[QUOTE=marielaurette;18473354]what do you think of my cover? D:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtWMkpCPXEI[/QUOTE]

How did you end up in this cesspool? Song was listenable. Your vocal phrasing needs some work, and timing. Guitar is pretty harsh in the recording

[QUOTE=Moseph;18487855]I don't know man, I've heard this spiel before: big overture, moderate show :)[/QUOTE]

all i've posted thus far have been demos with Di'd guitar, bass and aren't mixed at all ;)

[quote=Xomblies;18488481]all i've posted thus far have been demos with Di'd guitar, bass and aren't mixed at all ;)[/quote]

Does that include the links to The Chase and Hear Chaplin? Because that's what I'm talking about. If you didn't actually do the work on that stuff, then I withdraw the comment completely.

Both sounded fine, and I wouldn't argue if somebody said they sounded [I]good[/I], but nothing in those blew me away or anything.

And before you get all pissed off about it, please understand that this isn't coming from a place of anger, or spite, or jealousy or any other negativity. It's just my honest assessment.

I imagine a big part of it is that we have different aesthetic preferences.

Your tendency to hype/upsell the audio probably influences things quite a bit as well (hence my ribbing). If I were going to give any actual advice on the matter, I'd suggest cut that out.

I anticipate alot of kick drum

nah he like the ultra snare

it's new shit, the chase and chaplin are 2 years ago. I'm talking about something that wasn't recorded on a digi003 and mixed in the box...

Lmao even for 003 and ITB it sounded pretty dece!

don't mean to spam this but it's appropriate in this thread

[url]http://soundcloud.com/pwen_wilsons_nose[/url]


not as much kick drum as you guys anticipated eh?

Needs more tbh. You've failed me again Nick :(



jk :D I liked it, post when donez

it's almost there, we upped the vox by a db and a half cause it was hard to hear brandon's articulations in this one, rounded out some of the eq on the guitars' lower mids so there is more definition in what i'm doing with guitars brought up the kick by .5 db ;)

[quote=Xomblies;18502626]don't mean to spam this but it's appropriate in this thread

[url]http://soundcloud.com/pwen_wilsons_nose[/url]


not as much kick drum as you guys anticipated eh?[/quote]

I'm only getting a 1:00 out of 3:22. I'm logged in (with a free account) and everything. Any ideas about what's up?

From the minute I heard, the vocals need more volume and/or presence. As of right now the mix doesn't pass the quiet test. Drums are over-dominating the rest of the mix. Especially kick drum. Guitars are way too dense: can't even make out any bass guitar (assuming it's there already).

[QUOTE=Xomblies;18502864]i[B]t's almost there, we upped the vox by a db and a half cause it was hard to hear brandon's articulations in this one[/B], rounded out some of the eq on the guitars' lower mids so there is more definition in what i'm doing with guitars brought up the kick by .5 db ;)[/QUOTE]
Very, very good idea.

Only other thing I would say would be the snare kinda dominates in the in the chorus ("scream loud in the silence") and by dominates I kinda mean it kinda steps on the vocals a little every hit. Like, it's not all that bad, just something I noticed.


Amazing mix though. Even more amazing arranging, hard to get bored with the amount of good ideas throughout.

[QUOTE=Moseph;18502922]I'm only getting a 1:00 out of 3:22. I'm logged in (with a free account) and everything. Any ideas about what's up?

From the minute I heard, the vocals need more volume and/or presence. As of right now the mix doesn't pass the quiet test. Drums are over-dominating the rest of the mix. Especially kick drum. Guitars are way too dense: can't even make out any bass guitar (assuming it's there already).[/QUOTE]

then turn it up, i didn't exactly write these songs to be listened to quietly

[quote=Xomblies;18503276]then turn it up, i didn't exactly write these songs to be listened to quietly[/quote]


You honestly don't know about the quiet test?

oh i did the quiet test, but mine was in a room that was treated, i'm just telling you to listen to it at a louder volume because it was meant to be listened to louder

[quote=Xomblies;18503322]oh i did the quiet test, but mine was in a room that was treated, i'm just telling you to listen to it at a louder volume because it was meant to be listened to louder[/quote]

Listened to it again today. Got the rest of the song, no change in playback system or conditions on SoundCloud: but no matter, the other 2:33 is there now.

