My Existing PC?

[BriceKennedy]

Hi all...

First post here... great forum. I've worked for over 10 years in pro video and have some a decent bit of audio/post knowledge... just now getting into audio production.

I use my PC for video and although it's not a spring chicken, it still gets the job done. By comparison, audio production isn't terribly taxing so I'd like to try to use my existing PC. I already know I'll be at least STARTING OUT on this setup but wanted to get some people's opinions.

My PC is an Acer with an AMD Athlon 64 xw Dual Core 4200+ at 2.20 Ghz and 3GB of RAM (which I'll likely upgrade to 4GB) running Vista Home Premium. I'll probably be using Pro Tools LE and an Mbox 2. If this weren't a question that's specific to my setup I probably wouldn't bother with the n00b query but some opinions from those who've been there would help my confidence moving forward.

Thanks in advance...
Brice

 

[gecko zzed]

If you are already using your PC for video, then you should not have any problem dealing with audio.

By the look of your PC, it is going to be fine for audio applications.

 

[tmix]

I agree.
I beats the pants off mine and I get 30 tracks easy with my system.

I still use (for audio only) a 700 P3 Win 98SE/ box and I can record 24 tracks (24 bit/44.1) at a time and stream 30 plus tracks at mixdown.

 

[Jeff_D]

double agreed. System specs are fine. The only potential trouble I might see would be vista. I'm still using XP, but it seams like there's been a lot of questions around here about getting "x" interface to work with Vista. Seems like its usually a matter of available drivers.

 

[Bristol Posse]

I think the only question mark would be if you're running Vista in a 32 or 64 bit format.
Protools LE (according to Digidesign) is a 32 bit app and is only supported in vista 32 bit. While you could probably run the DAW in 32 bit emulation mode I'm not sure if there are 64 bit drivers available. If not the Mbox would not work if you are running Vista 64 bit

 

[BriceKennedy]

Awesome and awesome. Thanks for the input guys. Of course, about ten minutes after posting this, I found a thread on another BBS where users detailed their specs and I found that a lot of home recordists where using some older PC's. I was thinking along these lines - that's great. I'd rather spend my cash on mics, preamps, interface, etc.

As for Vista, yes it's 32 bit. I haven't narrowed it down 100% but am strongly leaning toward the Mbox 2/PT LE combo. EDIT: Fantastic. According to Digidesign's site, it's only compatible with Business and Ultimate editions of Vista. I may be headed back to XP or another interface.

 

[BriceKennedy]

Has anyone tried dual booting XP as a workaround?

 

[Jeff_D]

I've heard some IT buddies refer to Vista as the new Windows ME. If I were in your shoes, I'd down-grade to XP (and forget the dual boot, unless there is someting in Vista you just cant live without), Or look at moving up to 7, which at least for a little while is also going to be limited by available drivers.

You can also check out Reaper with another interface. Plenty of people love Protools, but it has some very limiting downsides IMO, especially if you arent trying to be compatible with someone elses studio. Being tied to specific hardware and the inability to easily use vsts (many of which you can get for free) has kept me from ever purchasing Protools. Just my 2c