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What specs do you recommend for a PC running ProTools? My computer has problems and I'm probably going to get a new one soon. Besides recording, I also want it to hold a database and graphics program.I'd like to hear what specs work for you guys on PC. Hard drive size, speed, etc. I prefer laptops to desktops but would love opinions on that too. Thanks.Nomi

I'm running a laptop system with Sonar but if I can offer a suggestion it would be this.Buy your laptop from a company that specialises in music laptops. If you already have soundcards, external drives etc then you can tell the company beforehand and they'll advise, tweak, and setup your system to run like a dream straight from the box.I know too many people who bought everything seperately and ended up with a headache setting it all up and conflict etc...I used a UK company called inta-audio.I bought a Centrino PM 2Ghz laptophttp://www.inta-audio.co.uk/script/workstation ... s=SYSLAP3I read alot of reviews that suggested the audio workflow was better on a PM than a P4 due to lots of internal commands that the P4 does which ends up restricting it's bus speed and slowing it down for audio. I bought this over a year ago so I'm not sure if times have changed or not.....What I can say is that I can make music on my laptop for hours unplugged...you'll never do that on a P4. Also I've never had a technical problem with the system running heavy duty audio programs (I've had some problems running Video editing software and DVD making software though).If I can also suggest another exellent company.www.carlliondirect.comIf I had the money I would buy one of these beasts. Check them out...they are beautiful.What system are you running at the moment and what's your price range?

As 53mph says, music computers would keep problems to a minimum, but are VERY expensive. When I bought a PC for Pro Tools, I thought I'd take a chance on a refurbished computer. Here was the deal --- A small computer store bought a bunch of brand new Compaq P4s that people were returning to Costco because "they didn't work." Well, the computer store knew that this was because of a "worm" that was prevalent at that time. All they had to do was clean out the computers, and then resell them for a big profit.The bottom line --- I got a "new" PC with all the bells and whistles, plus Firewire to my Digi002, for $500! Now, I only use it for mastering (2 tracks), but if works fine for that.On the other hand, I had a PC custom-built for GigaStudio because I heard that was the way to go, and it cost me a bundle. It works pefectly, and I don't regret spending the $$.So I've done both the "cheap route" and the "expensive route." --- And I still sequence on an old PowerMac! Ern

Thanks for the input. I've been using a hard disk recorder (it's on the bottom of my pic). I'm currently upgrading my studio to ProTools on a PC laptop with an interface. All I need is Firewire on the computer. There's nothing else to set up, unless you know something I don't know about it. The interface makes it simple so I don't think I need a specialized computer.Ern, Do you like the Digi002? (I expect you do.) I would love to get one. But I might get the Project Studio I/O instead because of the price tag. Do you have an opinion?I still want recommendations about hard drive size, processor speed, RAM, etc. (Is 2 GHz working for you, 53?) How about brands? I've been on a Sony Vaio and I'd get another but I'm open to suggestions. Or should I just go see what they have refurbished at the local computer store?I want to thank anyone who answers because this can really make my upgrade a better investment. And that's why I love to hang out with music colleagues. See you 'round the quad, as my mom says.

Quote:Ern, Do you like the Digi002? (I expect you do.) I would love to get one. But I might get the Project Studio I/O instead because of the price tag. Do you have an opinion?I still want recommendations about hard drive size, processor speed, RAM, etc.Yea, I love the 002 because I'm an old analog guy and I like to push real buttons! I'm running 3 computers, and it's nice to have a "real" hardware mixer.As far as computer specs, my "refurbished" PC is pretty basic by 2006 standards --- 2gHz P4, and only 512 RAM. (RAM-wise, get as much as you can afford.) But the hard drive is, I believe, 180Gb. Most people, though, run two HDs, one dedicated to samples/recording. I don't, and haven't had problems. But it's probably a good idea, given that HDs are so cheap these days.Seriously, PCs definitely have the most bang for the buck, but if I had the $$ I'd go for Macs! They are just the cream of the crop, IMHO.Good Luck,Ern

I definitely need the knobs and faders (repetitive stress injury limitations). Does it bother you that there are only 8 faders on the Digi002? The Project Studio I/0 also has 8.I'm considering 3 options:One is the Project Mix (http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/P ... -main.html) for 1000 plus 250 for MPowered PT. Total 1250.Two is the Digi002 with PT LE included. Total 2200.Three is the Digi022 rack for 1200 with PT LE included and a Tascam 24 channel controller for 800. Total 2000.This is why I hate buying equipment. Opinions welcome.

My opinion:Only get a laptop if you really need it. You'll get a lot more bang for your buck in a desktop.I'd recommend keeping your current computer for internet, graphics and database, and have the new machine exclusively dedicated to audio.A dual monitor setup is really handy for a DAW, particularly if you intend to use a lot of virtual instruments.For basic audio only work (no VI's), a 2Ghz processor with 512MB RAM would work fine, but if you're planning on using VI's (and you really should!), get a 3Ghz plus processor and 2Gigs of RAM, plus dual hard drives, the bigger the better.Although I run a stock Dell (and haven't had any problems), I would agree it's not a bad idea to buy from a company that specializes in audio PC's. The less you know about PC's the more important this becomes.Another company that has relatively affordable audio PC's in PC Audiolabs.

Hey Nomi,You definitely should get a dedicated machine, as matto suggested. You don't want to lose all your work because of some stupid virus, not to mention that virus protection will slow your machine down significantly.As far as laptops, they're not as upgradeable as a tower. Also, laptops are a pain to work on, with their little screens, that have to be right in front of you. Plus, you could get an Ergonomic keyboard with a tower, which might be good for you Repetitive Stress Disorder.

'Sounds' like 'sound' advice. I'd been musing between laptop and desktop myself... and wondered if I should have a dedicated system. Now I know.TksH

Well, I need a PC laptop for various things. But if I get a dedicated desktop, I could go for Mac.I don't know exactly what Virtual Instruments means. I usually do all my tracks sequenced from a midi keyboard or MPC. I also do vocals and very rarely a live instrument.As for dual monitors, I think my interface can handle that if you mean having control of large and small speaker monitors. Or are you talking about having two computer monitors?Thanks for the advice.Nomi