Making DAW Purchase

[Kevin Young]

Thank you to the folks who participate in this forum for your valuable and effective advice in the past! I still consider myself a novice at this stuff, but have been very well informed by members here.

I'm now in a position to purchase a new dedicated DAW, running Windows. Since I've benefited from using this forum, I favor making a purchase from Sweetwater.com, assuming the overall value they provide is comparable to anyone else. The Creation Station seems to fit my needs. Also am looking at ADK core pro, as configured here: http://www.adkproaudio.com/systems/s...saved_id=19346


Here's my setup:
Adobe Audition 3.0
Mackie Onyx 1220 with Firewire
Symetrix 528e Voice Processor
Dbx 1066 compressor
Gentner Digital Hybrid II

I intend to use the system for voice recording and podcasting, no use of MIDI. I would like to make use of Skype, but otherwise would limit Internet functions, as I've been advised here to do.)

So, finally, my questions:
1. Should I consider purchasing with Windows 7? If so, what are the considerations of using 32 bit vs. 64 bit? If not, Windows 7, is XP the best choice?
2. Are there any upgrades to either of these systems that would be money well spent?
3. I assume the sound card is the key component. Any specific recommendations?
3. Any other advice?

Thanks for your consideration!

Sincerely,

Kevin

[BagHun]

The hardware looks to be a decent deal as you are getting it pre-built. Plenty of processing power in there.

I assume you need more than 2 inputs at a time as you are going for the Onyx 1220. OK there. If you don't need more than 2, you can buy something less expensive.

The Symetrix looks to be mono...you can only use on one channel (or in a mono bus). The Dbx is stereo, or 2 channels. My question about getting these is: Adobe Audition (and any other DAW software) has plug-ins that perform these tasks, and on as many channels as you need...unless you get enough outboard gear to cover as many inputs as you need, why get it at all?

Windows 7 is new. Mackie doesn't currently list it as supported. You'd have to check each company out if you're going to consider something else.

Sound card/mic preamps ARE important...but you want to start with microphones that will yield your desired effect.

[Kevin Young]

Thanks for the feedback.

I wasn't clear, I already have that equipment I listed, and you're right, I probably didn't need both the dbx and the Symetrix. But I think the Symetrix has helped me improve the signal to noise ratio on the computer I'm using now, which is just something off-the-shelf, not customized as a DAW.

I forgot to list the microphone I'm using, an Electrovoice RE20.

Good suggestion to check with Mackie. I'll do that, and with Adobe, too.

Thank you again!

Kevin

[sabianq]

i love Audition 2+