M-Audio Firewire Audiophile vs. Mbox Mini v3

[SD] · #1 04-19-2011, 09:12 AM

Hello. I currently have a M-Audio Firewire Audiophile interface. It's connected to a Joe Mic pre and to a 20GHz, 2GB Ram Windows Xp SP3 PC.

I currently can't have more than one track with RTA's on playback while recording on another track. The processor usage goes beyond the pc's capabilities.

I was wondering if the Mbox products do the sound processing by themselves leaving the PC processor handle no sound processing. Is that true?

I need to record at least 2 tracks at a time and have several others (whole drum kit) eq'ed, compressed, fx'ed, etc.

At most I would have 12 tracks on playback at the same time.

Will a Mbox setup solve my issue?

Thanks!

Charling · #2 04-19-2011, 07:57 PM

No, an mbox will not solve the problem, it has no further dps processing on board. But both the mbox and your current soundcard should have no trouble recording 12 or so tracks at once under the computers power. Your computer doesnt sound that up to date but I've recorded full bands on a similar spec pc with no problems.

How 'well kept' would you say your computer is, does it handle day to day tasks ok? It may be time for a reformat to see how the OS runs after a fresh install, its a modest setup you have but shouldn't choke at a couple of tracks!

[SD] · #3 04-20-2011, 01:32 AM

I format a few days ago, everything works fine. Computer is "old" but it recods fine, the problem comes when adding plugins to the tracks while recording. For example I can't have 2 guitar rig tracks on a same project. One on playback and one recording. That's my biggest issue right now.

Are there any recording cards that have DSP on board that will do the sound processing? Maybe a DIGI 001? My other option is to buy a new computer, but that would be more expensive i guess.

ninepoundjammer · #4 04-20-2011, 02:17 AM

Nah, you're talking big bucks to get into a ProTools HD setup where you have DSP's to offload processing from the CPU. A newer beefier computer will probably help a bit, but I think you're expecting more than is reasonable from a lower end home recording rig. I suppose going out to stand-alone effects processors is a possibility, but I've never tried to set that up with my rig.

[SD] · #5 04-20-2011, 08:55 AM

hmmm... I get your point guys. Let's see... for example, on Protools M-powered 7 i get the CPU (RTA's) usage all the way to 100% when using 2 tracks with guitar RIG. But I don'r see RAM usage for example, so I'm thinking on upgrading just the processor to whatever my old mainboard can handle.
Do you think just a processor upgrade will do it? Or maybe aim to a compeltely new computer with QUAD processors and 4GB will be the solution? (of course this implies more money)
I'm thinking that maybe 100-200USD on a new processor will do it since i'm seeing that all RTA's processing is on the CPU and few on the RAM memory usage.

ninepoundjammer · #6 04-20-2011, 10:23 PM

I don't think upgrading your processor is going to get you much. Going to multiple cores would help a bit, but I still think you may be disappointed. General purpose CPU's can't really compare to having dedicated DSP hardware. It really seems like you're expecting a home recording rig to do way too much. There's a reason people spend multiple tens of thousands on serious ProTools HD setups.

[SD] · #7 04-21-2011, 03:52 AM

I see. I'm already making myself to the idea of spending a bit more money and getting a new computer with a QUAD processor for recording. It's not too much money and will give me enough "headroom" for the future.

IF with one processor I can get almost 2 tracks with guitar Rig plugged in, with a QUAD processor each been faster and more RAM I guess I'll be able to achieve what I want.

Thanks guys!