Another question for recording software users.

[HardWorkinSteve]

My computer runs on 512 MB of RAM and 2.00 GHz. Its 4 years old but has no spyware and runs as well as it did when it was new. How many problems do you think this will cause if I record with a program like Sonar? The stuff I'm planning to record would probably have a maximum of 2 or 3 audio tracks playing at once and the rest would be MIDI.

 

[random.hero]

i dont know for sure, i dont use sonar, but my computer is the same on RAM but 2.7 GHz, but i just use Audacity cuz im a cheap ass and its free (NOT pirated)...
what u got for soundcard?

 

[HardWorkinSteve]

My sound card is Creative SB! Value that came with the computer, but I have a line6 tone port UX1 for an interface as well. For a test I recorded 3 really loud guitar tracks on the SONAR demo and added as many effects as I could during 8 minutes of play. My speakers didnt seem to pop up or anything and the program didn't lag much at all when my guitar processing software wasn't on. I still don't know if this is an adequate test seeing as the information on all the guitar tracks was similiar, I just copied and pasted into different tracks.

 

[beezelbubba]

My computer runs on 512 MB of RAM and 2.00 GHz. Its 4 years old but has no spyware and runs as well as it did when it was new. How many problems do you think this will cause if I record with a program like Sonar? The stuff I'm planning to record would probably have a maximum of 2 or 3 audio tracks playing at once and the rest would be MIDI.

I'm doing way more than that with the same amount of RAM and half the CPU(Duron 1ghz ).More RAM would be better,but you shouldn't have major problem unless you're loading large banks of samples.

 

[HardWorkinSteve]

what recording software do you have?

 

[Dr Biscuits]

Hey Steve - are you running XP Pro? I think you'll be fine for basic recording, the biggest thing I could suggest is to NOT use your Soundblaster at all (I would even disable it when you're working with Sonar) and either use your line 6 or upgrade to a better card.
Another helpful thing is to use a separate physical drive for your audio, if you have one or are looking to get one.
There are also tweaks you can do to XP to optimize your performance... here are some http://www.musicxp.net/tuning_tips.php that may give you better performance.
Good luck!

 

[beezelbubba]

what recording software do you have?

Ntrack 3.3

 

[HardWorkinSteve]

THe Line 6 can't play MIDI, though... what do you mean by separate physical drive for audio?

 

[MadAudio]

THe Line 6 can't play MIDI, though... what do you mean by separate physical drive for audio?

Recording to the C (or apps) drive is generally not a good idea. I have a second internal HD and a third external HD for all my audio.

EDIT: Also, most audio software makers list the minimum system requirements.

 

[WOB]

Try it and see

Some people download Sonar from KAZZA LITE and try it ....to see how it will work.

If you have problems with it freezing up on you , you need more ram...
you really need more ram anyway. Save up for more ram.

and a fast hard drive helps too.

Be sure to disconect from the internet when recording and try to configure windows for recording...

The most important is to - Control panel > system >Advanced >Settings > Adjust for best Preformance.. ....

and keep your Hard drive completly Defragmented.

G L

 

[dgatwood]

If you have problems with it freezing up on you , you need more ram...
you really need more ram anyway. Save up for more ram.

No, generally speaking, if a computer freezes, it most likely means you have -defective- RAM. There's a big difference....

That or an improperly attached CPU heat sink, a bad CPU, bad logic board (usually blown filter caps), or a bad power supply, in rough order from most likely to least.

 

[ssscientist]

Some people download Sonar from KAZZA LITE and try it ....to see how it will work.

Where is it on that site?

I put 'Sonar' in the search box and came up with 'Sonar Analysis Software'!

 

[HardWorkinSteve]

I definitely intend on buying an external hard drive. Thanks for the help.

 

[random.hero]

oh please dont download it illegaly

imsa havta whap u in the tit if u do...
even if ur just "trying it out" ima tit whap u