Ideal beginner's recording computer

[Bard2dbone]

I was digging on the idea of being able to record multiple channels simultaneously. Most of the time will likely be me and a guitar, or some single instrument. But to record the drums will require seven channels at once. And to do vocals, guitar, bass, and keys simultaneously was eight. With both the OctoPre and the 18i20, I can leave the cords in place and be set to record whatever I need with minimal adjustment. The way I was initially planning for would require much more involved adjustments to do different types of recording.

The room is cramped for the whole band to go in. At 11' x 14', it's what I've heard some studios referred to as a 'recording closet'. But for some stuff, the only real way to do it is with the whole band live, hence the 18i20 and OctoPre.

I was assuming I'd go with ProTools at first, because it was the industry standard. But the more I think about it, I don't really care about the industry. And Reaper seems to be much more regular-guy friendly. So I'm probably going with Reaper.

 

[selowitch]

What are the advantages of using FireWire or Thunderbolt of USB 3.0?

 

[bholder]

Thunderbolt is something like twice as fast as USB 3.0. Firewire is the older Apple unstandard, I think it's slower than USB 3.0, not sure.

 

[selowitch]

Thunderbolt is something like twice as fast as USB 3.0. Firewire is the older Apple unstandard, I think it's slower than USB 3.0, not sure.

I ask because I was thinking of investing in an Universal Audio Arrow Interface which for $500 has a Thunderbolt 3 connection. Sounds like you get a lot of bang for your buck with that unit!

 

[wildman2]

You can get waaaaayy more computer if you build it yourself. Even if you know nothing about building a computer it's pretty simple nowadays..If you can plug a lamp in and use a screwdriver you can assemble a PC from boxes of parts.With a little research/help on different PC related forums you'd be up and running in no time. With better parts that will last longer.I just put all these parts together in about an hr,ish.Pluss you can buy all silent running fans and other parts.Platter drives can get noisy get ssd drives and a motherboard that supports NVME hard drives. Any questions just let me know shoot me a pm.

 

[selowitch]

You can get waaaaayy more computer if you build it yourself. Even if you know nothing about building a computer it's pretty simple nowadays..If you can plug a lamp in and use a screwdriver you can assemble a PC from boxes of parts.With a little research/help on different PC related forums you'd be up and running in no time. With better parts that will last longer.I just put all these parts together in about an hr,ish.Pluss you can buy all silent running fans and other parts.Platter drives can get noisy get ssd drives and a motherboard that supports NVME hard drives. Any questions just let me know shoot me a pm.

Yeah, I’ve done the whole build-a-PC thing. It was fun. Still ended up running Windows, which I consider a relatively weak operating system. I would be much happier with a Macintosh.

 

[HeadWind]

The best way to get a good computer cheap is this way: Invalid Link Removed Plenty of money left over to grab an SSD.

I've bought more than one and never had a problem.

 

[bholder]

Yeah, I’ve done the whole build-a-PC thing. It was fun. Still ended up running Windows, which I consider a relatively weak operating system. I would be much happier with a Macintosh.

Perspectives are funny. I see an Apple and I can't help thinking "toy computer". Not defending Windows, MSoft is an evil empire right up there with my employer.

 

[bholder]

I ask because I was thinking of investing in an Universal Audio Arrow Interface which for $500 has a Thunderbolt 3 connection. Sounds like you get a lot of bang for your buck with that unit!

I'm scoping out a new PC too, and definitely getting a Thunderbolt 3 adapter on it. It's not that I think their technology is crap, I just don't think they work and play with others very well.

 

[David Vector]

As far as Thunderbolt for audio goes, you can already get as many audio channels over USB with a solid RME interface as most home recordists would have any need for. Given that audio interfaces for home/project studio recording don't really need more than the bandwidth provided by even USB2, driver quality is probably more important here than bus type.

 

[selowitch]

As far as Thunderbolt for audio goes, you can already get as many audio channels over USB with a solid RME interface as most home recordists would have any need for. Given that audio interfaces for home/project studio recording don't really need more than the bandwidth provided by even USB2, driver quality is probably more important here than bus type.

This is important because before I go spending $2,500-$3,000 on a new Mac with Thunderbolt 3 I guess I should stop to consider if I really need all that when my current and possible future needs are considered.

 

[DigitalMan]

What are the advantages of using FireWire or Thunderbolt of USB 3.0?

None for bandwidth (practically speaking) and minimal for latency. You’ll find any USB solution has ~5ms latency end-to-end whereas TB will have ~1ms.

I’d lean toward TB for a pro studio and USB for a home studio under most circumstances. If cost is no object then TB for both.

 

[bholder]

None for bandwidth (practically speaking) and minimal for latency. You’ll find any USB solution has ~5ms latency end-to-end whereas TB will have ~1ms.

I’d lean toward TB for a pro studio and USB for a home studio under most circumstances. If cost is no object then TB for both.

I was eyeballing one of these:

Using Thunderbolt to get maximum throughput - but do I really have a need or is it just wishful thinking? I'm pretty sure it's the latter, but it'd be cool...

 

[DigitalMan]

Drobo HQ was across the street from where my office used to be. Our CEO was on their board of directors, so early on we all got friends and family discount coupons. Never got one myself, but I hear they are good tech.

 

[bholder]

I just want to be able to record my dobro onto my drobo because it sounds cool.

 

[seamonkey]

I'd vote you need at least one TB3 with 4 lanes

Not really needed for most audio. USB is fine. And what you do in the software is what is going to effect the latency the most.
It's really not much of a concern for musicians to work with some latency. Sound itself has latency. Musicians deal with it.

But TB3 for future expansion. More monitors, backup drives, maybe external processing.
Two systems can talk to each other very fast over TB3
WiGig is also something to consider for close distances.

 

[selowitch]

I'd vote you need at least one TB3 with 4 lanes.

What is a "lane" in this context?