DAW spec help for clueless, unltd funds+my history

[beatsmyth]

Ok, so I finally found this forum and boy am I glad. As much as I hate Macs, I see most of the pro-studios using them, and I hate to say this, after playing with them, they're much more hassle free driver wise and set up wise. But I like the open architecture of PC so now it's my turn to get a DAW yet there are a few issues when considering my set up:

1. AMD or Intel??? I already know the majority on these and other forums use AMD, but I heard there are problems with certain sound cards and software. I just got the e-mu 1820M (cuz it has le version of 3 sequencers and the same ad/da converters as pro-tools hd, high end)

2. 32 or 64 bit ??? Many dual processors, especially AMD are running 64bit now, and most software/soundcards aren't suited for the 64bit environment yet. or are they?

3. Self built? Pre-made? or contact a builder?? Bottom line, is I never built one, have heard and seen horror stories from those who have, i.e. motherboards replaced 2-3 times, ram dead, etc...... Best option?

4. What parts should the DAW be composed of for my situation below?

Ok, so I am an old-school type for years using an akai mpc 3000 with various samplers, analogue synths, etc. I have yet to find a digital sequencer that rivals the timing and swing on the mpc3000, so solid. I have 100's of hours of my own samples that I will record from dat/adat onto a hard drive.

Further along I like Ableton Live and dont know if its cubase sx or sonar that i'll roll with. But, I plan on using kontakt as my sampler, Hartmannn Neuron Vst, with tons of gigs of samples, sample manipulation, vocal tracks, full blown production on a smaller scale. I need a reliable work-horse with virtually 0 crashes. Quite a few plugins to sweeten stuff up and all I have right now is that 1820M. HELPppppppp !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[itsplayed]

1. AMD or Intel??? I already know the majority on these and other forums use AMD, but I heard there are problems with certain sound cards and software. I just got the e-mu 1820M (cuz it has le version of 3 sequencers and the same ad/da converters as pro-tools hd, high end)

The EMU 1820M was a good choice, I've built several systems(both intel and AMD) using the 1820(M) as well as some using EMU's other cards. AMD is the choice for a DAW build (IMHO). You didn't say what your budget will be for the build. If money's not too much of a concern then a Dual Opteron is king, next in line would be a dual core Athlon X2 chip.

2. 32 or 64 bit ??? Many dual processors, especially AMD are running 64bit now, and most software/soundcards aren't suited for the 64bit environment yet. or are they?

If this will be a strict DAW, going with a 64bit system may be the smart thing to do. Sonar, Cubase etc. will benefit from this environment. The EMU1820M does have 64bit drivers available(one of the first to do so). Most all graphics cards now sport 64bit drivers as well. Not all software is optimised to take advantage of 64bit, but it's only a matter of time before they do so as well. When deciding to go with a 64bit system just make sure any additional software you plan on running besides Sonar or Cubase, have no issues in running within a 64bit OS environment.

3. Self built? Pre-made? or contact a builder?? Bottom line, is I never built one, have heard and seen horror stories from those who have, i.e. motherboards replaced 2-3 times, ram dead, etc...... Best option?

The first build can be a little nerve-racking, however even if your just a little handy with common tools and have a small nack for things electronic, you should have no problem in doing the build yourself with a little guidence. There are plenty of good resources on the net that can help you with a build....including this forum.

4. What parts should the DAW be composed of for my situation below?

Ok, so I am an old-school type for years using an akai mpc 3000 with various samplers, analogue synths, etc. I have yet to find a digital sequencer that rivals the timing and swing on the mpc3000, so solid. I have 100's of hours of my own samples that I will record from dat/adat onto a hard drive.

Further along I like Ableton Live and dont know if its cubase sx or sonar that i'll roll with. But, I plan on using kontakt as my sampler, Hartmannn Neuron Vst, with tons of gigs of samples, sample manipulation, vocal tracks, full blown production on a smaller scale. I need a reliable work-horse with virtually 0 crashes. Quite a few plugins to sweeten stuff up and all I have right now is that 1820M. HELPppppppp !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well other than building a seperate system for your sound library(which is ideal) an Opteron or X2 is essential for your needs here, as well as a seperate hard drive to house those samples. Anyway let me know what your budget is (Approx.) and I'll help you in picking out the parts for your build if you'd like. Even if you decide not to perform the build yourself, you can purchase the parts yourself and have a local computer builder do the build for you.

[beatsmyth]

It'splayed....thanks for the reply........ my budget is virtually unlimited, although I would like to possibly stay in the 1.5k area.

I was also considering an extra dsp solution, although the two I looked at were a u-ad and a tc-electronic each of which contain there own sets of plug-ins, where-as I was interested in an extra dsp box that can handle third-party outside plugins like this new ssl set that just came out and some pluggo stuff.