how many tracks

[G-Hank]

So I originally posted this question in the Computers and Soundcards group and got mocked out, so i decided to take it here. All i want to know is how many stereo or mono tracks i can expect to playback simultaneously with my system, which is a celeron 666 Mhz with 128 Mb of RAM. I realize that this is a horribly inadequate system to be using for recording, but it is all i have right now.

[Barometer]

Welcome G-Hank.

I don't think you got mocked out, there was no message under your title so people just randomly respond when posts get messed up like that.

Concerning your system, I don't think it's particularly inadequate. It'll do some fine recording, but you will be limited in the number of tracks and effects you can use. Sorry I can't give you a specific number that will fly on your system, I think that would have something to do with your soundcard, OS and software as well. A RAM upgrade would not be a bad idea (RAM is really cheap right now) and a fast HDD is also in order (you didn't specify your HDD).

Sorry if this didn't help, I mostly wanted to make sure you understood we're not ignoring or making fun of you. Someone will come along with the right answer or ask you questions to get to the answer. CHEERS!

[Axis]

what program are you using, going to be using, or thinking about using?

[Gidge]

I have a 500mhz Celeron with 320MB ram, but i have a 7200 RPM drive......your hard drive capabilities will play a large part in how many tracks you can get, and your CPU will be more of a factor with plugins......

i get 24 tracks pretty easu until plugings come in...if i use a good bit, i may bottom out at 16, but sometimes can get up to 24, depending on whatplugins i use.......

if you are using anything higher than Windoze 98, get more Ram.....what the hell get more ram anyway, its cheap......get another 128 or 256......

[G-Hank]

Barometer: Thanks for your reply. I understand the situation and I'm glad I'm not dealing with a pack of wolves here. I'll find out about my HDD (do i look on the box?)

Axis: Right now I'm just using a scaled down version of Logic, called Logic Delta, that came with my M-Audio 44 card. My OS is Windows 98 SE.

Gidge: Thanks for your help. I will act on the suggestion to get more RAM.

[Barometer]

If it's a store bought PC, it should say somewhere on the box about the size and speed of your hard drive. Or if you know the model of the hard drive and nothing else, you can probably look it up online.

[pdlstl]

Here's a small nifty little download which will tell you a lot about what's inside your computer (hardware that is).

http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

Earl

[Sky Blue Lou]

Adding RAM is by far the best bang for the buck right now. Go to Crucial.com before you buy anything. You need to find out what your motherboard can handle - you'll need to know what mobo you have. Plug in your mobo specs and Crucial will tell you what you can take and what it will cost. If it can take it, get two sticks of 256 meg and you'll be cruising. Then it's just a matter of recording a track, copying to another and repeating till she stutters.

The thing about the computer age is that no one seems to be satisfied with 8 or 12 or 16 tracks, whatever. It's not all that many years ago that we would have spent a shitload of money to get anything over 8, or even four!

Buy memory - make tracks.

lou

[G-Hank]

Bad news. I used the belarc advisor program (thanks Earl) and then visited crucial.com (thanks Lou), and found out that my mother board will only support 2 sticks of 128 Mb. Now I'm wondering if it is worth doubling my RAM now, or waiting until I graduate college this spring and start making some $ so I can get a whole new system. I'm still not sure how fast my HDD spins, the advisor program told me it was a 'Generic IDE 10.22 Gb'. Is 'Generic' a name of a manufacturer (if it is it's a stupid one), or is it saying that.. well you know what i mean. I guess my question now is: Will another 128 Mb of RAM help significantly, or should i just delay the upgrade process until i can get a real pc recording system?

[SPINSTERWUN]

Originally posted by G-Hank
.....my mother board will only support 2 sticks of 128 Mb....

256MB of RAM is better that 128MB of RAM. Plus, it shouldn't cost you more that $40.00.

[Barometer]

256 MB of RAM is nothing to scoff at. It's not great but double what you got is double...and cheap