Don't turn room treatments thing into a dick-measuring contest: if anything, your treated room should transcend any issues I might have (like a good mix should). It's not like the quiet test involves a lot of room interaction anyway.

That being said, my last assessment might've suffered from fatigue-induced listening. After a fresh night of sleep, the first minute holds up much better in the quiet test. I still have trouble making out the bass is up to, but I'm definitely getting some it. I still think the vox could get bumped up a bit. Still the think the drums could come down again. Still think the guitars are too dense. Most of that will come down to personal preference, particularly the guitars.

lol it's not a dick measuring contest, you don't hear things the same in a non treated room, the quiet test works a lot better when you don't have interfering variables

Bro you should be mixing your stuff so it sounds good on everything. "Treated room" isn't an excuse for anything

i was just talking about the quiet test moseph mentioned

You're over-scrutinizing. Part of the reason the quiet test works is because the room influence is minimized.

Not just because you're closer to silence, but also because you're actively comparing to the loud playback, so whatever the room is doing is at least consistent.

I generally run your mixes (when I listen to them) through 7 of the 8 basic "dummy" tests (generally they don't make it to my car). At minimum 2. The reason being that I know you know enough that I can learn something from the exercise. I will often combine the headphone and quiet tests, for your exact reasons.

But yeah, the mix really should transcend the environment either way.

the nuances you're mendioning in the mix i think have either been fixed or are differences in personal preference as well. This mix should sound pretty good on just about everything.

we've played it in each band members' cars home stereos etc and it holds up better than a lot of shit labels try to sell :)

I listened in an untreated room and it sounded fine, stop nitpicking.

This thread has got my head spinning. I've read up to page 5 and fully intend on reading the rest (I swear), but I have to get to GC before it closes to grab somethings. So hopefully I have some answers by the time I get back.

I just picked myself up a nice Macbook Pro. It has officially been assigned my work computer. I'm doing some programming on it, may get into video and photo editing, but my question focuses on music recording of course.

I'll be starting off with Garageband (leave your insults on your side of the computer) as a DAW. Now I have a M-Audio Audio-Buddy Pre-amp if I need it, but I fully intend on buying a mixer and using that (Yamaha MG102C). I assume this will pretty much make the Audio-Buddy a thing of the past. I guess that is question one, will I need a pre-amp if I get said mixer? (Common Sense 2011 says no, but I expect serious answers here).

Moving on to the main question here. If I have said mixer, what do I need to hook it up to the laptop (through Firewire preferably) for good audio quality? I mean it will be an external sound card, but every one uses things like firebox (I believe the term is "audio interface") which seem to be a sound card + mixer in one. I really just need this black box filled between my laptop and my mic. I want to record my amps and my guitars. I don't want modeling tools. I want what I hear, you know what I mean? I'm tired of recording at like 24kHz, it sounds like shit.

My research came down to just really needing a Apogee Duet 2. That, on a less mature board, got me flamed to all hell. Asking for suggestions got me flamed to all hell as well. So I come to you my dear old friend; MX. Basically right now I'm going to go pick up an Audio-Technica AT2020 condenser mic. I've been doing a lot of my ideas on acoustic as of late, and while my Shure SM57 sounds great when recording my amp (as great as a pre-amp directly into on-board sound can sound)... eh not so much on acoustic.


So what what would be the best route here? Fill in the blank:

Microphone -> ????? [stand alone audio-interface?] -> Laptop

OR

Microphone -> Mixer -> ????? [external sound card?] -> ????? [D/A converter?] -> Laptop

OR

I'm an idiot who needs this whole process explained to me like I'm a 5 year old child.


edit: I want to use some sort of mixture of direct out of my amp and/or one or both microphones I will have to get the best sound possible. I have a decent set of monitoring headphones [I think] in a pair of Sony MDR-ZX700. I won't be using physical monitors until I get more money/find more room. Well, maybe if I could find some I could mount on a wall I could get them.

go die

I can always count on you for the latest and greatest Josh. <3

You have a few options here.

