Power backup / AVR options for Project Studio

[Dopamine]

Just trying to find out what folks are using for voltage regulation and backups. Since I have my DAW configured to autosave every 3 minutes, I am not too worried about the battery backup. Of more concern is voltaqe regulation, line noise/rf suppression, etc. I was checking out APC's "Line R".

Is it necessary to have voltage regulation on outboard gear (pre's, A/D, etc.) or just on the computer? All my gear goes through surge protecters, but I am still unclear about the recommendations for voltage regulation.

[doug_hti]

It's hard to say what you need...

How bad is your electricity...does the voltage fluctuate most of the time more than +/-10 volts-ish. What does weather do to it? Do you keep your gear on all the time?

I'm not an electrician, but I feel it's hard to go wrong with loading up your studio with the newer AVR battery backup systems. They are so cheap in comparison to what traditional Voltage regulartors used to be/are.

Surge protectors don't do much IMO. They still put your gear through voltage drops and surges. They won't protect you from lightening (not that backup units do either).

As for your computer, even though your system saves every 3 minutes...you can still have the chance of losing a drive if it is in the middle of certain operations.

I also get more mid-size ones, which makes it easier to find problems and replace over time.
There are three or four brands that are of good quality. I usually just go down and find something on sale and figure out the best $per Va. of the ones that have the necessary features.
I also never install the software...just run them independent.

[Dopamine]

Thanks for the reply, Doug. I live in S. Florida, so brown outs are a constant concern, especially this time of year (lots of lightning and afternoon storms). I don't keep my gear on all the time, about half the day.

Still wondering what gear I should have plugged into the AVR. Just my computer?

[doug_hti]

Well I have some outboard gear, but my main concern, is anything that can cause a corrupted audio file or disrupt the computer...

So I would make sure that you at least have
-computer CPU
-computer monitor
-ALL harddrives connected and running
-audio interfaces connected directly to the computer

I have a seperate backup for each of these subsystems, partly because I have my computer in another room, but I think it's optimal this way as well. Maybe some expert will dispute that.

You may want to consider your speaker amps and your expensive microphone power supplies to possibly eliminate problems or pops, etc.

I grew up in Orlando with the afternoon storm every day in the summer, what a nightmare always having to disconnect! Good luck

[Dopamine]

great info; thanks, Doug!