Studio Computer Advice

[jamie]

Hi all,

I am new to the forums but have had a quick look through and there are some interesting threads. I'm looking for some advice please.

I would like to build a new computer for studio use. I am currently running an old P3 2.8Ghz which has done well for a number of years but now I think it's time for an upgrade.

The key for me is that I would like use a mixture of hardware and software and I'm not sure on the best way to proceed. I have Cubase 4 and Reason 3 rewired + numerous soft synths. I've also got a Roland JD-800, Korg 05R/W and an Akai S6000 sampler with the 16 outputs (realistically I'd use about 8 of these). I'd really like to use all the kit, so I understand I may need a audio interface(?) - I'd previously used a mixer to handle the hardware and then connect the output of this to my Terratec sound card. Is this the best approach?

What is the advantage of an audio interface over a mixer? Can I "free up" some CPU power?

I'd like a decent PC (I would consider a Mac but I've invested a fair bit in PC software now with Cubase and Reason and soft synths) and let's say a budget of £600 - £1000. I'd also build the PC myself, unless I could make considerable savings buying a DAW off the shelf.

Could I get a decent studio pc for that?

My other alternative is that I sell the Akai and just use the JD as a controller keyboard, but I do like the sounds on the Akai and I can control it from the PC.

Thanks in advance.

[tehlord]

Hi Jamie and welcome!

There are far more knowledgable people here than me but i'll give you some advice based on MY experiences.

Firstly a proper ASIO audio interface will definately increase the efficiency of your CPU usage when running audio software, and also greatly reduce latency.

You can easily build a PC for DAW use within your budget. The difference in price between self build and pre built isn't quite as big as it used to be but you'll obviously be making a 100% custom machine if you build it yourself. Even a mid level dual core machine will be a massive step up from your old P3!

Do you already have some monitor speakers? If not i'd budget for those too.

I've actually got a Yamaha MX12cx mixing desk/audio interface sitting here doing nothing that I had planned to sell sometime soon. I feel bad spamming you with my wares in your first post but it's pretty ideal for what you need I think!

Whichever audio interface you go for you'll not need to run it through the Terattec anymore, the monitors will plug straight into the interface.

[I_Am_Bic_Pentameter]

There is a good thread somewhere on here about PC builds and parts.

Of course, a lot of PC build sites tell you what's in them - so have a look at them.

[jamie]

Thanks for the advice and the heads up on the mixing desk. I have Tapco S8 monitors, which I am very happy with.

I had a big mixer that I got rid of, but that Yamaha may would do what I want. Did you use it much?

[tehlord]

Originally Posted by jamie

Thanks for the advice and the heads up on the mixing desk. I have Tapco S8 monitors, which I am very happy with.

I had a big mixer that I got rid of, but that Yamaha may would do what I want. Did you use it much?

I only used it a few times when I had some external hardware and it was fine for that purpose. I needed to clear a load of space for various reasons so I got a Virus Ti instead (works as audio interface too). So had to sell my Novation KS, Korg MS2000b etc

[ants13]

Just a quick heads up.

What OS do you plan to use and which midi interface?

I'm only asking because I see you use cubase and therefore you may use a Midex.
Steinberg dont support the midex and there are currently no 64bit drivers for it so that may limit your choice of OS and therefore PC build.

On the other hand you may not be using a Midex and this may all be useless waffle!!

Ants

[iain.gibson]

hey

If you are going for PC rather than mac, I have heard alot of good reviews about the intel i5 and i7 quad core processors. I think the minimum the i5 comes as (un-overclocked) is 2.66GHz as quad core you are talking fast already.

Graphics card i would suggest a dual head incase you want to multi (visual) monitor. something like a 9800 series or if you want to splash out a GTX295

A 600W power supply can be bought pretty cheap these days too, probably wont need it that big but it gives you room.

Motherboard i would suggest Asus personally, never had any problem with them, 3pci slot and 4 RAM slots. they do one with intel P55 chipset.

At work atm so cant elaborate too much
hope this helps.

[tehlord]

Originally Posted by iain.gibson

Graphics card i would suggest a dual head incase you want to multi (visual) monitor. something like a 9800 series or if you want to splash out a GTX295

Thos are high end gaming cards which are complete overkill on an audio PC. They'll also draw more power and be noisy too. Virtually all GPUs have twin outs now.

[iain.gibson]

My thought behind this was on two counts. If you are going to build a computer of this spec why not put in a decent GPU... it would be like Buying a BMW 3 series and equipping it with a citroen saxo body kit

the other reason, and more practical one, would be the introduction of impulse reverb VSTs that does the full reverb computation on 8XXX+ NVIDIA, leading to a CPU consumptioin of close to 0%

From experience the sound output from the likes of a 7900 to a 9800 is next to nothing as long as you have a suitable PSU.

just my 2cents

[tehlord]

Originally Posted by iain.gibson

My thought behind this was on two counts. If you are going to build a computer of this spec why not put in a decent GPU... it would be like Buying a BMW 3 series and equipping it with a citroen saxo body kit

the other reason, and more practical one, would be the introduction of impulse reverb VSTs that does the full reverb computation on 8XXX+ NVIDIA, leading to a CPU consumptioin of close to 0%

From experience the sound output from the likes of a 7900 to a 9800 is next to nothing as long as you have a suitable PSU.

just my 2cents

You don't need a decent GPU in an audio PC.

You also need to put in a more expensive PSU to supply power to a card that'd never be used.

They are noisier than the fanless cards you can put in a DAW

I've not heard of any VSTs that use GPU power as processing unit though.

[ecc83]

Re: i5 processors, do check out SoS, pc notes,p.180, Nov 09.
Dave.