Is High-End Hardware an answer for Laptop Users?

pfender · 8th January 2008

Before anyone starts yelling that I should just stop wasting my time and get a G5...

I use a laptop. I don't record large groups, or for that matter, small groups. I just track guitar and vocals, and do everything else at studios with more money and gear than I will ever have. But I want to be able to put good-sounding comp and eq on the things that I do track. My question is, given that a laptop can't handle high-end systems like UAD and Waves, do I instead buy decent hardware comps and eqs (I have a 500 rack, so say a purple audio action FET)? Is it totally silly to buy a single UAD plugin (like the 1073 eq)? Will my lack of good AD (I use a Digi002R) lead to crappiness if I use hardware inserts?

**Blast9** · 8th January 2008

You'll definitely benefit from decent hardware going in.

Remember, not that long ago eg 1999/2000, people had relatively low end PCs/Macs compared to your laptop, and I woudn't say the 002 is worse than the 888s from back in the dark ages!

sinchi · 8th January 2008

A good laptop can handle both UAD and Waves (only not too many instances of them(with UAD only one card)). So if you want to work with a laptop, instead of a desktop, you can do it.

"Will it lead to crappiness?" Yes, if you think that everything going through Digi002 comes out as crap. Otherwise no. An AD/DA conversion will always degrade the sound. If you're not happy with the 002, try RME, Apogee, Lynx, Lavry or Benchmark instead.

There are plenty of good compressors for the 500-series. Try a few and buy the one(s) you liked.

Good luck

studiogeek · 8th January 2008

Pfender,
First of all the G5 chip is dead. It was replaced by WAY more powerful intel chips across the line. You can have a laptop that runs many times faster than a G5 for $899 (refurb) to $1499US. This machine is a Macbook. It will run more Waves plug ins than you will ever need from what you describe and is really reasonable.
That said... I would go for premium A/D first. This cannot be added 'in the mix" and is crucial. You can compress and EQ in the big rooms that you work in after the fact until you fill some slots in your 500 rack.

You could also forget inserts, get 2 channels of premium A/D and a couple 500 series units than just track thru the 500 into the A/D connecting to the 002 digitally...... bypassing the 002 Pres and converters (002 will limit you to 48k).

>Will my lack of good AD (I use a Digi002R) lead to crappiness if I use hardware inserts?<

P, As crappy is subjective, this depends on how YOU (and/or your clientele) personally feel about the 002 conversion. A/B it with great conversion and make your call.

If you get your hardware straight you may not even have to upgrade the computer yet.....

Good Luck*

**Blast9** · 8th January 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by pfender

I use a laptop.

PS what is the spec of yr laptop?

pfender · 8th January 2008

Thanks for your replies. I'm using a MacBook Pro 2.4 GHz. So this machine won't have trouble running, say, Waves SSL stuff or the UAD Neve? And, I apologize for my lack of knowledge here, what is meant by the number of instances? I'm guessing the number of times the plugin is used for a single session? Thanks again

studiogeek · 8th January 2008

Your first post led us to believe that you had a weak, older laptop.
Your Macbook Pro will run many instances of ANY native plug-in that you throw at it.

You are correct with regard to the definition of 'instances".

Good Luck*

glissmeister · 9th January 2008

I do some of my home tracking on a MacBook Pro and a 002. The Black Lion Audio tweakhead mod will completely and totally transform your 002. I've had two done. The result is simply astounding. And these are great people to work with.

So check out: Black Lion Audio 002 tweakhead mod

And for laptop use, here's an outstanding plugin set with great sonics and a low CPU burden.

Stiff · 9th January 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by pfender

Thanks for your replies. I'm using a MacBook Pro 2.4 GHz. So this machine won't have trouble running, say, Waves SSL stuff or the UAD Neve? And, I apologize for my lack of knowledge here, what is meant by the number of instances? I'm guessing the number of times the plugin is used for a single session? Thanks again

That will do it for mixing completely ITB. The only thing to watch out for is really heavy amp sims (like Digidesign Eleven) or monster VI:s. But that's pretty much the case with any machine.

pfender · 9th January 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stiff

That will do it for mixing completely ITB. The only thing to watch out for is really heavy amp sims (like Digidesign Eleven) or monster VI:s. But that's pretty much the case with any machine.

What are VIs? Also, for anyone else: after looking at the Black Lion mods, they seem very appealing... Is anyone of the opinion that getting the Tweakhead Mod would be a better idea for my type of setup than getting a lunchbox and a p-1?

glissmeister · 10th January 2008

In a sense, it's a complimentary decision, not an either/or decision.

I modded my 002 because I really do hate the sound of Digi gear. I needed the LE for a project, and took the leap on the 002. Hated it. Looked for options and found BLA. The mod blew me away.

If you don't go BLA mod, then you've still got the cheezy WTF sonics of the original 002 to deal with. Adding truly great front end of 500 series pres still requires you return their fabulous signals to the purgatory of Digi Hell. This has tortured many a tormented soul.

Adding great pres doesn't fix the Dante problem. The BLA Tweakhead does. It absolutely transforms the box. You'll be amazed at what you weren't hearing and how much better your mics, outboard pres and dynamics begin to sound.

Call and talk to them in your own terms about your situation and needs. They're very candid about what you can and can't expect.

