Computer and recording setup...a little assistance required

[mojobone]

Thanks Mojo

here's where I get publicly embarrassed...

- so, what exactly do you mean by "cores" ?
- I'm actually running Windows 7 , 64-bit - so that's OK right?

You say getting a "new computer"...but is that pretty much what I'm doing if I'm replacing MOBO, CPU and RAM etc? Or do you mean OS and the whole shooting match?

I would look at upgrading the drives ASAP too - but down the line a bit. Perhaps an SSD etc.

In my case (pun intended) there are no available MoBo upgrades, or rather there are no chip upgrades for the Mobo. By 'cores' I mean CPUs; my current machine is dual-core, but being 32-bit can only address something like 3.8g of RAM

Some modern VIs can eat RAM by the crap-ton, RAM is apportioned on a per-core basis, and it's easier to get more cores than more speed so...you do the math; I hate math, anyhow. Maybe this is a personality trait, but I don't like to open my wallet for incremental upgrades, and there are some pitfalls to the DIY route. For instance, you might wanna make sure your MoBo has the Motorola FireWire controller chip, because a number of music-related FW peripherals will ONLY play nice with that one. (my Tascam interface/control surface is one) That may no longer be an issue on newer machines, which is why I'm looking into Thunderbolt interfaces like the UAD Apollo.

I'll have less downtime, if I invest in a new machine and convert the old one for use as a standalone slave/sampler and I'll be less worried about 'gotcha!' incompatibilities that may crop up. There are some mighty powerful refurbished Mac Pros going for cheap, these days.

[denalihighway]

Hi guys,
just htought i'd post a quick update on my computer shenanigans. I know you were all DYING to know.

So everything slotted in and booted up perfectly

Yes, I was as surprised as you are. Very gratifying I must say.

BUT...something I never realised, and should have, but somehow never read about it - I can't use all my tasty new RAM until I shift over to 64 bit Cubase etc.

Its not a problem. I reckon most of my plugins will be fine...but I haven't made the plunge yet as I just wanted to read a bit more about the pitfalls and prep. Sometime this week I'd say but wanted to finish some tracks before then in case there's any significant downtime.

anything you sagely beings can offer would be well appreciated as always.

Thanks Len, especially. The fear factor is gone now which is great. Down the line I'll look at partitioning and using my leftover hardware to put a slave together perhaps.

[Len911]

Great news Gareth!!

I think most relatively recent plugins are both 32 and 64 bit, it's probably just a free download and maybe activation to switch.

[denalihighway]

Hopefully!

I'll update you on it.

Cheers Len, hope all's well

[denalihighway]

Latest update - switched over to 64 bit - and all going swimmingly, pretty much.

Updating / reinstalling / abandoning plugins has been pesky and trying but its fantastic now. I've lost a few as I knew I would, and am going to have to invest in a few more as a result but to be honest it's almost pretty cool to be starting clean in a few areas. I'd been using some plugins that I 'inherited' on the machine when I bought it...and many are gone. But the new ones I'm buying I feel will be more focussed on my needs. PLus there will be fewer, and for now, I fancy that situation a bit more as I can get to know them better rather than having tonnes that I'm only slightly familiar with.

So all in all, great...
Gar

[Len911]

Thanks for the update. Very good news and glad to hear everything is going well!

[HectorRContreras]

Guys,

I am SO impressed.

Michael once said : "Men are at best with their Toys" And how right he is.

This discussion is at the same level as,... a Grand Chef at Work, being Four stars **** in the Michelin.

It definitively takes much Apprenticeship, Craftsmanship, Knowledge and Experience.

A Four Stars Grand Chef.jpg (46.66 KiB) Viewed 1798 times

[denalihighway]

thanks Catherine

my stuff is edible but a long way off Michelin...i like to keep the menu interesting at least!

bye for now