computer/software stability--hate crashes

[robrargontech]

as i am reading though all these posts about software and computers, sound cards etc, I see mentions of conflicts, crashes, and problems with pc based systems. I have not seen these comments about apple systems. the guy that sold me my yamaha keyboard--a nice clavinova--swares by the powerbook (with DP) and says he has never had a crash (he does professional work). i am a pc guy but i want the most stable system i can get. i have a disablility and do not have the stamina to work hours on end getting a system up and running again-----been there/done that during the windows 95 days.

Is he correct? if not, what are the more stable pc software pkgs? I will be doing some multitracking and overdubbing with my piano playing being the main/lead voice but bringing in orchestra voices and even "music minus one"/yamaha orchestra software. i am sure there are things to do i have not even considered.

appreciate any and all constructive comments/help/debate.

thanks rob

[shackrock]

If you want to spend more money, get a mac.
If you will be doing huge projects and very intricate complex stuff, etc. etc. and want the most stable system and etc. etc, get a mac.

If you are recording a few piano parts, with maybe an direct X FX on each channel, and maybe a vocal track, and want to spend half the money for it, and already know a lot about pcs, etc.... get a PC.

aka, get a PC unless you are:
a - loaded
b - are building a big fancy studio. ha!!

[dwillis45]

Originally posted by robrargontech
as i am reading though all these posts about software and computers, sound cards etc, I see mentions of conflicts, crashes, and problems with pc based systems. I have not seen these comments about apple systems. the guy that sold me my yamaha keyboard--a nice clavinova--swares by the powerbook (with DP) and says he has never had a crash (he does professional work). i am a pc guy but i want the most stable system i can get. i have a disablility and do not have the stamina to work hours on end getting a system up and running again-----been there/done that during the windows 95 days.

Is he correct? if not, what are the more stable pc software pkgs? I will be doing some multitracking and overdubbing with my piano playing being the main/lead voice but bringing in orchestra voices and even "music minus one"/yamaha orchestra software. i am sure there are things to do i have not even considered.

appreciate any and all constructive comments/help/debate.

thanks rob

You won't see a lot of Mac complaints around here because I believe that the majority of people on this board use PC-based systems. The Mac, like any computer, will generate conflicts, glitches, errors, etc. It has the reputation for being more stable, but I don't know of any systematic, empirical evidence that demonstrates this contention. The problems associated with computer-based audio work stem from a combination of hardware and software. To record on a computer, you typically use an operating system, recording software, and an interface or soundcard that brings sound into the computer through A/D conversion. Normally, all of these items are produced by different manufacturers or developers using imperfect knowledge of each others systems. This can result in headaches for the average user unless a known combination of software/hardware has been thoroughly tested and modified over time. You can enter this world knowing the potenial for problems and simply cross your fingers or try an find a combination of equipment with fewer known issues. The other option would be to use a SIAB (Studio-In-A-Box) like the Korg, Fostex, Yamaha units or a hard drive recorder (Alesis, Mackie) combined with a mixer.

[dafunkewun]

i have tracked in studios that swore by the mac, but it was my frustrating experience that they crash just as much a pc.
I am having the same dilemma now, as I'm needing to replace my pc...
not sure which way to go is better?
jah

[distortedrumble]

i have a disability too...its called anger. I've used pc and mac for recording....still like my pc better because I'm used to it. the only time the computer has crashed is when I've done idiot things...my comp specs : 1.7 ghz celeron, 512mb pc133 ram, 2 20gb harddrives (1 maxtor, 1 western digital), Audiophile 24/96, sonar 2xl, fl studio 4.1. Windows XP Home edition. thats not the best stuff to record with and i use my computer for everything. any system can crash...but mine hasnt crashed at inoportune times. you've heard this before. Get to know your SAVE BUTTON! crashes have less of an effect on you if you train yourself to click save more often than just at the end of a session.

[TexRoadkill]

If you don't like crashes then don't use a computer. Use an HDR system.

[robrargontech]

am i to take it that crashes are common in audio recording regardless of platform? what is an HDR?

[dwillis45]

Originally posted by robrargontech
am i to take it that crashes are common in audio recording regardless of platform? what is an HDR?

Yes along with conflicts, glitches, errors, dropouts, and other terms that the computer industry has come up with to describe what the guys at the Home Depot would call "broken."

An HDR is a Hard Disk Recorder. It uses a hardisk to record and store digital data but does so in a stand-alone format without relying on a traditional computer. There are basically two types: (1) an SIAB (Studio-In-A-Box) which includes a mixer, preamps, effects, and just about anything you need to record; and (2) a recorder by itself which requires an external mixer, etc. Take a look here for some of the possibilities:

http://www.zzounds.com/cat--Hard-Dis...ecorders--2880

[lpdeluxe]

Speaking as a computer illiterate who feels compelled to install his own soundcards, CD burners, etc, on a PC and who has a son who is a confirmed Mac freak, I think the difference between the Win & Mac sides is like the difference between the hot rodders and the customizers back in the '50's. The rodders ran flathead V8s because you could do ANYTHING to 'em and they carried all their technology on the outside where you could see it: you could LOOK at a 239 V8 and immediately know everything about it except the bore and stroke and maybe the carburetor jet sizes! The customizers on the other hand thought that the motive power was best left undisturbed (but chrome-plated) and considered adding gasoline as complicated a mechanical task as they wanted to indulge in. The results, of course, are that the Win hotrodders frequently detonate their toys while the Mac customizers add ever more ornate accessories, neither of which has much to do with the business of recording.

I THINK I finally have a stable PC [XP, P4 etc]. If not I keep a power screwdriver and a wrist strap in my studio.....