On a separate note, BLA has a giant-killer A/D converter being released in the next few days. It's just a simple two-channel converter designed to compete with
two channel systems in the $2k to $8k price range. They've developed proprietary technology to eliminate noise and distortion while imparting a nice richness to the midrange. I mention this because the new Macbook laptops have optical in and out. While it's designed as a BNC SPDIF, converting coaxial SPDIF to optical spdif is a cinch to do. It has the potential to be a killer two-channel I/O system for direct use with a suitable laptop and the DAW software of your choosing.

8th January 2008	#1
pfender Gear Head Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 37 Thread Starter	Is High-End Hardware an answer for Laptop Users? Before anyone starts yelling that I should just stop wasting my time and get a G5... I use a laptop. I don't record large groups, or for that matter, small groups. I just track guitar and vocals, and do everything else at studios with more money and gear than I will ever have. But I want to be able to put good-sounding comp and eq on the things that I do track. My question is, given that a laptop can't handle high-end systems like UAD and Waves, do I instead buy decent hardware comps and eqs (I have a 500 rack, so say a purple audio action FET)? Is it totally silly to buy a single UAD plugin (like the 1073 eq)? Will my lack of good AD (I use a Digi002R) lead to crappiness if I use hardware inserts?

8th January 2008	#2
Blast9 Moderator Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: London Posts: 4,490	You'll definitely benefit from decent hardware going in. Remember, not that long ago eg 1999/2000, people had relatively low end PCs/Macs compared to your laptop, and I woudn't say the 002 is worse than the 888s from back in the dark ages! __________________ :: New Album "Rooms" out now http://www.andymitchellmusic.com :: twitter > http://twitter.com/mitchellmusic - http://www.twitter.com/theyardbirds

8th January 2008	#4
studiogeek Gear maniac Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: /users/studiogeek (NYC) Posts: 166	Pfender, First of all the G5 chip is dead. It was replaced by WAY more powerful intel chips across the line. You can have a laptop that runs many times faster than a G5 for $899 (refurb) to $1499US. This machine is a Macbook. It will run more Waves plug ins than you will ever need from what you describe and is really reasonable. That said... I would go for premium A/D first. This cannot be added 'in the mix" and is crucial. You can compress and EQ in the big rooms that you work in after the fact until you fill some slots in your 500 rack. You could also forget inserts, get 2 channels of premium A/D and a couple 500 series units than just track thru the 500 into the A/D connecting to the 002 digitally...... bypassing the 002 Pres and converters (002 will limit you to 48k). >Will my lack of good AD (I use a Digi002R) lead to crappiness if I use hardware inserts?< P, As crappy is subjective, this depends on how YOU (and/or your clientele) personally feel about the 002 conversion. A/B it with great conversion and make your call. If you get your hardware straight you may not even have to upgrade the computer yet..... Good Luck* __________________ (º·.¸(¨·.¸ ¸.·¨)¸.·º) «.·°·. studiogeek .·°·.» (¸.·º(¸.·¨* ¨·.¸)º·.¸) Last edited by studiogeek; 8th January 2008 at 12:52 PM.. Reason: duhhhh mistake.*

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8th January 2008	#3
sinchi Gear Head Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Finland Posts: 30	A good laptop can handle both UAD and Waves (only not too many instances of them(with UAD only one card)). So if you want to work with a laptop, instead of a desktop, you can do it. "Will it lead to crappiness?" Yes, if you think that everything going through Digi002 comes out as crap. Otherwise no. An AD/DA conversion will always degrade the sound. If you're not happy with the 002, try RME, Apogee, Lynx, Lavry or Benchmark instead. There are plenty of good compressors for the 500-series. Try a few and buy the one(s) you liked. Good luck

9th January 2008	#8
glissmeister Gear Head Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 47	I do some of my home tracking on a MacBook Pro and a 002. The Black Lion Audio tweakhead mod will completely and totally transform your 002. I've had two done. The result is simply astounding. And these are great people to work with. So check out: Black Lion Audio 002 tweakhead mod And for laptop use, here's an outstanding plugin set with great sonics and a low CPU burden.

10th January 2008	#11
glissmeister Gear Head Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 47	In a sense, it's a complimentary decision, not an either/or decision. I modded my 002 because I really do hate the sound of Digi gear. I needed the LE for a project, and took the leap on the 002. Hated it. Looked for options and found BLA. The mod blew me away. If you don't go BLA mod, then you've still got the cheezy WTF sonics of the original 002 to deal with. Adding truly great front end of 500 series pres still requires you return their fabulous signals to the purgatory of Digi Hell. This has tortured many a tormented soul. Adding great pres doesn't fix the Dante problem. The BLA Tweakhead does. It absolutely transforms the box. You'll be amazed at what you weren't hearing and how much better your mics, outboard pres and dynamics begin to sound. Call and talk to them in your own terms about your situation and needs. They're very candid about what you can and can't expect. On a separate note, BLA has a giant-killer A/D converter being released in the next few days. It's just a simple two-channel converter designed to compete with two channel systems in the $2k to $8k price range. They've developed proprietary technology to eliminate noise and distortion while imparting a nice richness to the midrange. I mention this because the new Macbook laptops have optical in and out. While it's designed as a BNC SPDIF, converting coaxial SPDIF to optical spdif is a cinch to do. It has the potential to be a killer two-channel I/O system for direct use with a suitable laptop and the DAW software of your choosing.