Computer RAM question..

[telaak]

I just read this {below} in the three top DAW thread..I was hoping to buy the korg D888 because it'll be easier for me to learn ..{I own the korg D8 now}but after reading what Vikki wrote about the MacKie Tracktion3 and the fact that I don't have $750.00 to drop on the korg i'm having second thoughts..Vikki's post : The ones you read about are Logic, Pro Tools, CuBase, Sonar, Cakewalk & Garageband.However, I urge those with no recording experience to consider MacKie's Tracktion3 (Mac or PC). It's very user friendly and if you buy the complete version (not the demo) it comes with a slew of plug-ins, including Garritan orchestra. A friend of mine who just joined Taxi tried demos of Pro-Tools & CuBase & Tracktion and settled on Tracktion because it seemed more accessible & he was already working with the demo the same day he downloaded it. http://www.mackie.com/products/tracktion3/You can also download demos of other software & try it out. Just google "softwarename+demo"HTHHummin'bird ....................................................................................I checked the tracktion 3 out and I think I can get that up & running pretty quick, I then could just buy a small mackie mixer for my mic's in..and save about $3-400.00 BUT as I checked the system requirements for the tracktion 3I found that the computer a friend rebuilt for me didn't have enough RAM..{this computer would be dedicated to recording only}the tracktion runs best on 512 MB of RAM..{something like that}and below i'll post what I found on the computer in question..SYSTEMMicrosoft Windows XP Professional, version 2002 service pack 2COMPUTERAMD Athlon (tm) 2100 + 1.73 GHZ, 96.0 MB of RAMI'm a complete idiot when it comes to computer stuff....but 512 of of RAM is a LOT more than 96.0 of RAM right ? Now is it possible to add more RAM by buying another drive or something ?...again i'm an idiot about computer stuff..and if so..is this something that would be easy for ME to hook up..also..if what i'm trying to do with this computer is hopeless..by all means tell me that and i'll simply have to save for the korg D888.. thank you..john

[hummingbird]

Quote:I just read this {below} in the three top DAW thread..I was hoping to buy the korg D888 because it'll be easier for me to learn ..{I own the korg D8 now}but after reading what Vikki wrote about the MacKie Tracktion3 and the fact that I don't have $750.00 to drop on the korg i'm having second thoughts..Vikki's post : The ones you read about are Logic, Pro Tools, CuBase, Sonar, Cakewalk & Garageband.However, I urge those with no recording experience to consider MacKie's Tracktion3 (Mac or PC). It's very user friendly and if you buy the complete version (not the demo) it comes with a slew of plug-ins, including Garritan orchestra. A friend of mine who just joined Taxi tried demos of Pro-Tools & CuBase & Tracktion and settled on Tracktion because it seemed more accessible & he was already working with the demo the same day he downloaded it. http://www.mackie.com/products/tracktion3/You can also download demos of other software & try it out. Just google "softwarename+demo"HTHHummin'bird ....................................................................................I checked the tracktion 3 out and I think I can get that up & running pretty quick, I then could just buy a small mackie mixer for my mic's in..and save about $3-400.00 BUT as I checked the system requirements for the tracktion 3I found that the computer a friend rebuilt for me didn't have enough RAM..{this computer would be dedicated to recording only}the tracktion runs best on 512 MB of RAM..{something like that}and below i'll post what I found on the computer in question..SYSTEMMicrosoft Windows XP Professional, version 2002 service pack 2COMPUTERAMD Athlon (tm) 2100 + 1.73 GHZ, 96.0 MB of RAMI'm a complete idiot when it comes to computer stuff....but 512 of of RAM is a LOT more than 96.0 of RAM right ? Now is it possible to add more RAM by buying another drive or something ?...again i'm an idiot about computer stuff..and if so..is this something that would be easy for ME to hook up..also..if what i'm trying to do with this computer is hopeless..by all means tell me that and i'll simply have to save for the korg D888.. thank you..johnYou definitely need more Ram for any of these programs. At least one GB, but I'd get 2 if you can. They are only about $60 per GB, I think. I got my computer built with 2 GBs of Ram last Feb & just bumped it up to 4 GBs - I'd rather have too much than too little. However, I DID run Tracktion on a 512MB computer for quite a while, as that's all I had. But it wasn't really enough.