Depending on how much money you are able to spend on this. This is what I would recommend:

http://www.altomusic.com/shop/Digidesign-003-Rack-with-ProTools-LE-8/?gclid=CJietKfe7agCFaYSNAodCCY3CQ

This is an interface and pre amps all in one. Goes firewire straight through to your macbook. 4 solid mic pres, plus 4 line inputs. So in essence you could record up to 8 tracks at once (not saying you would need to). It also comes with pro tools 8 LE. I realize you already use garage band, which is a perfectly functional DAW but for the price of this unit and the fact you get a much better DAW this would be my first recommendation.

Another option you have is to go with just a straight interface and then get a pre amp. This may end up being more costly then the above method but is also somewhat more flexible.

Yet another option you have is to get an interface and use the pre amps in your mixer. Not sure if said mixer even has any pres. So I'm not entirely sure if this is an option.

One interface that a lot of people use that I have had perfectly good results with is the Avid M Box. That is probably your cheapest option because it has at least one mic pre and can go firewire directly into your computer. The pres aren't as good as the 003 rack but they are still decent.

[quote=Left Face Down;18511578]I'll be starting off with Garageband (leave your insults on your side of the computer) as a DAW. Now I have a M-Audio Audio-Buddy Pre-amp if I need it, but I fully intend on buying a mixer and using that (Yamaha MG102C). I assume this will pretty much make the Audio-Buddy a thing of the past. I guess that is question one, will I need a pre-amp if I get said mixer? (Common Sense 2011 says no, but I expect serious answers here).[/quote]

You will not: the Audio Buddy only provides 2 preamps, and the MG102C will provide that for you.

[quote=Left Face Down;18511578]Moving on to the main question here. If I have said mixer, what do I need to hook it up to the laptop (through Firewire preferably) for good audio quality? I mean it will be an external sound card, but every one uses things like firebox (I believe the term is "audio interface") which seem to be a sound card + mixer in one. I really just need this black box filled between my laptop and my mic. I want to record my amps and my guitars. I don't want modeling tools. I want what I hear, you know what I mean? I'm tired of recording at like 24kHz, it sounds like shit.[/quote]


I'm a little lost: if you think you only want the audio interface, why is the mixer in the picture?

Regardless, I think you have a good handle on the basic configuration that's recommended: some kind of preamp feeding some kind of converter that feeds the computer itself.

Anyway, the short version of this that you won't need the preamps of the MG102C if you decide to pick up an audio interface that has preamps built-in. I don't imagine the quality difference will be that great between a lower-end mixer like the MG102C and most smaller audio interfaces.

[quote=Left Face Down;18511578]My research came down to just really needing a Apogee Duet 2. That, on a less mature board, got me flamed to all hell. Asking for suggestions got me flamed to all hell as well. So I come to you my dear old friend; MX. Basically right now I'm going to go pick up an Audio-Technica AT2020 condenser mic. I've been doing a lot of my ideas on acoustic as of late, and while my Shure SM57 sounds great when recording my amp (as great as a pre-amp directly into on-board sound can sound)... eh not so much on acoustic.[/quote]


If I'm being honest, I don't really understand the appeal of the Duet. Apogee is a converter company, and they generally sell a higher-tier product. While I'm sure the Duet is a decent product, I just don't understand who they're trying to sell to: they've priced it higher than most competing products, and anybody who's going to be that concerned with the converters is likely going to spend the extra cash to pick up a nice standalone preamp as well.

That being said, another thing I'm not getting is the mismatch in spending across the chain. Namely, the AT2020 and the MG102C are entry-level pieces, whereas the Duet and Macbook Pro are relatively high-dollar. The general rule of thumb is to try to keep your signal chain at roughly the same level of performance (granted, the Macbook Pro doesn't have anything to do with that: but it's an indicator of your spending). The basic concept is that you don't want to have a glaring weak link in the chain somewhere.

