New studio computer/interface

[Space Pickle]

Was going to post in one of the other threads but decided to start my own. I'm considering a home studio computer room overhaul...I would like to track really high quality sounds in my room which I will then send off to a real engineer to be mixed. The plan is guitars/basses direct in via modelling/IR sims, edrums in with midi over USB and into Superior Drummer, leaving vocals as the only "real" sound. With the exception of vocals I would be recording only 1 instrument at a time, but I could see 1-3 singers all tracking at the same time.

Something like the 4-input Apogee symphony intrigues me, but it's apple only. And maybe it's kind of older tech? I know the newer Apogee and Universal Audio stuff is highly regarded, but I don't need the onboard DSP capabilities as I will not be using any plugins.

What kind of computer is recommended? I can go apple or windows, and am pretty handy at assembling my own hardware but I haven't built a computer in a while and I don't know what components are good anymore. I would need something for recording/editing audio and video. The apple Mac Studios are eye-poppingly expensive. I definitely do not want a laptop.

 

[Tosh]

I recommend Apple, if it's in your budget. The last time I built a PC was 2012, and my last version of Windows was 7, so I can't speak to that option.

My choice of HW/SW for my new studio was:
1)Mac Mini with 16GB RAM
2)MOTU 828ES interface connected via Thunderbolt 2 (this interface supports Word Clock and SMPTE - you mentioned video editing in your post)
3)Samsung TU872 monitor connected via Thunderbolt 3 (also has HDMI support)
4)LaCie 5TB ext hard drive, Thunderbolt 3
5)Apple Logic DAW

 

[Space Pickle]

Thanks, I have been seeing the mac minis now and then on craigslist, that might be a good alternative to the studio. I've used the flatscreen imacs in the past with Garageband and Logic, so I have some familiarity.

 

[DirkP]

The M1 Mini works great with Logic. I'm using a Tascam Model 12 in my home set up. I love it, although I have more expensive interfaces and mixers.

 

[pfschim]

why not consider a laptop ? For studio use you can just get a monitor and keyboard, like you would need with the mini anyway. But then you would have the option of going mobile when desired. The M1 Macbooks are pretty killer machines if Apple is your desired platform.

 

[tothemax]

I'm pretty pleased with my refurb Dell Optiplex 7010, probably the only downside is that it is not compatible with WIN11. With an i5 CPU (3.2 Ghz), 32 GB RAM, and a 500 GB SSD IMHO a great deal and seems to work well with Cakewalk (Sonar). Combined with the Tascam US16x08 there are 16 channels (8 XLR and 8 Line\Inst) which does pretty much everything I need. There are options if you want to keep on the PC track.

Good luck, lots of options out there.