Building a pro recording studio w/ electronic music production in mind. How to do it?

[Tom Higgins]

If I understand what you're saying correctly, people tend to use the same computer with two screens.

[BriHar]

Dual monitors on a DAW is very typical to keep abreast of everything going on. A second PC is also quite common running a synced copy of the software (e.g. Cubase) and being used exclusively to run most of the virtual effects so the main DAW is not bogged down.

[SecretSilencer]

Originally Posted by BriHar

Dual monitors on a DAW is very typical to keep abreast of everything going on. A second PC is also quite common running a synced copy of the software (e.g. Cubase) and being used exclusively to run most of the virtual effects so the main DAW is not bogged down.

What would you suggest for someone in my position? I am possibly upgrading my studio as well with a protool HD rig and either a C24 or a D-Command. Most like a C24 because its cheaper and I also would like to be able to afford to buy some other signal processors and channel strips.

My main mission here is to be able to create an atmosphere for music production and compositions BUT with the full capability of a recording studio as well. I will be using lot of analog, modular, and digital synths, but also a lot of VST softsynth as well. I understand that the most important thing is what works for me, what workflow and hoe I feel comfortable. But I am stuck right now as I am figuring out whether or not to use two computers.

What I am thinking of doing is having one 32" LCD monitor over my C24 with one Mac Pro12-Core running protools, and in another part of the room have another desk with another Mac Pro 12-Core and two LCD monitors. Around this second desk I would keep a lot of my synths and other gear that I use quite frequently. I will upgrade the ram on both computers to 32GB so it can hold the load of heavy projects.

Now, do I really need two computers? Would it mess up my work flow. I mean, one computer would be for audio tracks only, and the other one would be for VST's only. But if it was this way then I would have to go back and forth between computers. I am not sure if that would be strange or now.

What I am looking for is advice about how most professionals do it who are looking for a setup as I am that is a music production/composition studio / recording studio. I do not have to have two computers, it was just an idea and I am fully happy with whatever as long as the configuration kicks ass.

Thanks mate

[mecaudio]

Originally Posted by SecretSilencer

Now, do I really need two computers? Would it mess up my work flow. I mean, one computer would be for audio tracks only, and the other one would be for VST's only. But if it was this way then I would have to go back and forth between computers. I am not sure if that would be strange or now.

What I am looking for is advice about how most professionals do it who are looking for a setup as I am that is a music production/composition studio / recording studio. I do not have to have two computers, it was just an idea and I am fully happy with whatever as long as the configuration kicks ass.

Thanks mate

I suggest 1 computer. I do exactly what you talk about and having it all on one computer saves me headache and dollars. I would just locate a computer monitor and keyboard that mirrors the first screen. When you are recording at the console use the main screen. When you are producing use the producer monitor with your midi control and rack gear where it is easily accessible. You can use a DVI/usb KVM extender if the desk is to far from the console. If not use a usb 2.0 extender get a USB hub and a USB display adapter and make your connection that way. If you do the second computer you have to buy another interface as well. This could work if you want to have that system completely independent. Meaning its own monitoring, I/O, software/plugins and more.

BTW I am selling a C24 and Sound Construction desk with ISO box if interested. We are planning to expand our studio soon. Moving to a bigger location. We plan on getting either Avid(Euphonix) S5Fusion, System 5, or SSL Duality console.

[BriHar]

I'm more familiar with Cubase.
If you check out the chapter on Syncronization in the Cubase Manual - specifically the section on "VST System Link", you'll see what I'm talking about, the seam between the PCs is transparent in terms of user interface.

BTW you're really in the wrong Forum with this discussion !