PC or MAC for Mastering/Editing Only

[fifthcircle]

What is your price range? By now 4 of the 5 major mastering workstations are PC-based (Sequoia, Pyramix, SADiE, and the Cube) Sonic Studio is the only mac-based one.

Overall, you'll have more choices on the PC end of things. Like anything there are advantages and disadvantages to each setup depending on what you are looking for in your computer.

I use a Sequoia DAW for my editing and mastering, but then again, I do a lot of classical work and the 4-point editing model in Sequoia is IMO one of the best implementations of that on the market.

--Ben

[bloodstone]

Originally posted by fifthcircle
What is your price range? By now 4 of the 5 major mastering workstations are PC-based (Sequoia, Pyramix, SADiE, and the Cube) Sonic Studio is the only mac-based one.

Overall, you'll have more choices on the PC end of things. Like anything there are advantages and disadvantages to each setup depending on what you are looking for in your computer.

I use a Sequoia DAW for my editing and mastering, but then again, I do a lot of classical work and the 4-point editing model in Sequoia is IMO one of the best implementations of that on the market.

--Ben

Hadn't thought about price range. I want to spend as little as possible. I record to a Tascam MX-2424. I am also planning on doing some serious archiving to EIDE drives with the projects from the MX. Should I have separate PCs for Archiving & Mastering? Thanks!

[atticus]

While I am by no means an authority on the subject of mastering, my G3 running Peak has been completely flawless. You can buy a B&W G3 like mine for $300, and Peak is pretty inexpensive and has a lot of great features. If you're looking to do a good job on the cheap, that's the way I'd go. Good luck!

[fifthcircle]

No need for seperate computers for those functions. I have a SCSI card in my good Sequoia rig that I use for transfering of MX-2424 sessions into a format that I can mix in the box. I use a program called EDL convert pro which will take just about any format and turn it into just about anything else...

You can purchase a copy of Samplitude on "competitve upgrade" for about $500. There was also a deal awhile back (don't know if it still exists) where you can purchase an RME Digi96-PAD card and a copy of Samplitude 6 for about $400. The copy of Samplitude comes with a certificate for a free upgrade to version 7 (the latest version). Can't beat that kind of deal.

If you run a PC, go to www.musicxp.net and go through the list of tweaks to make it a usable O/S for running a music machine.

--Ben

[hollywood_steve]

At the low end of the price range, I'm finding Sound Forge and CD Architect from Sony to be very nice for 2 track work. PC all the way.

[hollywood_steve]

If you run a PC, go to www.musicxp.net and go through the list of tweaks to make it a usable O/S for running a music machine.


Seems like some of those might really help; but its aimed at the XP OS, is there a Windows 2000 version somewhere?

[dave-G]

It's a sad state of affairs for those of us who prefer Mac, but need some of the more advanced features of the Windows-based mastering software(s)--ie: DDP master creation, Plextools, ets... It's disappointing that Bias, Digidesign, Emagic, et al haven't thought it worthwhile to come up with something competitive.

-dave

[robot gigante]

Originally posted by dave-G
It's a sad state of affairs for those of us who prefer Mac, but need some of the more advanced features of the Windows-based mastering software(s)--ie: DDP master creation, Plextools, ets... It's disappointing that Bias, Digidesign, Emagic, et al haven't thought it worthwhile to come up with something competitive.

-dave

No kidding. You'd think that at least one of these companies would see the gap and come out with something competitive for the Mac (and make some decent $$ in the process from all of us Mac users) but they haven't. I mean DDP at least... somebody...?

[cdog]

Originally posted by bloodstone
I've been a PC guy all my life...

Trust me, there is no need to change!

[Riccardo]

Originally posted by dave-G
It's a sad state of affairs for those of us who prefer Mac, but need some of the more advanced features of the Windows-based mastering software(s)--ie: DDP master creation, Plextools, ets... It's disappointing that Bias, Digidesign, Emagic, et al haven't thought it worthwhile to come up with something competitive.

-dave

For all of you (well...us...) using the Mac platform......maybe there is hope.
A while ago in November 2003 Sonic announced they were porting Sonistudio to OSX, they also announced they were testing the new G5 and the DSD boards. So far so good.
The big news was that they saud they were thinking of developing a software/native only (lower cost) version of sonicstudio with some omitted features.
Those lines in the announcement were edited (disappeared actually) a week or so later.

