New DAW, have to gloat!!!
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Posted on Jan 27, 2009 12:47 pm
CptTripps
Czar of Turd Polish
Member Since: Jun 20, 2006
So I finally bit the bullet and upgraded my entire PC in the studio. It is extremely overpowered for many users but in my case, it is just what I needed.
Core7 920 quad @ 2.67Ghz
X58 MB with e-sata ports
3 then 9GB DDR3
ATI 4850 1GB (gotta play a few games too)
750GB HDD
320GB E-Sata external travel drive so I can track in the field then mix on the desk
Vista Home Pro 64bit
So, I knew this would be kickass, but I had no idea how much. Here is an example.
I recorded a band at 96Khz just to try it out as I never had before. The old machine tracked it no problem, but when it came down to mixing I had to lock every single track yet was still running into slowdown due to the Bus tracks (unlockable).
With my buffers cranked all the way up I was unable get steady playback without hiccups and honestly could not mix it without bouncing all drums to their own track, which results in re-bouncing if I didn't like something later.
On the new machine, I unlocked all tracks and started mixing this old beast of a project (about 22 tracks). Once I got up to around 16 tracks of comp, verb, delay, etc... I started getting hiccups, WTF I was pissed my new super PC was not up to the task....
That was when I went into my hardware control panel and noticed my buffers were still at 256 :) With them cranked up I have yet to tax this computer. I tested loading every track with either drumagog, delay, reverb or a combination of all (sounded like ***, was just a stress test) and it didn't even blink.
Then my other 6GB of ram came in to bring it up to 9GB. I don't plan on recording at 96 again as I heard no benefit, but it's nice to know I could mix down 50+ tracks and not have to worry about it. The migration from a P4 to the C2D was pretty drastic, but nothing compared to this leap.
Oh, and the games. Fallout3 @ 1920x1200 is fantastic :)
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pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Jan 27, 2009 02:08 pm Didja get the pop out coffee cup holder too?
=)
Congrats, I've been leaning in that direction as well, but alas, maybe not for a few more months.
Curious as to if you're going to put more drives in there, to keep windows away from audio.
CptTrippsCzar of Turd PolishMember
Since: Jun 20, 2006
Jan 27, 2009 02:15 pm My bad, I forgot to mention a drive.
I have a 160GB internal drive from my old PC that is used as a swap file and a scratch disk for adobe audition. Also some BS storage, apps, patches, drivers etc..
I then record to the External 320GB drive through the e-sata ports so the audio never lands on my windows drive.
J-botByte-MixerMember
Since: Dec 04, 2007
Jan 27, 2009 05:15 pm Sounds like a killer system. God now I feel like I'm in the Dark Ages.
I'm still using
1.8Ghz Duron
2GB PC3200 RAM
nforce2 motherboard (chaintech 7NJL4)
And 2 IDE HDD one's a 40GB, and the other an 80GB.
Though, I like my audiofire 4. <3
Anyway, hopefully if I can get a good job after moving to Iowa, I can finally upgrade. I'm going to try to get into networking, but we'll see. 3 years experience and a CCNA can only go so far. (course, I still have to GET the CCNA) :P I figure, if I'm lucky, hopefully I'll be able to make around 30K. If they really like me, maybe 35K hehe.
Then maybe I can finally upgrade to a good system.
-J
Jan 27, 2009 06:15 pm Would I be hated if I said that's more computer than I need?
Nice box, Tripps.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Jan 27, 2009 09:00 pm No Herb, you would not.
Nice box indeed Tripps.
Its fun to get new toys.
Dematrixhttp://www.reverbnation.com/2ndgMember
Since: Nov 27, 2007
Jan 28, 2009 06:44 pm sounds good there mate, have fun.
HuePinnipedal Czar (: 3= Member
Since: Apr 11, 2004
Feb 09, 2009 06:50 pm Just noticed this thread...
Dang, that is one beast of a box y'a got Tripps!
KainMember
Since: Sep 03, 2008
Feb 19, 2009 01:15 pm Hey J-Bot,good luck finding a good job in Iowa,ive been here 7 years after moving from the U.K and still havent found a good one,im sure you have a wider skill set than me so you should be good, just stay away from Principal,Marsh and w.fargo.
KainMember
Since: Sep 03, 2008
Feb 19, 2009 01:18 pm Cpttripps, Man that sounds killer,my P.O.S is cowering in the corner after seeing those specs. I was looking at Audiopros at building my own pc but when i was done i was looking at around $4200,i wonder if i can get a stimulus check to cover the cost:)
CptTrippsCzar of Turd PolishMember
Since: Jun 20, 2006
Feb 19, 2009 01:41 pm I bought this one from best buy for $1250 then added another 6GB of ram for $150. Definitely a premium on the newer tech, but I did not have cash and best buy loves to fund me :)