Cakewalk 8, no manual

[randyowens7]

I am running Cakewalk version 8 on a Dell Workstation PC with Windows 98SE. My processor is 800Mhz, Ram is 256Meg, and the hard drive is a 20Ghz (possibly only 5400 RPM). When I get up to around 12 or 14 tracks, playback will just stop running. The program does not shut down, it's as though I hit the "stop" button. I realize this is antiquated equipment and software, but I'm on a real tight budget, and we are actually recording a marketable CD with this stuff. I would appreciate any help anyone can give me. Bear in mind I'm not a computer guru. If anyone knows where to pick up good computer gear and low prices (cheap, that is) that would also be appreciated.

Thanks,
Randy Owens
The Owens Entertainment Group

[AGCurry]

I would say the biggest bang for your buck in improving your track count without going to a new system would be a) a second hard drive for your Cakewalk files (Microcenter is blowing out Western Digital 80MB 7200 RPM drives for like $30), and b) some more memory.

[MichaelM]

Yeah it sounds like your hard drive can't keep up with that many tracks, so you are getting dropouts. I would try the new hard drive and RAM trick.

[James Argo]

My MIDI workstation used to be PIII 866, 512MB Ram, dual 7200RPM. I never felt comfort working with more than 14 ~ 16 audio tracks with that machine. Not to mention using killer plugins... But yes, adding dedicated HD to your system is your first option.


Jaymz