I really hope they are still thinking of doing it.

[bloodstone]

I've made some decisions. I'm leaning toward a LynxOne card, PC, and either Soundforge Wavelab or Samplitude Classic 7.0. Samplitude's ability to apparently "mix" more than two tracks looks appealing if I ever got into Sound for film. Thanks!

[scotty-o]

I'm using Sound Forge with a Lynx 1 card. It's been a great combination. It's also my mixdown chain.
FWIW

-Scotty

[fifthcircle]

Originally posted by bloodstone
I've made some decisions. I'm leaning toward a LynxOne card, PC, and either Soundforge Wavelab or Samplitude Classic 7.0. Samplitude's ability to apparently "mix" more than two tracks looks appealing if I ever got into Sound for film. Thanks!

If you have any way to afford it, go for the Lynx 2- it is a pretty masive sonic improvement over the Lynx One. Even if you go for the L22, it is the same card as the Lynx2 and AES-16, just with fewer bells and whistles.

Also, check the competitive upgrade offers for Samplitude Professional. Ends up costing about the same amount as Samp. Classic and you have much more functionality.

What you have spec'd out is still great gear, but for little more (and careful shopping), you can do better...

--Ben

[Bob Olhsson]

Anybody doing mastering today has no choice but to own a PC just for testing because of the colossal drop in the quality of blanks that has accompanied the colossal drop in the price of blanks. For this same reason delivering DDPs is far more important than ever. Apple is down for the count when it comes to audio mastering and it looks a lot like they simply don't care.

[hollywood_steve]

I just received my new copy of Sony's CD Architect 5.0 from the UPS dude this morning. Last week I purchased a six (6!) year old box containing CD Architect 4.0 and an old version of Sound Forge when West LA Music cleaned out their basement. Sony was so surprised that I was able to buy a new copy of 1998 software that they gave me a complete boxed set of the new version for a silly price, $74.

I'm really impressed with CD Architect, for what it is. Its not for pro mastering houses; they need SADIE, Sequoia, Pyramix, etc. But for anybody who needs to "pre-master" CDs or do cut and paste 2 track editing for whatever reason, CD-A 5.0 seems like it offers more functionality than I will ever need. Yet its not one of those "all-in-one" programs that also does sampling, loops, recording, mixing, etc - its a 2 track editor, thats all, but a very good one.

It really seems like a great solution to the original post on this thread. A PC running CD-A 5.0 would make a great 2 track editing station for anyone but full time mastering facilities.

[robot gigante]

For all of you (well...us...) using the Mac platform......maybe there is hope.
A while ago in November 2003 Sonic announced they were porting Sonistudio to OSX, they also announced they were testing the new G5 and the DSD boards. So far so good.
The big news was that they saud they were thinking of developing a software/native only (lower cost) version of sonicstudio with some omitted features.
Those lines in the announcement were edited (disappeared actually) a week or so later.

I really hope they are still thinking of doing it.

I sure hope they go through with it. That would be a godsend for us Mac users.

Anybody doing mastering today has no choice but to own a PC just for testing because of the colossal drop in the quality of blanks that has accompanied the colossal drop in the price of blanks. For this same reason delivering DDPs is far more important than ever. Apple is down for the count when it comes to audio mastering and it looks a lot like they simply don't care.

I wish you weren't so right on this, Bob.

While we're on the subject, does anyone one know of a good Mac substitute for Plextools?

[DeadPoet]

Originally posted by hollywood_steve

If you run a PC, go to www.musicxp.net and go through the list of tweaks to make it a usable O/S for running a music machine.


Seems like some of those might really help; but its aimed at the XP OS, is there a Windows 2000 version somewhere?

sorry to highjack the thread... http://www.opusaudioprojects.net has some articles including W2K.
Also check out www.blkviper.com for more serious service-tweaking.

Back on topic: I think the way you go into and out of the box you're planning on using is more important than the programs you'll be using... most do the same, only look different.
Maybe better to find an old computer with a good soundcard ...


Herwig

[sound vision]

PC & Wavelab = cheaper (but great option)
PC & Sadie, Pyramix = more expensive (but.......)


Mac = limited to sonic......