Best hardware/software vs Masterlink?

[scotthi-lo]

Long time listener, first time caller.

After reading numerous threads on the subject, I've decided that I need to go the PC route for Mastering and CD creation. I'm trying to create a project studio and I want to invest in equipment which will be able to grow along with me.
Currently my focus is live and studio tracking (two Adats) and mixdown. I have no computer (I post from the library - check out the Hotmail address!) although I am computer familiar and not entirely computer illiterate.
What I desire (out of the gate) is:
-transport control for my ADATS
-Ability to bounce ADAT tracks in/out for editing
-good DSPs and A/D D/A converters
-mastering capabilities
-cd creation (both 16/44.1 abd 24/96)

I use an analoge board and many outboard processors for mixdown and I'd like to insert my vacuum compressor for mastering. Are Wavelab and soundforge my best options?

I'd like to know the basic hardware requirements that I need to start with. Please keep in mind that this will be primarily a music editing, recording and sequencing setup with excursions into internet and recordkeeping, etc.
I know that there is good used stuff available, and budget is a consideration. Also, I want to move fast on this.

I've gleaned ALOT of useful info and opinions from this BBS, please keep it coming! I'd be particularly thankful for advice from Recording Engineer and Sonusman, as their post have pushed me in this direction.

Thanks!

scott

 

[oneArtist]

DAW

Scott,
A few months ago Pentium/ASUS CSUL mobo was the hot setup for Audio. But AMD is moving fast and if cost is a factor, they offer very fast computers for the price. Finally mobo producers are building for AMD and Audio processors are writing drivers for AMD.
A great card for your ADATS would be the Hammerfall 5296. Three pairs of ADATS. Fostex D2424 uses this card to send 24 channels of audio I/O of the PC. Check out their site http://www.rme-audio.com. and look at the ADAT/TDIF converter that does ADAT at 96K.
For software, Samplitude does anything soundforge does only it is a deeper program. Sekd is now focusing on their attention on their new, expensive Sequoia program and they are letting another manager administer Samplitude. As result, You can find Samplitude 2496 at great prices now. I tryed one of their demos and I called early one day to get some help. The VP was setting up a meeting and he gave me ten minutes of his time. With keyboard shortcuts, he helped me take a song off a classical cd and helped me process it. When I was done, it sounded better than the original version. Also, when you finish processing with Samplitude, they have great cd buning software and they have the best written manuel I have ever seen. Samplitude use WAV drivers.
Emagic would be a nice compliment as a sequencer and also a very deep audio processor - favored more and more over Cubase. Logic is not good at customer support.
I have the new Fostex D824 and I can send 8 channels I/O through ADAT. I'm still mastering the PC DAW - there is a learning curve, but help from forums makes it possible. The D824 has been a nice instant success recorder during my PC struggles. Did you follow the threads about the new Alesis HDR?
Chuck