I tend to consider the parts closer to the source to have more weight than as you move down the chain. So if you're going to splurge, I generally would spend more on mics, then preamps, then converters.

Regarding the AT2020 specifically, I have minimal experience with it. What I found was that it's serviceable, but didn't blow me away or anything.

[quote=Left Face Down;18511578]So what what would be the best route here? Fill in the blank:

Microphone -> ????? [stand alone audio-interface?] -> Laptop

OR

Microphone -> Mixer -> ????? [external sound card?] -> ????? [D/A converter?] -> Laptop

OR

I'm an idiot who needs this whole process explained to me like I'm a 5 year old child.[/quote]


Generally speaking, "audio interface" = "external sound card." If you're referring to a standalone recording device (like a Fostex MR8HD), I would suggest the computer device route. Usually the computer is more flexible, more powerful, and less expensive overall.


But the basic signal flow looks like this:

Source (mic or DI) --> preamp --> converter --> computer --> playback (speakers or headphones).

Most audio interfaces will give you preamps in addition to converters. In my experience, Firewire vs. USB isn't really a huge concern in terms of performance (and it doesn't have any real impact on sonic quality). However, this is assuming your system is properly tweaked. I'm a Windows-user, but from what I've heard, Macs don't generally need much tweaking to make things work well.

Thanks guys, definitely cleared up a lot for me. You seemed to confirm what I figured what was confusing me. There are way to many things that can all do the same thing and every one really finds their own way. The other place I was researching was mostly just fan-boys posting, "buy this" for no apparent reason and then calling me and idiot. No real detailed responses, and as I figured looking back 3/4 of them probably were talking out their rear and didn't really know what they were talking about and over-complicating everything.


[QUOTE=Moseph;18512010]
That being said, another thing I'm not getting is the mismatch in spending across the chain. Namely, the AT2020 and the MG102C are entry-level pieces, whereas the Duet and Macbook Pro are relatively high-dollar. The general rule of thumb is to try to keep your signal chain at roughly the same level of performance (granted, the Macbook Pro doesn't have anything to do with that: but it's an indicator of your spending). The basic concept is that you don't want to have a glaring weak link in the chain somewhere.

I tend to consider the parts closer to the source to have more weight than as you move down the chain. So if you're going to splurge, I generally would spend more on mics, then preamps, then converters.

Regarding the AT2020 specifically, I have minimal experience with it. What I found was that it's serviceable, but didn't blow me away or anything.[/QUOTE]

The Macbook Pro is an investment. Not just for music, but really for something that is a portable and reliable workstation. I am not the kind of person who likes to buy a new computer every year or two, and hence forth I don't mind dropping some money when I do. My MBP is replacing a Sony Vaio laptop that I purchased in 2005 which cost $2k (MBP was $2060), and honestly it still works. It is just out dated beyond use. I don't expect to replace this laptop for a similar amount of time. To be completely honest, I have still found myself custom building Sony laptops on their website. I can still return this MBP in the blink of an eye. Though if Windows 8 turns out to be crap I may hate myself for it at the end of next year (or 2013, which ever).If I knew enough to make informed decisions I wouldn't mind dropping money on something I know would be around years down the road still performing flawlessly. From the reviews and videos I've seen, the Apogee Duet fits that bill. Which is why my interest was sparked in it.

While I almost went to college for music production, I didn't. Actually the conservatory that I was going to for music production said, "It'd be great if you had a bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering before you go into Sound Engineering." So I went to college and got my EE degree, along with a Computer Engineering degree. 5 1/2 years down the road job options aren't that great so I kind of return back to the source of it all; music and wanting to produce it.

So basically I am a complete and utter n00b. I read reviews, read plenty of reviews, and often things that come up a lot are what I get. The Shure SM57 is pretty much the first thing out of people's mouths when you ask them for a good mic for recording an amp. While the Audio-Technica AT2020 isn't such a standard, it is from a company I know and trust. Plus the reviews all said it was great. Like everything I'll learn eventually. I ask questions so that I make as little mistakes as possible.

