New System

[gavindale]

Hello all! Well the old box is about to be passed to the kids and a new one for Daddy! So the fun begins...I have a friend in the computer industry and he is helping me to compile and assemble...so here we go...This is the recomendation so far:

Antec 350 Watt case
Motherboard (Suggestions)
Intel 2.4 Ghz
2 hard drives..40 and a 80..(Got Em)
Kingston Memory (512)
Video card( Nvidia/ATI)

Now the all important SOUNDCARD.....

I have been playing with N-Track and wish to improve the system and possibly the software. I record acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass, simple drums, and vocals. My only other piece of equipment is a SM57 with a stand. The ardvarrk package of the 24/96 seems to be an interesting choice since it bundles soundcard/preamp/phantom power/software/compressor into one package. At $500 it seems like a resonable choice if the individual parts are quality as compared to purchasing them all individualy. So let me have it....and thank you all for your assistance.

 

[Phyl]

Here's my standard disclaimer...

The Cakewalk ProAudio 9 software package that comes bundled with the Aardvark unit may not work with Windows XP. Cakewalk won't guarantee that they are compatible but will allow you to upgrade to SONAR for $99.

This isn't an issue if you are going to continue using N-track.

BTW, I own the Aardvark Q10 and am very happy.

 

[Barometer]

My home machine is in a huge Antec tower case (it's a dual Athlon system). I'll tall ya that I have a hell of a time cooling that thing and it sounds like a jet taking off with all the fans I had to install. This may not be the best setup for a DAW. And the only reason I had to get the case was my MOBO wouldn't fit in any other and I needed a 460 watt power supply. If the MOBO you end up with fits in a smaller, easily cooled case, do it.

As far as MOBOs ASUS and SOYO make good ones for Pentium processors. Have you looked at Athlons at all? They're great and cheaper for the bang.

Video: I'm particular to nVidia. Great drivers, great cards, great support.

Sorry I can't help much with the soundcard. I use a Delta 1010 with Sonar 2.0 and love it. Affordable good quality digital multitracking with MIDI. I know some others will agree, but there's a multitude of soundcards out there and you will get many opinions. What exactly will you be recording? This info will generate a better souncard response. Hope this helps

BTW, you'll want at least a CD-R drive too.