PC computers

[davewalton]

Quote:I don't know exactly what Virtual Instruments means. Virtual instruments are basically collections of high quality sound samples for your computer. These sound samples are stored on your hard drive and they're generally organized and collected into single "packages". There are orchestra packages, piano packages, choirs, synths, guitars, bass guitars, ethnic instruments, etc. In most cases, they work like the real thing and certainly sound like the real thing because they're real sound recordings of the real thing, only they're triggered by playing notes on your midi keyboard. In an orchestra package if you have a patch selected called something like "18 violins legato", when you press middle C on your keyboard, you trigger the digital recording of 18 violins playing that note. Ultra realism.As an example, there is a virtual instrument called the "B4", a virtual Hammond B3. If you've ever been a part of lugging one of those monsters up or down a couple flights of steps, you'll really appreciate the fact that the virtual version comes on a CD and you can put it in your front pocket. Here is what it looks like on your screen:www.DaveWaltonMusic.com/PrivateArea/b4.jpgIn the software you have access to everything you see. You can pull the drawbars in and out, turn nobs, etc. The keys go up and down as you're playing your midi keyboard. This beyond what I can describe here but essentially you set up your midi keyboard to play the sound samples in your virtual instrument. Your midi keyboard becomes this instrument (or whatever virtual instrument you're using). Does that make sense? Here is another link to a company that sells a lot of these things. You'll see what I mean about the variety of instruments available.www.soundsonline.comQuote:Or are you talking about having two computer monitors?That would be two computer monitors. When you have all this software stuff like Sonar and a bunch of virtual instruments, you can't have enough monitor real estate.It's almost impossible to fully explain the whole thing, you just have to go to a local music store and get a quick demo. I've probably created more questions than I've answered. The first time you see everything together its a real "Ah Ha!" moment.Dave

[zink]

Quote:if I get a dedicated desktop, I could go for Mac.YESSSS!!!!!!!you won't regret it!!!

[nickbatzdorf]

Another explanation: virtual instruments are synthesizers and samplers that run on a computer instead of their own dedicated hardware. Software instruments.As to the subject of this thread, Digidesign posts extremely specific sytem requirements on their website. I can't post the link, but it's under Support on their website. Don't even think about getting something not on their list, because that's what they test and what they guarantee to work.

[nomiyah]

Dave,Sorry I should have said to save you long explanations, I am not new to these systems, have worked extensively on ProTools and Cubase.I didn't know the term but what you call VI I think of as samples. I have these on CDs and MPC discs currently.

[nomiyah]

Nick, thanks for the tip. I knew that but had forgotten so I will make sure everything fits their specs.

[nomiyah]

Zink, do you mean you prefer Macs to PC? When it comes to most things, I really don't care which I use. Ern also mentioned preferring Macs. Is this because of the way ProTools works on it? The way it processes audio? or?

[zink]

or...Macs by their very design are better at multi-tasking. I use both in my studio and have a lot less problems with the macs. I'm not a PT user however, so I don't know which is better, but I could certainly hazard a guess...(Here it comes again...the old debate...let the battle begin...FIGHT!!!)Z

[53mph]

Remember though...If you change from Mac to PC or visa versa you need to change all the software too.Many plug-ins won't work and all your old sessions will be useless.That is really what stopped me from changing to Macs....too many old sessions in mid-production to finish.Macs are great because you don't get viruses.PC are great because you have loads of software and they're cheaper.Tomatoes - TomAtoes.

[nickbatzdorf]

Actually, you can now get viruses on Mac and the quantity of software is meaningless for what we do (it's the music software you want to use that's important, and there are both Mac- and PC-only programs as well as ones that work on both, like most plug-ins). PCs are cheaper at the entry level, but after that it evens out.Until you start talking about specific programs and applications, the discussion is very theoretical. I work on Macs but use three Windows machines as well.

[53mph]

I totally agree with you Nick.I can't see the point of the PC v Mac thing anymore.If Nomi is currently using a PC and has old sessions it will be an issue changing systems though as her old sessions won't work anymore. As far as I know you can't migrate sessions cross-platform.I personally use a laptop because I move about alot and like the luxury of travelling with my kit. Laptop/soundcard/keyboard and all fit in a backpack.If you're more of a studio creature a rooted system would be best.If you've got the money though you can easily buy a laptop system with 2 internal hard drives, 2g Ram and super fast processor that can run rings round most peoples systems. That's not an issue anymore these days.I mention this because Nomi is already on a laptop and may like the feel of working on one.The monitor size is not a problem for me. I get less eye strain than when I use my tower monitor setup.