Some times it bites you in the rear, some times it doesn't. It seems that buying everything separate and building up a system is going to be more money than just getting something like the Digidesign 003 that DM posted above. Now knowing this, I think I'll probably head that route. This is more of a personal preference. This is what attracted me to the Apogee Duet. Seems just like hey, you plug your mic/guitar into it and hook it up to your computer then BAM! it works! Though I will repeat it time and again, I really didn't know what I NEEDED and that is why I posted here. You guys have cleared that up for me.

I messed around with the AT2020 tonight. I must say it is pretty good to my ears. I'm sure they aren't as seasoned as yours, and if they ever are my opinion will change. Though like the SM57, it has potential. I just think that higher quality recordings will open the sound up more and give it more life. I have to give it to the AT2020, it seems to reproduce my acoustic better than I'd say the SM57 reproduces the sound of my amp. Though I will admit I hang my SM57 off the front of the amp, don't even have a boom for it as I just don't have the room for all this equipment in my room. I'm working on getting rid of a lot of stuff lately that is from my childhood and teen years. This space is slowly but surely being replaced with electronics of almost every kind. I've pretty much come down to the fact if it doesn't regard games, guitars, or just basic electronics it needs to go.


[QUOTE=dave mustaine #2;18511763]You have a few options here.

Depending on how much money you are able to spend on this. This is what I would recommend:

http://www.altomusic.com/shop/Digidesign-003-Rack-with-ProTools-LE-8/?gclid=CJietKfe7agCFaYSNAodCCY3CQ

This is an interface and pre amps all in one. Goes firewire straight through to your macbook. 4 solid mic pres, plus 4 line inputs. So in essence you could record up to 8 tracks at once (not saying you would need to). It also comes with pro tools 8 LE. [/QUOTE]

I'll look into that. I am not purchasing anything serious right now. I splurged on the MBP and I really can't splurge any more until I have a stable source of income. Which is why I was looking for maybe a cheap way to bump up the quality of my recordings now. Though it seems that in this case it is just better to get something that, at purchase, will probably be clearly over my head that I can grow into. Instead of getting bits and pieces and adding things later down the road to continue to bump up the quality.

Hopefully I can still find it at that price in the future. Options are rather limited and it seems every one else sells it for retail. :upset:

[quote=Left Face Down;18512239]So basically I am a complete and utter n00b. I read reviews, read plenty of reviews, and often things that come up a lot are what I get. The Shure SM57 is pretty much the first thing out of people's mouths when you ask them for a good mic for recording an amp. While the Audio-Technica AT2020 isn't such a standard, it is from a company I know and trust. Plus the reviews all said it was great. Like everything I'll learn eventually. I ask questions so that I make as little mistakes as possible.[/quote]

Okay, so here's the good/bad news: if you are in fact a true neophyte to recording, it almost doesn't matter what you buy because you are going to suck anyway. As long as it passes a certain minimum threshold for acceptable levels of noise/distortion (which nearly everything on the market will pass when it's in good operating condition), you'll probably be alright.

I generally tend to advise that you start with smaller investments (i.e., less expensive gear) and don't upgrade until you hit a brick wall somewhere along the way. The reason being that in the short-term you save more money (though it gets more expensive in the long-term) and because you will learn more completely how to listen/work as you start to find flaws in your system. Learning the limitations of your gear is a good indicator that you're actually getting better at this stuff.

So, while again I'm not explicitly recommending the AT2020, I'm also not saying anything bad about it. I'm sure it's fine, and based on my limited experience, it'll do alright for you as a true neophyte.

[quote=Left Face Down;18512239]It seems that buying everything separate and building up a system is going to be more money than just getting something like the Digidesign 003 that DM posted above. Now knowing this, I think I'll probably head that route.[/quote]


Speaking as a person who has been a fan of the "all-in-one" audio interface solutions, I agree that this is a good way to minimize costs. However, the 003 Rack is pretty much the most expensive unit in its class for this, and it has less overall functionality than some of it's competitors (e.g., check out the Focusrite Saffire 40, amongst others). About a year ago, the rationale behind the cost was that this was the only way to get to using Pro Tools (which isn't really critical unless you decide to care about Pro Tools). That's not the case anymore, since Avid nixed interface dependence with Pro Tools 9.

