Setting up a DAW

[krisdrum]

Hi, I’ve been doing some research here and elsewhere. I’m looking to build a DAW for home use and with my band (mobile). Any help and suggestions would be much appreciated.

My intention is to build a rack mount system. I’m hoping to use my Gigabyte Motherboard (GA-965P-DS3) , Windows XP (SP2), 2G RAM, 2G Dual-Core CPU. Probably looking to use ProTools, Cakewalk or Logic.

My preference is for 2 x MOTU 2408 with PCI 324 or 424. I think my lesser option is 2 x M-Audio Delta 1010.

The motherboard has PCI-E slots. Are MOTU and M-Audio compatible, is there a work around if not? I am aware that MOTU has issues with XP-SP2 and prefers SP1.

Any advice or suggestions please? Don’t flame me coz I’m new to this, but I will take on board any serious recommendations, thanks.

[krisdrum]

Ha-ha, it seems motherboard is out! So its an older MB or maybe MAC-G4.

How easy is it to upgrade PCU/RAM on G4, can it be rehoused in rackmount?

I also forgot the option of Digidesign 888, any thoughts.

I should add, I'm looking primarily for recording real instruments and mixing. Digi or Midi barely needed.

Thanks.

[Mozzdog]

Althought people frowned upon using a computer for live performances, I used a P4 3.2ghz with 2 gigs of ram, Windows XP and Ableton Live along with 2 Delta 1010LTs for a live gig just this past weekend. Worked out fine.

I run 1 to 2 effects per track, typically compression, reverb, chorus, or eq.

I say give it a shot. I have been using this set up in my home studio with my band, then just packed everything up and took it with us down to the bar. Doing it again this weekend.

[warmer]

Hi, is there a reason you are looking at these older motherboards? I would go with a Gigabyte P45 plus a low powered Core Duo. Keep the software installed down to what you need and know works without issues and you should be fine.

I'm always happy to take my rackmount system out on mobile recordings.

[jcschild]

Originally Posted by krisdrum

Hi, I’ve been doing some research here and elsewhere. I’m looking to build a DAW for home use and with my band (mobile). Any help and suggestions would be much appreciated.

My intention is to build a rack mount system. I’m hoping to use my Gigabyte Motherboard (GA-965P-DS3) , Windows XP (SP2), 2G RAM, 2G Dual-Core CPU. Probably looking to use ProTools, Cakewalk or Logic.

My preference is for 2 x MOTU 2408 with PCI 324 or 424. I think my lesser option is 2 x M-Audio Delta 1010.

The motherboard has PCI-E slots. Are MOTU and M-Audio compatible, is there a work around if not? I am aware that MOTU has issues with XP-SP2 and prefers SP1.

Any advice or suggestions please? Don’t flame me coz I’m new to this, but I will take on board any serious recommendations, thanks.

you have a lot to learn before proceeding.

Pro tools wont work with any of the interfaces you mentioned
Logic wont work on a PC
965 chipset is very old
motu does not have issues with XP SP2 or 3

you thinking you are going to build this yourself?

Scott
ADK

[krisdrum]

Thanks for the reponses everyone.
Mozzdog and Warmer,
The older motherboards are what is available, already owned, although a newer one isn't out of the question. Age is irrelevant as long as it works! My newer board with PCIe cannot find second user gear with PCIe, only PCI. I understand that PCIe is a better (faster/technical) option though. The £200+ Motu PCIe card might just have to be added to the budget! Is this what you had in mind? Gigabyte Intel GA-EP45C-DS3R Motherboard
What about interfaces/software? I intend to keep any drives uncluttered of apps.
Mozzdog, are your effects onboard or outboard to your DAW or Mixer, what are they from?(recommendation?)

Originally Posted by jcschild

you have a lot to learn before proceeding.

Pro tools wont work with any of the interfaces you mentioned
Logic wont work on a PC
965 chipset is very old
motu does not have issues with XP SP2 or 3

you thinking you are going to build this yourself?

Scott
ADK

JCSChild,
That's exactly why I'm here ;-)
Then PT is out! If it wont work without Digidesign then its a design flaw!
I've been running Logic on at least 2 PC' and a LaptopPC for years!
Chipset age? so what, see above.
On this forum somewhere is a long thread about "squeeling" issues caused by SP2 and above, when used with 2 or more synched Motu'.

I've read a wagon load of information over the past 4 days on all sorts of solutions. I've built several PC' and Its no harder to build than any P&P PC, simples!


I just need the correct component advice. I've already eliminated MAC for a variety of reasons and now it seems PT also, so the options are narrowing.

Thanks again everyone, please keep it coming.
Kris

[warmer]

Logic development stopped after 5.5 for PC so the version you're using can't make use of more then one core of the CPU, it's now very lacking as audio software. Reaper (cheap DAW software) can do so much more and has important features missing from the old Logic like full plugin delay compensation and is very multi threaded.

I wouldn't go for the gigabyte one with DDR3/DDR2 just the DDR2 board.

[krisdrum]

Thanks, ha-ha I guessed my Logic was past its sell by date!

My motherboard referred to above, specs here:Gigabyte GA-965P-DS3 Intel 775 Motherboard should do then? Whoopee...more savings :-)

Thanks for the tip on Reaper.

[warmer]

That uses a 965 chipset which is old and was never that great for audio. I would go for the something like the Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3

[krisdrum]

Hi Warner, looks good thanks.

Looking for CPU, my local techs are offering a QUAD Core 2.3 ghz AMD for £113 ! Any AMD MB' you could suggest?

Also what FSB would you recommend, 1600/1333/1066/800 MHZ ?

Thanks again, hopefully I'll be out of your hair soon fuuck

[shanabit]

Get the highest FSB you can as thats where the bottleneck is located

[warmer]

The AMD doesn't have a FSB (they are more like the i7 CPUs)

It all depends on your budget. Prehaps look at the 8400 or 8500 Quad core intel CPUs with the Gigabyte board I mentioned.

[shanabit]

Originally Posted by warmer

The AMD doesn't have a FSB (they are more like the i7 CPUs)

It all depends on your budget. Prehaps look at the 8400 or 8500 Quad core intel CPUs with the Gigabyte board I mentioned.

Cool, didnt know that

[krisdrum]

This might fill the bill? :Gigabyte AM3 GA-MA790XT-UD4P 790X DDR3 1666

Quad core and 1666, DDR3

[Hardip]

Hi,

I just wanted to chime in with a warning that some folk have experienced problems with the MOTU PCi-424 (afaik also the 324) on i7 motherboards, specifically the gigabytes. Although there is no concrete evidence of the cause, one suspect is the firewire chipset (gigabytes carry the TI [texas instruments] (sic)).

Regards,
Hardip.