Novice wants to find a music pc solel...

Novice wants to find a music pc solely for recording+editing audio and midi

Posted on Sep 16, 2006 04:25 am
zazzjazz
Member Since: Sep 16, 2006

Hiya!
I'm looking to buy a pc for recording audio and using midi.
I was wondering if you guys could help me, for I am somewhat idiotic in this field.
I'd really like to be able to make home recordings with a professional sound.
My budget is about 1000 pounds (I'm English!).

I think I need a computer that can handle a lot of processor traffic (If that makes any sense?). Is a dual core system essential for running multiple music programs?
Is that a lot better than say a single 3ghz processor?
Also, I've heard that the internal noise from the computer itself can show up on recordings. Are things like silent cooling fans, and cases essential for a professional sound?
Would there be less noise if i recorded through an external sound card, like the mbox2?
I would love if an mbox2 is the answer to my prayers, because, it would mean I could also use it on my slightly lame laptop for live recording as well as on the pc for home recording.
Anyone recommend or not reccomend the digitech mbox2 for recording midi and audio?

One other question= I bought a usb midi solution for use with my laptop. I was trying to record midi on cubase, but no matter what adjustments I made, I couldn't eliminate the 1 second delay in between playing a note, and hearing it out the computer. I know my laptop soundcard is absolute rubbish, so that may have been the problem. Would recording midi directly into the mbox 2 solve this, if i had a stable + fast pc?

I know there's a lot of big questions here, but any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank u all for your time.

Geo

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dbmasters
Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002

Sep 16, 2006 06:11 am

Dual core is not necessary, but it is good...bottom line is get as good of a computer as you can afford with the primary componenets to spend money on being the hard drive and sound card with as fast of a CPU and as much RAM as you can afford.

Internal noize can be an issue, I have never dealt with it personally and I have always used an internal sound card.

Also, read this www.homerecordingconnection.com/faq.php

Noize2u
Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Sep 16, 2006 12:00 pm

dB has it covered on the PC issue. I certainly agree on the dualcore note being a must have item. But if the price is right it will certainly give a slight performance boost. But a good CPU with a good load of RAM will certainly not be sluggish.

As for the M-Box, I'm not a huge fan of M-Audio as I was in the past. Although they are still making great gear. Their turn to everything being M-Powered has left a lot of old customers dissappointed as driver updates and things get left in the dust.

But it would certainly be a good solution for you with your Cubase on the laptop it should work fine.

As for the latency issue, that indeed is mostly to blame on the internal soundcard of the laptop. And yes, the M-Box shoudl help considerably, although a dodgey system on the laptop may contribute some to it as well, it isnt the biggest contributer.

zazzjazz
Member
Since: Sep 16, 2006

Sep 21, 2006 04:40 am

Thanks very much for the feedback guys.
I'm thinking that I'm going to buy a Dell desktop, and an Mbox2. I may go for Dual core, but its nice to know its not essential. I may get it, if I can afford it!
I'm not so worried any more about the internal noise issue. And even if it did turn out to be a problem, I could always upgrade individual components if it was absolutely necessary.
Thanks a lot for your time, and your support.

Geo