There are some arguments that the Avid stuff has a better internal clock, but in my opinion/experience, that particular nuance is more subtle than $500 worth of price.


[quote=Left Face Down;18512239]Though it seems that in this case it is just better to get something that, at purchase, will probably be clearly over my head that I can grow into. Instead of getting bits and pieces and adding things later down the road to continue to bump up the quality.[/quote]


I tend to prefer to think of "growing into" a unit as something that offers more [I]functionality[/I] than you presently need, but not being something that you don't understand.

So, for example, if you were to consider something like the M-Audio Profire 2626 you'd be starting right out of the box with 8 analog inputs, 8 analog outputs, and MIDI i/O. However, you'd also have room to add 16 channels of I/O via ADAT Lightpipe (they make preamp units with ADAT Lightpipe outputs), as well as 2 channels of S/PDIF I/O (likewise for this digital format). So instead of dropping however many extra hundreds of dollars on a brand new unit and worrying about driver compatibility, etc, you could try to find some preamp devices (like the Presonus Digimax FS, or M-Audio Octane) to expand your existing rig.

Generally speaking, however, I tend to recommend picking out an interface that has at least the following features to true neophytes:

2-4 analog inputs
2+ mic pres, with phantom power
1-2 DI inputs, not necessarily independent of the mic inputs
MIDI I/O

I think the real "sweet spot" for long term usability would have the following:

8+ analog inputs, preferably switchable mic/line inputs
8 mic pres, with phantom power
1-2 DI inputs, not necessarily independent of mic inputs
2 banks of 8-channel ADAT Lightpipe I/O
1 set S/PDIF I/O
MIDI I/O
At least 8 channels of outputs (for headphone mixes, or external processing).
BNC connections for clocking externally (both inputs and outputs)

Ideally, you could also set the drivers to clock off any of the digital connections as well.

Feel free to ask questions. Otherwise, good luck in your hunt.

I would caution you about Avids claim that pro tools 9 works with all interfaces. There is fine print there. A friend of mine has an interface (released in 2010) that doesn't work with PT9.

We were at a seminar with the sales rep for avid canada. My friend called out the avid guy and he kinda just shrugged it off calling him a liar. But we know it doesn't work.

[quote=dave mustaine #2;18512939]I would caution you about Avids claim that pro tools 9 works with all interfaces. There is fine print there. A friend of mine has an interface (released in 2010) that doesn't work with PT9.

We were at a seminar with the sales rep for avid canada. My friend called out the avid guy and he kinda just shrugged it off calling him a liar. But we know it doesn't work.[/quote]

Avid definitely built-in plenty of excuses for themselves: technically Pro Tools 9 is only [I]supported[/I] with Avid and/or M-Audio devices and only on a very small subset of computers. That doesn't mean it won't work (general consensus is that it will work as intended), it just means they won't help you if you can't make it happen. That being said, the response you got is pretty much expected in light of that.

But, as I said, Pro Tools is only an issue if you want it to be. The software itself doesn't have any practical influence on how things sound: it's all about workflow in editing/mixing. And if I'm being honest, Pro Tools is still the most expensive option with reduced functionality compared to most of its competitors.

I have conveniently bolded the question below for easy access. I type books, that is just the way I am. Josh loves me for it. :chug:

I ended up getting a PreSonus FireStudio Mobile (http://www.guitarcenter.com/PreSonus-FireStudio-Mobile-10x6-FireWire-Recording-System-105625826-i1471883.gc). Way back on page 5, 6, something like that the FP10 was brought up. I looked at that as it came with it's own little DAW. Watched a video on it. Figured I really didn't really need anything rack mounted. So I looked at the smaller boxes from various companies, and this was the only one that my GC had in stock; :lol:.

