Apple vs. Windows
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Posted on Jul 25, 2006 03:58 pm
SirPsycho
Member Since: Jul 11, 2006
Hi everyone,
I have been recording on my current computer and it just wont do anymore. It is very old and i have the opurtunity to get a new computer. My budget ranges from free to $800. Oviously I need one with a fast processor and lots of RAM. Usb Firewire.
What i am not sure on is if i need spots to put a sound card. I dont know if I should use a USB interface such as a Line 6 Toneport, Lexicon Omega, or M-Audio USB interface. Or if i should use a PCI interface.
I also do not know if I should get an Apple or stick with Microsoft. I know Apple is known for astounding sound quality but it may be pricey.
My Main goal is to record guitar and bass at the same time, midi Drums (i dont know how, and acoustic guitar.
THANX FOR ANY HELP
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Jul 25, 2006 04:01 pm Oh jeez, not another mac vs windows thing...there is no sound quality difference between the two, the quality is determined mostly by the sound card yiou buy, which, I would stick with PCI myself myself, I just hate crap cluttering my desk.
If you know Windows, and are comfortable with it, stay with it, don't switch because of some false rumor of better sound quality, it's not true.
Jul 25, 2006 06:00 pm if you want the most bang for the buck, i'd forget about apple altogether....the best AND cheapest is to build your own pc....i've decided to do this and just buy components here and there, instead of droppin' a lump sum of cash at once....if ya do that, you can usually put together a better quality computer for less money than a name brand PC.....
check out sites like www.zipzoomfly.com they'll have just about everything you need.
Jul 25, 2006 07:45 pm OK thank
again is there a difference in sound quality between a sound card direct input or a firewire or usb interface that is what i am trying to decide THANKS
Jul 25, 2006 08:01 pm No, it's not in the interface, it's in the jack quality and A/D convertor quality. Sometimes PCI internal cards introduce noise by picking up noise from casefans and such, but external devices sometimes have bandwidth issues when dealing with LOTS of tracks going back and forth...so, each has the strengths and weaknesses. Myself, I like PCI, I have never had the noise issue myself.
olddogMember
Since: Jul 02, 2003
Jul 25, 2006 09:51 pm I prefer an internal card as well, never had noise problems either... well none attributable to the card.
Dan
zekthedeadcowEat Spam before it eats YOU!!!Member
Since: May 11, 2002
Jul 26, 2006 06:07 am well practically everyone uses the same AKM A/D converters ... so it's just the general build of the interface, jacks, shielding, quality of components, quality of solder,etc.
I used both PCI and Firewire... and I like them both... firewire is just more portable :)
Jul 28, 2006 12:28 pm I don't agree that building your own is the best option these days. What you can get from Dell etc. for $500 is simply outstanding.
Jul 28, 2006 03:59 pm yeah, that has integrated audio and video, lowend chipsets and everything else...building your own you can have MUCH greater control over each adn every component in the system. I will NEVER have a name brand system as my DAW...too many corners cut by all of them.
olddogMember
Since: Jul 02, 2003
Jul 28, 2006 08:34 pm I agree with dB, to buy a dell that is really setup well will run you about $2,000 w/20" flat panel (I'm currently pricing one is how I know ;) and that's still not top of the line by any stretch. Of course to build your own equivalent won't be a whole lot cheaper, I've been that route many times as well though you will have more control over exactly what goes into it and no pay for things you don't want or need.
Dell, HP, Gateway, etc, all offer good systems that work well for audio starting at about $1000 w/no monitor.
Dan
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Jul 28, 2006 08:45 pm Yep, I agree as well. I'm not hugely fond of bulding any more, but it is really the best way to get exactly what you want. And garuantee your hardware will work together. I have looked at several set ups, and shuting down the onboard audio is a pain in some of the pre made units. Not so on MoBo's like ASUS and MSI and TYAN. With todays firewire and USB interfaces compatability is a huge issue, and we have sen tons of it here as of late. Even though the manufacturers are really stepping up their driver updates and such to be compatable it is still slow going and I'd rather be sure of what I'm getting for my money.
Jul 28, 2006 09:14 pm Yeah, these days all the PC's in my house (3-5 on any given day) are all name brand witht he exception of my DAW...that'll always be a home-brew. Name brands are reasonably priced today, that is for sure. I just don't like the crap software that is often bundled along, all the components integrated into the mobo and all that stuff.
