Need to upgrade computer

[tomyco]

I currently have a 8 year old Mac pro Quad, LE8 Pro Tools with Digi 002 rack. I now need to upgrade a lot of my programs now are no longer supported. Because of the huge cost on Macs and pro Tools I've decided To go with a windows desk top and will probably go with Mixcraft & software.

Now I lived in the mac world a long time and I'm not real familiar with windows computers. I am not a tech guy, and I record more as a hobby than anything else. So I don't need a powerhouse but I also don't want a beginner computer. I plan on using the new computer for not just recording but for the internet, e-mail, Office, photo's and Itunes so here are my questions;

1. What brand desktop would you recommend and with what requirements, 'm hoping to get a good 5 years out of my next computer. I was told by a few people that I should not use my computer for anything else but recording, because of virus's.

2. So how many of you use your computer exclusively for recording?

Thanks all for your feedback!

[kova]

I currently have a 8 year old Mac pro Quad, LE8 Pro Tools with Digi 002 rack. I now need to upgrade a lot of my programs now are no longer supported. Because of the huge cost on Macs and pro Tools I've decided To go with a windows desk top and will probably go with Mixcraft & software.

Now I lived in the mac world a long time and I'm not real familiar with windows computers. I am not a tech guy, and I record more as a hobby than anything else. So I don't need a powerhouse but I also don't want a beginner computer. I plan on using the new computer for not just recording but for the internet, e-mail, Office, photo's and Itunes so here are my questions;

1. What brand desktop would you recommend and with what requirements, 'm hoping to get a good 5 years out of my next computer. I was told by a few people that I should not use my computer for anything else but recording, because of virus's.

2. So how many of you use your computer exclusively for recording?

Thanks all for your feedback!

1. The only requirements that I look for are a MINIMUM of a i5 processor, 8GB RAM, and a 7200 RPM hard drive (or SSD). Oh, and I avoid HP computers like the plague. It's an old bias of mine that'll probably never die. If you plan on running a ton of plugins, you might want something with beefier stats but my current setup is as described and I've had no problems so far.

2. Errr.... I never do. I always start off with that intention but I cave in along the way. I do keep my main recording computer clean (no questionable software or questionable practices - I use my old laptop for those) but it's just easier for me to do day job-related stuff on this computer as well as music stuff. So far, I've suffered no ill effects but a part of that is b/c I'm a part-geek so I know how to tweak my computers and whatnot.

[Kolstad]

Its a bad "in-between time" now to buy a new computer, because the new skylake chip has just come out, and will be used in the new ones. Skylake reportedly is a huge step up, so, if you are in for 5 years, I would cool it for a computer that is Skylake based. Basically anything you get now is already at least 2 years old. Shouldn't take too long, though.

Other than that, depending on what you record and how you mix, i5 would be minimum, and as many RAM as you possibly can afford. SSD drives are getting cheaper, so look into that. For music and software, SSD is the way to go.

With Windows computers you should watch out for noise from the fan. That can be a big issue when you record and mix. The new Skylake chips should require less from a fan, and maybe none.

If you can get a Thunderbolt port, you can eliminate recording latency, and use plugin's while recording. This is a huge step up from USB 2 and 3, and can cause you to sell expensive outboard gear and use the new Thunderbolt interfaces. So, thunderbolt can earn itself in quite fast. I would go for that with a 5 year perspective.

So when you ask for brands and stuff, go with one of those build-it-yourself things, imo. No particular brand required.

i5 and up (Skylake)
8 or more RAM
SSD drive
Fanless
Thunderbolt

[Len911]

I plan on using the new computer for not just recording but for the internet, e-mail, Office, photo's and Itunes so here are my questions;

1. What brand desktop would you recommend and with what requirements, 'm hoping to get a good 5 years out of my next computer. I was told by a few people that I should not use my computer for anything else but recording, because of virus's.

For $99, you can eliminate the separation problems, internet, e-mail, Office...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ftwY6s4WQ8
http://promotions.newegg.com/pc/15-5012 ... cid=334428

As for your recording computer, I am a strong advocate of building your own. There are numerous videos showing how easy it actually is, it's mainly just mounting the components and plugging in plugs. The advantage is that you can spec with exactly what you want and need, and if you want to upgrade, you already have the case, power supply, cd/dvd drives... so you don't need to buy a whole new computer. For example, a major upgrade would be to replace the motherboard, chip and memory. That is basically a whole new computer.

By building your own, there's no need to buy the latest and greatest chip you think will last for five years. The latest is always mucho expensive, and you can buy a very powerful chip for much less and likely will be more than adequate for even five years down the road. If not then you can buy that chip a few years down the road for much less, and for less money all at once.

[Len911]

Here is three very excellent videos on how to build your own computer. If you watch them, I think it will help you to decide if building your own is an option or not.

https://youtu.be/lPIXAtNGGCw?t=2m44s

https://youtu.be/d_56kyib-Ls

https://youtu.be/RxaVBsXEiok

[tomyco]

I found a company called Purrrtect Audio who builds custom computers. I am not a tech person so I am out of my element when it comes to technology. So here's where you guys come in. I have enclosed what comes standard which has a star next to it and below that is upgrades along with the price. There is also optional items I can include along with the price. The standard price is $1400.00.

Please note that I am a part time musician/songwriter. I had Pro Tools LE8 prior to this, I was able to make a decent recording but most of it was way over my head. I will also be using the computer for the internet, e-mail, Microsoft Office, photos, and itunes. I hoping this computer will last me atleast 5 years. So is the standard package good enough or would any of you add additional upgrades or optional items. As far as software I probably going to go with a simple program like Mixcraft 7. I will probably go with a moderate price interface. When I record it is usually just my guitar and vocal.

I know there's a lot here below but I would appreciate all who responds. Thanks!

PURRRFECT AUDIO - $1,400.00


CASE

SILENT MID TOWER *
DELUXE SILENT TOWER + 40.00 OPTIONAL

POWER SUPPLY SAMPLES DRIVE 1

600 W QUIET * 1 TB HD + 70.00
750 W QUIET + 40.00 2 TB HD + 100.00
850 W QUIET + 80.00

RAM SAMPLES DRIVE 2

16 GB DDR3/1600 * 1 TB HD + 70.00
32 GB DDR3/1600 +125.00 2 TB HD + 100.00

HASWELL CPU

4790K @ 4.4 GHZ (8 THREADS ) *

OS DRIVE 2ND BURNER

500 GB HD * 24 X DVDW + 25.00
1 TB HD + 15.00 16 X BDR + 75.00
2 TB HD + 45.00
250 GB SSD + 95.00
500 GB SSD + 215.00
1 TB SSD + 425.00

AUDIO DRIVE

1 TB HD *
2 TB HD + 30.00
3 TB HD + 50.00
4 TB HD + 70.00

BURNER

24x DVD RW *
16x BDR + 64.00

VIDEO

HD 4600 *
HDS 450 1GB +30.00
R7 260X 1 GB +130.00
GTX 960 2 GB + 210.00

OPERATING SYSTEM

WINDOWS 8 X 64 or WINDOWS 10 X 64 *
WINDOWS 7 X 64 PRO + 40.00

AUDIO DRIVE

1 TB HD *
2 TB HD +30
3 TB HD + 50