I'm debating on just returning the MBP. If I'm going to use my desktop for this then it defeats the main reason I talked myself into getting it. Though I looked at other laptops, Windows based ones, and it is such a bastard to find anything with Firewire from a reputable company. Plus one of my friends may have the hook up for me again on a job. So if that comes through might as well keep the MBP. Though I could get a Sony Vaio F series (that has a mini-firewire) with similar specs, full 1080p display, and a blu-ray reader/burner with a damn 3-year warranty for like 1800 with tax. The $30 price tag on the damn mini-display or w/e to HDMI for the Mac is just glaring at me in the store saying, "I'm here to rip you off!".


Anyways, to the point of that long winded story that is that if I return the MBP I'll look into upgrading my desktop's RAM to 12Gb. The question being, [b]how much RAM is really needed for sound editing?[/b] W7 is a RAM HOG to the max, currently have 6Gb and I have gotten an error or two when I'm running games, skype, music, and the internet. I don't think I'll be doing all that when trying to edit files, but you never know.

[quote=Left Face Down;18513002]I'm debating on just returning the MBP. If I'm going to use my desktop for this then it defeats the main reason I talked myself into getting it. Though I looked at other laptops, Windows based ones, and it is such a bastard to find anything with Firewire from a reputable company.[/quote]

For Windows-based computers, don't go with internal Firewire. Instead, make sure you have either a PCMCIA or PCExpress slot, and then invest in an external card. The reason being that a lot of interfaces (including the Firestudio line) use DICE II chipsets, which are known to have compatibility issues with Firewire cards that don't use Texas Instrument (TI) or VIA chipsets (TI is generally more recommended). This will also save you some effort in finding a suitable computer, since Windows-based machines tend to be less likely to feature Firewire natively (and even less likely to use TI/VIA).

[quote=Left Face Down;18513002]Anyways, to the point of that long winded story that is that if I return the MBP I'll look into upgrading my desktop's RAM to 12Gb. The question being, [B]how much RAM is really needed for sound editing?[/B] W7 is a RAM HOG to the max, currently have 6Gb and I have gotten an error or two when I'm running games, skype, music, and the internet. I don't think I'll be doing all that when trying to edit files, but you never know.[/quote]

See if you can't find some online guides to do some system tweaks to cut down on your RAM and processor usage. Also, it's generally recommended that you only do audio work without miscellaneous features, such as network adapters (especially wireless) and anti-virus software. I also haven't looked into it for Windows 7 yet (still on XP over here), but you may also want to disable your battery control if on a laptop, as it can cause issues.

One thing you'll definitely want to look into is some software (such as the free DPC Latency Checker) that can help you figure out what hardware/services are causing processing delays (which can create issues when dealing with low-latency audio).

All that being said, 6 GB of RAM should be enough, provided your software isn't made of fail-gravy. Most audio software is designed to be relatively low-impact/small-footprint, so if there's an issue, it's likely in other running software (which, remember, you shouldn't be using), background services, or possibly OS bloat. To give you a good reference, I still have an older laptop running a 1.8 GHz Pentium M with only 1.5 GB of RAM that can do about 20 channels of recording no problem. Editing/mixing has also never really been a problem (and upping the latency a little bit can help resolve issues too).

[QUOTE=Moseph;18513011]For Windows-based computers, don't go with internal Firewire. Instead, make sure you have either a PCMCIA or PCExpress slot, and then invest in an external card. The reason being that a lot of interfaces (including the Firestudio line) use DICE II chipsets, which are known to have compatibility issues with Firewire cards that don't use Texas Instrument (TI) or VIA chipsets (TI is generally more recommended). This will also save you some effort in finding a suitable computer, since Windows-based machines tend to be less likely to feature Firewire natively (and even less likely to use TI/VIA).
[/QUOTE]

Yeah, I went over that when reading reviews. EVGA and Gigabyte mobos use TI. I have a EVGA board so I'm not too worried. Though the actual chip is covered with the south bridge heat sink on my specific model sadly. If I have issues I do have room the PCE slot open.



