PC computers

[matto]

Quote: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.Actually, Virtual Instruments and samples are not the same thing...many VI's use samples (but by far not all; the B4 for example doesn't), but as Nick pointed out, what makes a VI a VI is that it exists in software inside your computer.Some of the advantages of VI's over hardware is that they (at least the sample based ones) typically sound far better (due to vastly bigger sample sizes), are a lot cheaper, have 100% total recall when used as plugins inside your DAW (in other words when you save your session, all the parameters for all of your sounds are saved with it), and enable you to mix entirely in software, which means you can export your entire mix as an audiofile and you won't have any noise from ground loops or other analog connection issues.And of course they take up a lot less space...

[matto]

Quote: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)Generally true, but there are far more freeware/shareware/low price commercial VI's and FX plugins available for the PC, and some of them are amazing.

[nomiyah]

Great info. I think I may as well get a desktop PC. My 16 yr old cousin is a computer whiz. He can build a desktop PC at a really great price.Now let's get to the really valuable information. The specs. So far from this thread's advice, I'd ask for 3Ghz plus processor, 2Gigs plus RAM, dual hard drives, firewire, dual monitors.How about hard drive size? How about sound cards?Meanwhile, I'll go check out the Digidesign site. Thanks.Nomi

[nickbatzdorf]

I personally wouldn't recommend choosing Windows over Mac because of the number of cheap plug-ins you can run. There are good reasons to choose either platform, but to me that comes way down the line.

[nomiyah]

Well, that was only one reason. But that's why I'm asking for opinions on Mac vs PC. Care to comment? Or is too involved?BTW, after checking the Digidesign support site, I can see why it's recommended to have a computer built especially for music. I don't know that I can afford it though.

[zink]

Quote:How about hard drive size? How about sound cards?I've heard people say not to get too big of a hard drive, that you would be better with 2 100GB drives then with 1 200GB drive. I think the important drive questions are the seek time, RPM and cache size. You should look for low seek time (8.9 ms is good). 7200+ RPM and an 8 MB cache (buffer) would be more than adaquate.There are a lot of great sound cards for both PC and Mac. It really depends on your budget and how many simultaneous inputs you need... If your only going to be recording 2 tracks at a time, than getting an 8 input soundcard might not be the best option, although if you plan on someday using more...Zink

[nickbatzdorf]

I buy the largest drives I can get, for the most part.Well, 500GB drives are quite a bit more expensive per MB, so I haven't been buying them. But 300s and 400s, sure.

[nomiyah]

Thanks for taking the time to give me advice. Really appreciate it.

[nickbatzdorf]

I'd intended to say more about drives but I got distracted.There are two reasons I get large drives. First, because I use G5s and they only have room for two drives inside their cases (unless you buy an add-on bracket). Second, because if I were going to take Zink's idea to heart, I'd use RAID rather than just separate drives. RAID in this application basically turns multiple disks into one disk, spreading the load around.But single drives work fine for me.

[zink]

The reason behind having smaller multiple drives, as it was explained to me, was that this would cause less wear on the mechanical components of the drive (less jumping around), thus extending life. It sounds reasonable but I'm not sure if I buy into it or not, it's just something I heard somebody say once.Z