Computer and Digi 002R rack (bundle) questions !

[rockishell]

Hi. I’m from the guitar forums. I was recently interested in doing some recording. Having recorded with stand alone units, I wanted to try and do the computer and rack way this time. Expand my horizon. But I’m not 100% sure on the specification that I need and what is compatible.
I went into my local guitar center and looked at the Digi 002R. I liked it and fiddled around with it for a few minutes. I then went home and searched in on the computer. I came up with musiciansfriend.com , who I have used in the past and have had very smooth transitions with. I then noticed that they had the Digi 002R Rack Factory Bundle . Which in my eyes would be perfect for me. Because I would have had no clue on what software to buy and I like when things come in packages, just is easier for me. Put I don’t know If its always the best. ( I play a lot of strange music, think - Brian Jonestown massacre , Moby , Dandy Warhols, LCD Soundsystem, Daft punk , velvet undergound ). This is the deal I have ….pretty much $1600 to spend. Cant buy a new computer. Everything has to be .. Under $1600 to record. Soooooo

These are my questions :

1.) I have a Compaq Presario 2500 LAPTOP ( Intel Mobile Pentium 4 2.4 Ghz, Mobile Pentium 4, 2.4 GHz - 15" TFT, Ram 256 MB, Hard Drive 40 GB - 4200 rpm ) that I use for my everyday usage (Microsoft word, aol ,internet, a game or two, itunes ) . Would this be capable of handling all of the software and recordings ?

2.)Would I need a different cable or expansion to connect to my Laptop ?

3.)Is this a good choice for me or should I go with another system? .. And if so .. What ?

4.)If I wanted to burn my songs I recorded would I need an external CD recorder( even though my computer comes equipped with one internally) ?


Thanks in advanced for you help. I really appreciate it.

 

[bennychico11]

eek....it would be really tight with your current system. your hard drive speed is pretty slow and you would run into disk writing problems with Pro Tools. You'd also need to look into upgrading your RAM.

Those two are the biggies for you right now with the specs you gave. There could be further issues with your laptop that might hinder your recording. But this isn't only true with Pro Tools, but for a lot of programs that are on the market.

To answer your second question, the 002 plugs in via firewire...so you'd need that.

How many tracks do you plan on recording at once? It sounds like it might just be you and if so...the 002 is too much I'd say. If you want to go the pro tools route there is also the Mbox which has two inputs via a USB cable. This also comes with a Factory Bundle. However, again, your computer might hinder your being able to record. You may try and look at some of the M-Audio gear that is available. They are made to fit the home users and many of them would probably work fine with your computer. Then you can pick up something like N-Track Studio, Adobe Audition, etc. that might run well on your computer too. Also, a lot (and hopefully soon, all) of the M-Audio soundcards are supported with a version of Pro Tools called M-Powered Pro Tools. That way if you want to dabble in the software, you can later on when you upgrade your computer.

Pro Tools is a great system, IMO...but I think if you went with it right now you'd run into problems and be more frustrated than anything.

good luck

 

[rockishell]

Do you think maybe I should go with a stand alone system again. Cause I dont see in my future updating my computer very soon. .. Im fine with it.. But just clue less about them. Or should I go with a smaller Computer Hardware interface set up ?

 

[manning1]

rockishell...
try what i use. this will give you 48 tracks on your laptop.
powertracks from pgmusic.com. just try the demo.
my only concern being a computer engr is your low latop memory.
i would up it to 512mb.
if you dont believe its excellent ask other users and try the demo.
like myself they will tell you its excellent for recording.
once happy that the demo works fine on your laptop. add an external
sound solution and maybe consider upgrading your internal laptop hard drive.
it is imperative you try different sound solutions. depending on laptop some might work well, others not.
for example maudio have various external sound solutions for laptops.
music123.com has a list of them.
ps...when you try the powertracks demo it will tell you up in the menus...
"test audio performance option" . if you select this and you get full 48 tracks reported - you should be fine. given the fast processor in your laptop - you should get lots of tracks. if you have a cd burner in your laptop you can burn masters of your songs that you did with powertracks. ie...all in one solution. peace.

 

[reshp1]

Benny made some very good points. I'll add that you'll need to make sure you can disable Hyperthreading on you laptop. You do this in the BIOS (usually edited by holding a button during startup), some computers don't let you change this setting though. Protools and hyperthreading do NOT play nice together.

About the HD, you can always get a firewire external drive. YOu'll want to keep your audio files on a different drive anyway, and let your software run from the system drive you already have.

Also, the normal 002 comes with all the software you would need to get started recording and more. The Factory Bundle just includes a few more popular aftermarket plugs bundled together at a discount. If you're strapped for cash, I would save the 500 bucks and get the stock 002R. Spend the money on some memory for your laptop (up it to 1GB) and you should be ready to rock. (provided you can disable hyperthreading).

As far as opinions go, I think PT and 002 is a great system.

 

[bennychico11]

Do you think maybe I should go with a stand alone system again. Cause I dont see in my future updating my computer very soon. .. Im fine with it.. But just clue less about them. Or should I go with a smaller Computer Hardware interface set up ?

actually...what I would do is spend the money on a smaller setup and the left over that you were going to spend on the 002 use to get another computer. Even some of the new Dell computers (come on...everybody with me: "Dude, you're getting a Dell! ) could handle things fine. Although, if you're looking for portability...look into at least upgrading your RAM and a second hard drive for your laptop. This could cost you 200-300 dollars, and then get a small soundcard with the inputs that would suffice your needs. Is it just you you're recording, you didn't say?? Just ask yourself if you need to record 18 tracks at once....or even 8 tracks at once. If the answer is no, don't waste your money on the 002....go with something smaller.

I mean, you could spend 300 on upgrading your system, and 500 for some hardware and software...and still have spent way less than what you originally planned on. Then you can buy a nice bundle of plugins or a microphone or two.

 

[rockishell]

Tell me if this is a good idea...

Im thinking.. use my computer for the midi/synth type programs and have a stand alone recorder.
I also have a micro korg which I love.
Im also thinking of picking up a drum machine.

I was thinking along the lines of Fostex VF160EX 16-Track Recorder. The reviews are pretty good. Then with the rest of the money. Buy some good mics and mic pre;s.

Anything else you think I should pick up ... any cook noise making items.
Along the lines of moby, dandy warhols, the rapture, beck ?

 

[manning1]

rockishell.
the software i use has the drum machine built into the audio/midi software and supports softsynths as well.
you can build any drum pattern you want.
you can even build your own drum styles unique to you.
for recording you just identify the type of track you want to record ie...midi,
mono audio or stereo audio track and click the red button and record.
no standalone needed.
a lot of us do it all on one pc.
the only thing to be aware of is softsynths are quite resource hungry.
so a 2ghz plus pc is recommended.with lots of memory and fast hard drives.
the thing i have against standalone recorders is....and this has occurred with friends of mine in the past...a few years out if some part needs to be replaced , it can get quite expensive to repair.
also i prefer the large computer screens as my eyesight is not the greatest.
but its up to you.

 

[fraserhutch]

Try a bunch of eval packages.

I personally would recommend either a Cakewalk package or a Cubase/Nuendo package.

 

[rockishell]

how about the FIREPOD 10 Channel I/O with Cubase LE ? I would have to get more RAM.