How to determine if my computer can handle recording?

[mebusdriver]

So how do I do it? I'm thinking of buying a fast track ultra with pro tools mp. My laptop meets the system requirements, but I'm sure they make those pretty low so that they can sell more product. How can I determine, if in a real recording application, my comp can handle the hard and software? I'll only be using it for tracking bass ideas and maybe an occasional rehearsal or jam. Just little stuff here and there.

 

[seamonkey]

DPC Latency Checker

But read the whole page. And search for discussions on how this works.
You still need to check hardware, i/o, that it can keep up.
For the interface, You'll have take your laptop to the store, or buy it, try it, and send it back if it doesn't work.

 

[lowfreq33]

Regardless of your computer's specs you'll probably want an external hard drive. Recording to the system drive bogs down pretty much any computer, you'll only be able to run a couple of tracks before you get glitches.

 

[Betrayer_Bass]

I'd suggest just try it out. A quick and dirty method is to get a free DAW like Audacityor Reaper (get Reaper) and just plug your instrument into the line in/mic port of the computer. Don't use a bass for this, you might break something on the sound card. Use either your voice or a guitar.

Hit record on your DAW and make some noise, as much as you can. See how the recording comes out. If it's fine, invest in an external Audio card (Line 6 UX1) and an external harddrive and you'll be set to go

If it doesn't work out the first time, get a new computer

 

[KingRazor]

Regardless of your computer's specs you'll probably want an external hard drive. Recording to the system drive bogs down pretty much any computer, you'll only be able to run a couple of tracks before you get glitches.

Or better yet, a second internal hard drive.

 

[merejo_Herm]

So how do I do it? I'm thinking of buying a fast track ultra with pro tools mp. My laptop meets the system requirements, but I'm sure they make those pretty low so that they can sell more product. How can I determine, if in a real recording application, my comp can handle the hard and software? I'll only be using it for tracking bass ideas and maybe an occasional rehearsal or jam. Just little stuff here and there.

You should have no problem with a newer lap top model.
I'm running a E-machine M-6810 ,2GIG MEM,60 GIG H.D.72rpm.,
Linux multimedia realtime Operating System,Ubuntu studio,Ardour 2.8.9, Audacity 1.3.12,External tascam interfacing sound card US-122.It purrs.
And the good thing about it,Free platform software you can modify to fit your needs.

 

[Tuned]

Screw Protools, save your money and get Reaper. Protools adds a feature or two once a decade, Reaper already has more versatility, stability, and ease-of-use than Protools will ever have. Many of the included plug-ins are better than what I'd previously paid for. For example the gate has a pre-open setting, it can open a few ms ahead of the trigger, perfect for drums, no more fake gate-snap.

Here's what I call minimum requirements for real-world audio editing:
2GHz Pentium M or better, preferably dual-core
2GB ram
External 7200RPM SATA drive, preferably Firewire or eSATA (NCQ passes), USB 2.0 will do but I shudder at the thought of live multitrack recording without NCQ
You'll want a 2nd monitor so decent video helps

I recently scored a Toshiba laptop with dual 2.2GHz CPU, 3GB ram, 300GB 7200RPM drive, Dual-layer DVD burner, expresscard port, and built-in Firewire and eSATA for $180 I was just looking for a travel netbook! This puppy's snappier than my last desktop on which many a recording were done. Next tour I'm recording every show on my Zoom R16 and mixing from the road

 

[rancid_theclash]

I'd suggest just try it out. A quick and dirty method is to get a free DAW like Audacityor Reaper (get Reaper) and just plug your instrument into the line in/mic port of the computer. Don't use a bass for this, you might break something on the sound card. Use either your voice or a guitar.

Hit record on your DAW and make some noise, as much as you can. See how the recording comes out. If it's fine, invest in an external Audio card (Line 6 UX1) and an external harddrive and you'll be set to go

If it doesn't work out the first time, get a new computer

Why would a bass break something on the soundcard??

 

[bongomania]

Why would a bass break something on the soundcard??

It can't. Unless you smash the computer with the bass like Pete Townshend.

 

[fingerbun]

Regardless of your computer's specs you'll probably want an external hard drive. Recording to the system drive bogs down pretty much any computer, you'll only be able to run a couple of tracks before you get glitches.

Depends on a lot of variables. My MacBook hits its limit at 8 tracks, less as I add plugins or if I have other stuff running.. My iMac copes with 15-20 tracks routinely. Slower drive and less memory are the constraining factors.

Recording 8 tracks simultaneously via USB also involves compromise on audio quality.