How to setup computer for all-purpose uses

[rutledj]

Hi,

I'm getting ready to build a desktop system. I want to use it not only for occassional bedroom recording (I have a saffire pro 24 interface) but would also like to use it for gaming with surround sound. My previous experience has been that when the saffire is plugged in (firewire) it automatically mutes the soundcard output.

Just wondering if there is a way to have it connected all the time and be able to easily switch between the output sources.

Thanks
Rut

 

[guitarplayr82]

I don't use Windows that often so this may not be correct, but can't you just go into the control panel, open the sound preferences, and set your inputs and outputs?

 

[Washburn100]

When using the Safire, it is best to use it with ASIO drivers. ASIO only allows 1 sound device at a time so you need to disable the soundcard for recording, mixing etc.

One method may be to set up profiles in windows. You can log in with the profile DAW for example and have your computer dedicated to DAW use (internal soundcard disabled resources set for best DAW use). Then set up another profile like "Gaming" that would have your soundcard enabled, Safire disabled, maybe graphic settings different and optimized for gaming.

Look up profiles in windows help

 

[rutledj]

Thanks. This seems to make sense although it appears that just having the saffire connected disables the internal soundcard. Maybe if I power it off it will work correctly but it gets its power via the firewire cable.

 

[r1chard]

Though the profiles can work but I have had issues with it. Hard drive space is cheap. Dual boot your OS. Have one set up for games and the other for sound. One set up could have no print drivers, sound/midi/start up antivirus garbage, make sure not drivers are installed and disable it in device manager.. Strip it down then dual but to the other with your other stuff. Thats what I do.