... buy one from a company that specializes in them and have it custom-built for music. Macs have always been more expensive than similarly equipped PC's... because Mac doesn't allow third parties to build them (thus a somewhat monopolistic marketing scheme, yet effective in keeping quality control). If you truly want to eliminate noise from the computer from your recordings... get long VGA cables and 30ft range wireless mouse and keyboard, and put the computer in a different room...lol.

But first, what do you want to do with it? A DAW can be anywhere from a pentium III to record a couple tracks with no VST, or a dual processor G5 that'll run you close to $4000 and do basically whatever you want besides making coffee in the morning (actually, it might be able to do that...).

Also check this thread: www.homerecordingconnecti...=9202&frm=5 They discuss quiet case options. If you're computer-inclined, you may be able to pick up a rackmount case like the one dB purchased and build your own and be set up better than buying a Dell (if you want to go Windows based, of course).

pop music
Member
Since: Sep 27, 2005


Nov 05, 2005 12:13 pm

A nice overview of dual processors can be found here:

www.short-media.com/review.php?r=261

Tiger Direct in my experience is a dicey place to purchase a system. I ordered my first server from them about six years ago. Broken promise after broken promise for two months. I called Dell just to check their delivery times and had a server on my front porch a little over 24 hours later. I don't know how these two are now, this was just what happened to me.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Nov 05, 2005 09:04 pm

If your going to be diving into Audio/Video the dual is a nice option. Not yet fully proven by an means though. And most software, (Sonar 5 is the only one I know of yet the will take good advantage of it) is not fully ready for that system yet.

I run an AMD XP 3200+ Barton core with 1 gig of ram on and MSI K6 MoBo. And as of yet I have not been able to choke that system. And I do get into some heavy work loads with both audio and video. I am personally one of those people who will not jump onto a bandwagon becuase it is the newest and supposedly the greatist. I generally wiat a long time for a system to be proven better before I head in that direction.

Member
Since: Nov 04, 2005


Nov 06, 2005 09:37 am

Yea, I'll check it out. Actually I would rather have a rackmount, and I would rather build one to. I haven't looked at the site URL you gave me, but I am about to. Actually I am going to look locally, and see what I can find. But your right. A MAC5 with all the options and speed is around 4000 bucks. But I have heard from a great many experts that you cannot beat the Mac5 for Music and Home Recording. But from your point on the pricing, I really don't want to spend that much for a computer. I am only going to do some touching up with my recordings. But I would like to make my own sound library. You know sound samples and loops. I thought I might make a few bucks, but I doubt it. There is way to much competition. What do you think!

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Nov 06, 2005 10:16 pm

Cant beat a Mac???

Tell that to my customers. I can charge less because I'm not paying 4 grand for a computer that will only run a small bit of recording software. Going PC will give you so many more hardware and software options. Have a look around for recording software for the Mac, and then narrow it down to being compatable with their latest OS. Not much to choose from.

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