Recommendations For New Daw

[Ceylonjohn]

I am about to upgrade my PC following overload problems. Can anyone make any suggestions regading hardware?

I am buying an IBM 3 GHz processor with 2 Gb RAM

I have MOTU 2408 Mk I audio interface with 324 card
MOTU MidiXpress Midi interface
Soundblaster Platinum Live Drive

I'm not sure the Soundblaster Platinum soundcard is the best choice.

I would also like the system to support dual monitors

I would welcome any suggestions as to hardware/drivers etc for this system.
Thanks
John

[itsplayed]

First a few Questions.....
Did you mean to say...intel 3ghz processor?
What Music program are you going to use for your DAW?
What do you mean by dual monitors?

If this machine is going to be used as a DAW, you can forget about the Soundblaster. There are much better, cheaper and more pro cards for DAW's.

[Ceylonjohn]

Thanks for your prompt reply. Yes a 3 ghz processor (I would assume intel) It will be an IBM (under recommendation from my computer support people).

I am running Reason 3.0 and Logic Platinum 5.0

Dual monitors = two side by side monitors (I've seen this used with Pro-tools and I was impressed with the large views).

Cheers
John

[itsplayed]

I wasn't aware that IBM is still making personal computers, do you have a model number? If your looking for a DAW machine, you should never consult those running computers outside of the DAW world. Choose your soundcard/interface of choice first, then buy or build the best system to run it as well as you software. Running two monitors is not a problem, the best card to do this with are those from Matrox.

[TheLonePhoeniX]

I'd say get an AMD clocking at 2.2-2.6 GHz rather than an Intel P4 at 3.0-3.2 Ghz because Intel's have an overheating problem and your PC will restart auto within minutes after heavy usage.

A 2.2 Ghz AMD Dual Core will give a much higher level of performance than a more expensive 3.0 Ghz Intel P4. I've seen it happen for 2 months straight in front of my eyes while testing two of my friends' PC's.

Sound card? M-Audio... Nothing but the best. Go for the mid range Audiophile series... $100-$200

Dual monitor setup? Get an ATI Radeon graphics card with 128/256/512 MB Video memory. All of them have multiple monitor support. If you have a good enough budget, I'd suggest Lenovo monitors. One CRT and one TFT.

And assemble your PC rather than buying a branded PC. Advantages? More stuff in half the budget! Meaning, more performance in half the price.

Hope this helped.

[itsplayed]

TheLonePhoeniXI'd say get an AMD clocking at 2.2-2.6 GHz rather than an Intel P4 at 3.0-3.2 Ghz because Intel's have an overheating problem and your PC will restart auto within minutes after heavy usage.

A 2.2 Ghz AMD Dual Core will give a much higher level of performance than a more expensive 3.0 Ghz Intel P4. I've seen it happen for 2 months straight in front of my eyes while testing two of my friends' PC's.

Agreed, AMD's will run much cooler and provide better performane numbers for the money.

Sound card? M-Audio... Nothing but the best. Go for the mid range Audiophile series... $100-$200

While M-Audio is a good choice, I wouldn't exactly call it the best.

Dual monitor setup? Get an ATI Radeon graphics card with 128/256/512 MB Video memory. All of them have multiple monitor support. If you have a good enough budget, I'd suggest Lenovo monitors. One CRT and one TFT.

Disagree, If your looking for the least bloated and least invasive graphics card for your DAW, all while providing the best 2D graphics, Matrox cards are it!

And assemble your PC rather than buying a branded PC. Advantages? More stuff in half the budget! Meaning, more performance in half the price.

Agree, or at the very least, pick and choose the components for your DAW and have a local computer expert put it all together for you.

Hope this helped.

I'm sure it did....cheers!

[Bops2000]

I use Matrox video
Terratec A/d Converters
Asus Mobo
Amd 3200

I am now running video files
along with 24 bit audio, and have limited glitch's
That includes individual dxi on individual tracks,
Dxi on subs, masters etc (thanks "stevie wonder' once again).
But It's a computer folks, so here and there your gonna 'drop'
as far as video card..

The video is no big deal as far as resolution for the video capture.
No big deal for audio capture either, I think the idea is IS to have a video card that is not labor intensive on cpu.
Video output resolution will controled by the compression of the output mix.

You can go with the soundblaster, but it's gonna be a little noisy,
and the 'what you here' thing gets a little dicey with upper end software.
I would definately go with a 'meat and potatoes' soundcard that sends 16/24 bits min in/out, I never liked my maudio delta, but I do like their DX4 little monitors.
Ok I shaddup now

[Bops2000]

I was just thinking....
You guys will probably be my competitor in the near future !!
No more advice ! No soup for you !
Just kiddin,
Be good

[GZsound]

I suggest two drives also. One for program and one for data.
I went with dual 160 gig SATA drives in mine.

As to soundcards, get the most I/O you can afford in the first place so you don't end up needing more in the near future. But the Soundblaster cards are pure junk for professional audio.

[TheLonePhoeniX]

Oh yea... Definitely... Two drives are a must for a DAW!

Anyone ever heard of a Cheetah SATA?