[QUOTE=Moseph;18513011]
See if you can't find some online guides to do some system tweaks to cut down on your RAM and processor usage. Also, it's generally recommended that you only do audio work without miscellaneous features, such as network adapters (especially wireless) and anti-virus software. I also haven't looked into it for Windows 7 yet (still on XP over here), but you may also want to disable your battery control if on a laptop, as it can cause issues.

One thing you'll definitely want to look into is some software (such as the free DPC Latency Checker) that can help you figure out what hardware/services are causing processing delays (which can create issues when dealing with low-latency audio).
[/QUOTE]

Yeah I don't really have many things running in the background. I've used some tweaks but it hasn't really helped too much. Once I get everything up and running (probably tonight, currently eating dinner), I'll see how everything works. It is getting late though and a friend on the phone who wont STFU.

Hello. On a super tight budget, which of these monitors would you buy?

[url]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Pair-Samson-Resolv-A5-Active-Studio-Monitor-Speakers-/250821996336?pt=UK_ConElec_SpeakersPASystems_RL&hash=item3a6627ef30[/URL]

[url]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/B-Stock-Alesis-M1-Active-520-USB-Studio-Monitors-Pair-/190534462327?pt=UK_ConElec_SpeakersPASystems_RL&hash=item2c5cbd2b77[/url]

Saving up is not an option. Other suggestions totalling around £150 accepted.

[url]http://www.dv247.com/studio-equipment/edirol-ma-15d-digital-stereo-micro-active-monitors--27074[/url]

[url]http://www.studiospares.com/studio-monitors/studiospares-sn10-nearfield-monitors-pair/invt/248000/?htxt=lN%2FQSJYdF8AT%2BL5ugFDcuq1w4ZZFNCf%2B%2FOsQnjFjPjtedKFFDZi6%2BWZyt8DQC%2FvOfp2QIIqG2yJ5%0AWgulOnNDOw%3D%3D[/url]

I haven't got the money or space for a poweramp so would you say that the first link is better than the two I posted or are you just providing alternatives?

Providing alternatives really. Not sure if that's actually helpful.

[QUOTE=Left Face Down;18513002]I have conveniently bolded the question below for easy access. I type books, that is just the way I am. Josh loves me for it. :chug:

I ended up getting a PreSonus FireStudio Mobile (http://www.guitarcenter.com/PreSonus-FireStudio-Mobile-10x6-FireWire-Recording-System-105625826-i1471883.gc). Way back on page 5, 6, something like that the FP10 was brought up. I looked at that as it came with it's own little DAW. Watched a video on it. Figured I really didn't really need anything rack mounted. So I looked at the smaller boxes from various companies, and this was the only one that my GC had in stock; :lol:.

I'm debating on just returning the MBP. If I'm going to use my desktop for this then it defeats the main reason I talked myself into getting it. Though I looked at other laptops, Windows based ones, and it is such a bastard to find anything with Firewire from a reputable company. Plus one of my friends may have the hook up for me again on a job. So if that comes through might as well keep the MBP. Though I could get a Sony Vaio F series (that has a mini-firewire) with similar specs, full 1080p display, and a blu-ray reader/burner with a damn 3-year warranty for like 1800 with tax. The $30 price tag on the damn mini-display or w/e to HDMI for the Mac is just glaring at me in the store saying, "I'm here to rip you off!".


Anyways, to the point of that long winded story that is that if I return the MBP I'll look into upgrading my desktop's RAM to 12Gb. The question being, [b]how much RAM is really needed for sound editing?[/b] W7 is a RAM HOG to the max, currently have 6Gb and I have gotten an error or two when I'm running games, skype, music, and the internet. I don't think I'll be doing all that when trying to edit files, but you never know.[/QUOTE]

4 gigs is more than enough,

the duet is the shit, it's got top notch converters, pro tools is the best for editing, hands down. There are other DAW's that have different strong points but i promise you; won't be dissatisfied with a macbook pro, duet and pro tools

Windows 7 is not a RAM hog at all.