Replacing PC - Recommendations?

[mrdtman]

My PC that I use to record audio is having a meltdown . Appears to be so kind of hardware issue. I've updated the motherboard, ram etc... a few years ago, really don't want to go through the hassle to replace stuff again so researching what to get. I had this one built about 10 years ago before I did the update. Wondering what PC others are using. Don't want to go the MAC route as I prefer staying with a PC. I use CUBASE ELEMENTS 7, HAve 2 HD that run on firewire so looking for something that I can use my firewire card with (PCI expandability).

I've been thinking about The Creation Station stuff from Sweetwater and maybe going that route. Has anyone had any experience/knowledge about their workstation?

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Want to get back to running smoothly ASAP.

DT

[mrdtman]

P. S. Running on W7 but considering W8 with new system. Anyone had any problems with W8>

DT

[TheElement]

Hey Duane, I'm running a Dell Gaming PC with 16GB RAM but have space to upgrade to 32GB. I think I need to upgrade now. Running lots of RAM hungry VST's. But they sound really sweet.

Had a laptop with Windows 8 and hated it. I gave it away. Now got my Dell PC and I'm running Windows 7. Using Cubase 7.5 (64 bit)

If I had to do it again I would probably get the same Dell PC.

For portability I was thinking MacBook Pro but its good to take a break from producing so not sure I want to take my work with me anymore.

[Len911]

I prefer the spec and build your own route.

http://www.newegg.com/Computer-Hardware/Store

Maybe build is not the right word, because you basically just mount by screws and plugin cables. Half a day if you are really slow and cautious.

You will spend more time specing than building probably. The advantages are that it's cheaper, and you don't buy things you will never need and can allocate more resources to the things you do.

It's definitely something to consider!

If you don't feel comfortable, build a really cheap but powerful setup for surfing the internet. I see a 32gb SSD is about $30, a $50 amd chip, a $50 motherboard, etc., case, power supply, 4gb ram, built in graphics, $99 windows oem, $20 dvd/cd, you know, actually, for not a whole lot more, you might as well just build one for your daw, etc. You don't need the latest and greatest high dollar stuff to build a powerful computer for audio. I mean even a 32 gb SSD, it might take a while to fill that up, and you can just buy another later and install it. Or use the hd you have for storing audio files, etc. and the ssd for your daw and vsts.

Ok there's a gazillion options,lol, plenty to think about. Hopefully you got the idea that for not a lot of money, you can build a really nice computer for your audio workstation. Use the money you save for the software, or an instrument, or a mic, or a preamp....

[funsongs]

Duane -
out of curiosity I'm following this thread; surprised not to see (yet) any mention or recommendations
for Microsoft Surface... Pro 4, or whatever the latest/top-of-the-line gizmo is for the PC crowd.

[mikeymike2000]

If you can swing it, go with PC Audio Labs.

There are many selections of desktop or laptop and you can customize it to your needs. I do strongly recommend you keep with Windows 7 for the time being and they will install this on the machine for you.

(These are more robust machines designed specifically for music production [or games])

Otherwise just get as much RAM and Memory as you have in the budget.

[sabalsounds]

Since you're using Cubase, check out steinberg's site where they tell you what specs they recommend:

https://www.steinberg.net/en/support/st ... t_daw.html

Like TheElement I'm using a Dell gaming PC. Most stable/reliable DAW environment I've owned to date.

[mrdtman]

I'm following up with this post I sent out some time ago. Sorry, I get pretty busy with the band I play in as we are out on the road a lot during the Summer , fall season.

Here's what I did about the PC. After some research, I settled on a company called Purrfect Audio - www.studiocat.com- to build me a new DAW. Found out that they are actually located not far from where I live too. Went with their Pro Studio build and couldn't be happier. It's an AWESOME machine, very, very quite. The guy even delivered it to me since he was so close. I HIGHLY recommend them!

I also upgraded to KOMPLETE 10, TRILIAN, got an Akai Advance 49 controller, really nice suite of software comes with that puppy. So I'm back at it trying to get the creative juices rolling, and the learning curve for the new stuff.

DT