kayDUB
Hi recording Gurus
At what point does it become feasible to use a laptop for recording, only top of the range i7 or never (rather go for a PC)? Lets assume I want to track and mix with plugins and software synths etc. Is there a (rough) nr of tracks limitation? What spec would you recommend? Are there some common pitfalls when it comes to laptops and recording?
Software would probably be Reaper with a Presonus FP10 (8 channel firewire). Sorry if I left any needed info out.
Then anyone use EMES monitors? Kobalt (5") / Quartz (6")?
Contrasted against something like the KRK VXT6?
Would you rather have higher quality smaller woofer monitors or vice versa? The smaller the woofer the less lower freq it'll have, so what would you say would need to be the minimum? 50Hz? 60Hz?
The monitors will probably be in a pretty small room with slight accoustic treatment (my next area of investigation).
Thanks in advance! ?
shaundtsl
As far as I am aware, the only deciding factor between a laptop or desktop would be the type of sound card. if its going to be an internal type sound card you would need a pc. If its external (USB or firewire etc) then laptop or desktop.
I have recorded using both, but I really prefer using my laptop for portability. There shouldnt be any limit functionality wise between the two.
Reaper also isnt too resource intensive and you should not need the latest or greatest pc to run it on. My desktop is already 3 years old and it runs reaper perfect (dual core processor with 2gb ram I think).
I dont know much about monitors though.
kayDUB
Thanks Shaun! How many tracks do you work with on average and do u use soft synths and plugins?
shaundtsl
Pleasure!
I probably used around 5 tracks (or more) at a time, but I am sure its capable of alot more.
These tracks are usualy:
Rythm Guitar (panned hard left)
Rythm Guitar (panned hard right)
Lead Guitar
Bass
Drums (I think the midi file uses one track, but from what it looks like all the drums, cymbols etc are own their own track which is about 10 or more tacks on its own).
I have used quite a few effects plugins with the guitar tracks and a drumset plugin (midi), all running and the computer handles it with no problems. I think my laptop specs are pretty much the same as the desktop specs and both handled extremely well, you get that feeling you can throw a whole lot more at it, I was just limited by my knowledge of adding a whole lot more :-[
shaundtsl
Oh and in addition to the above, I also monitor the mix while recording new tracks.
AlanRatcliffe
Laptop PCs are funny beasts - sometimes a lower spec machine will run audio software better than a higher spec machine in the same brand. I think it all has to do with the way the specific machine prioritizes resources. Models designed specifically for multimedia usually have a better chance of working flawlessly.
It's the one time when a Mac will always win out - use a nice interface like a MOTU and a Mac and you will never have any problems.
Soundinmind
Hey,
Monitor wise: KRK isnt in the level of EMES or the others so I wouldnt even look at KRK if I was you if you looking in that direction. Ive heard good things about EMES from the importer and Marshall Music Cape Town so could be good, looks good. Other options are ADAM, Focal and EMES, there is others but these are the best in their class really, especially price wise cause the distributors sell them at the US price locally.