[ginstl]

As far as I know there is no DAW that will run on anything less than 512 MB of RAM, which is usually the minimum RAM installed on any computer. 512MB Ram sticks are the smallest size you can buy as far as I know. You might have a corrupted memory stick.Anyway as Hummin'bird says: RAM is inexpensive but you need to know what kind of motherboard you have= make/model so you know what kind of RAM slots it has such as DDR etc. The reason is that the different kinds of RAM sticks run at different frequencies and have different plug-in configurations on them which means that each different kind of RAM stick "physically fits" into the motherboard in only one way.Greg.

[telaak]

Quote:As far as I know there is no DAW that will run on anything less than 512 MB of RAM, which is usually the minimum RAM installed on any computer. 512MB Ram sticks are the smallest size you can buy as far as I know. You might have a corrupted memory stick.Anyway as Hummin'bird says: RAM is inexpensive but you need to know what kind of motherboard you have= make/model so you know what kind of RAM slots it has such as DDR etc. The reason is that the different kinds of RAM sticks have different plug-in configurations on them which means that each different kind of RAM stick "physically fits" into the motherboard in only one way.Greg. maybe i'm looking in the wrong area for this info..I went to my computer - hit view system information & hit general...then copied the info from there ?as you can already see..I know very little about the workings of a computer..but i'm learning..

[ginstl]

You can "right click" the "My Computer" icon on your desktop, go down to "properites" and "left click on "properties" and it will show you the main specs of your computer on the first page.

[slideboardouts]

Dude, if that really is all the RAM your computer has, I'm surprised the thing even turns on. I think that you must be either reading the specs wrong or something in your computer is messed up. But if not, you definitely need 1 gig, preferably 2. You can get ram for real cheap off of www.newegg.com, but you need to make sure you are getting the right kind for your computer.-Steve

[ibanez468]

Quote:I'm a complete idiot when it comes to computer stuff....And see, that's the thing John. If you're not familiar with all of the nuances and technical stuff involved with makin' music on a computer, and gettin' it up and running and all that, you might end up gettin' frustrated. These DAW's and computers can be tricky sometimes.But, on the other hand, it'll probably be another beast that you'll eventually run across at some point in time, and you'll end up having to try and tame it as well. I have Mackie Traction2, and while it is fairly easier than some of the others, I did spend about a week or less testin' it all out. But...it may have been easier because of my familiarity with DAWs and computers. Don't get me wrong though, I don't doubt what Vikki and the others are saying about Traction(I haven't tried Traction3, so it might even be easier than Traction2). This is just my opinion, but I think you were on the right track with your initial decision to get the Korg digital recorder. Here's the reason. You'll be purchasing something that you're more familiar with, having past experience with standalone digital recorders and all. You'll be able to plug it in, read the manual, and get started recording (was pretty easy for me). No installation of programs to deal with, no upgrades, none of that extra stuff. Just right out of the box, and straight to recording. I'm assuming you really want to get straight to it, yes? Plus...you get a DAW program included. So, when you have time, you install it on your computer, and then fool around tryin' to figure it all out. But in the meantime, you still have something to create with, without a bunch of hassles, and still get the broadcast quality you're looking for. Sure you have to shell out a few hundred more, but at least you won't be stuck with a computer, a program, and a bunch of frustration. I just recently installed EWQL (symphonic orchestra), and it took forever to get the thing up and running. Have to register for this, have to download that. Too many hassles for me. And I'm sure there are many here who know what I'm talking about. But I did get it running. It took a few hours though. And it wasn't one of the more easier installation processes that I've endured. But as I said, just my opinion. I'm not trying to discourage you from going with the computer setup and I'm not tryin' to be negative. I'm just tryin' to give you some details on what to expect. If you're not used to dealing with computers & software, and registering and downloading upgrades, and all the other crap that goes along with, you're in for a lesson. On the other hand, you get to learn how to, if you have the patience. That's how I learned. No computer classes or anything, just simple trial & error. I even fried a motherboard or 2 when I first started out back in the early 90's. If you decide to go with the computer DAW, I suggest you get a hold of someone who's really good with computers, and get them to help you out. It'll be so much easier that way. It'll help ease the frustration. Good luck!ibanez468

[telaak]

I think you're right Ibanez..I was at a friends studio last night and was picking his brain about it and..let's just say..you're right..i'm buying the korg..just a matter of finding the money..thanks..john