Skywalker
Hey everyone.
So my PC's motherboard packed up the other day and I need to replace it. I was in the process of up-grading my PC aswell so this was quite good timing in a way :?
I'm going to be buying Cubase and possibly Reason soon and am slowly,but surely getting things together to start experimenting with recording.
What I would like to know is what the minimum requirements for a PC based recording setup are-or what you guys in the know would reccommend? I will be running windows XP. I'm not too clued up PC wise but I reckon as long as I get the PC setup correctly I shouldnt have a problem.
8)
Gearhead
I would recommend spending relatively much for the sound interface and hard disk and relatively little for the CPU/memory/case etc.
Another thing to consider is noise. If you're going to be recording in the same room the PC is, the thing might as well be very quiet.
A third thing to think of is the relatively large amount of screen space you need when actively working with the software you mentioned - might be worth your while to get a video card that can handle two monitors.
Minimum requirements are mentioned on the software manufacturers websites.
NorioDS
Does a dedicated sound card help with latency? Struggle to get decent latency with my onboard sound.
Gearhead
Ye betcha it does! I have a Terratec soundcard that runs 24/96 quality at 4ms. If I upgrade I will however go for an external one, if I play this thing through a PA you can hear the harddisk etc. Most of the noise surely comes through the power supply but it's kinda hard to 'straighten out' the power that goes to a PCI card (tips anyone?).
AlanRatcliffe
Almost any processor these days will be powerful enough to get a decent recording setup going. Search for my thread on a studio PC build - it will be a bit outdated by now, but it gives a good idea on what your main considerations are.
Re soundcards - A good one is essential. Built in ones are quite likely to give you trouble somewhere along the line. Internal PCI/PCI-e are the lowest latency, but ideally should have a breakout box with the connectors on to avoid interference. Firewire externals are decent and most of the USB ones are fine too, just go for a musical brand like M-Audio, ESI, etc., rather than a Creative or something generic built around an ESS chipset or the like.
@Gearhead. Better PSU often helps, but it could be a losing battle if the card isn't rejecting the EMI interference from HDDs. I've seen guys build barrier shielding, but without too much success.
