J
jacksonp
New member
Hi Folks,
Wondering about some advice, a quick background on my info:
I routinely record my band live from the firewire output on a Mackie Onxy 1640, into a laptop running Cubase LE. I use 8 channels tops at any one time right now, but 12-16 would be nice in the future. Besides live recording in the field, I also plan to make an album for a different band project of songs I've been working on for years.
The problem is that my old Windows XP laptop (Gateway) is on the fritz as the monitor is coming apart at the seams. I knew it wouldn't be long before it went, so a few weeks ago I started looking around to see what was out there since I've never ran on Vista and frankly shied away because everyone says the OS caused so many problems w/ recording.
Last week I recently purchased a Toshiba M305D-S4830 when I saw it on sale and it seemed like a great buy at the time for $700 (Specs: Toshiba Satellite® M305D-S4830 Laptop Computers Specs & Customer Reviews). I haven't opened the box, because I realize it was dumb to not check this model out further. I liked a lot about it, the esata connection, 4gb RAM, Turion x2 dual core processor, and the price - but in fact the reason I pulled the trigger then was because if I waited it was going to jump back up in price to "off-sale" status.
Anyway, the big deal now I come to find that this thing is running on Vista 64 bit, which at least according to some articles I've been reading was not good for Cubase (they now have a Beta that apparently has no problems according to cust service rep of Steinberg). Not to mention the Toshiba only has 5400rpm hard drive, which I supposed isn't the worst thing in the world as I can replace it.
So, a few questions:
1) COMPUTER: Does anyone own a Toshiba and do you like it / how has it performed as a recording machine? WHen you see the specs of this machine, is there anything that would worry you? I remember on my old gateway something about a Radion 9100 series graphics card or something conflicting with my firewire interface (which was presonus firestudio at the time) and that was a huge headache. What are the most important specs in a computer to record with vista ( I know XP was at least 2 gb RAM, 7200RPM drive, etc). Does anyone use solid state drives to record to yet?
2) OPERATING SYSTEM: Can anyone relate to whether 64 bit Vista is going to cause problems for me recording, either live gigs or in the studio 16 tracks or less at a time? If so, whats the process for scaling back to 32 bit? Is that something I should consider, or just scrap this system and go with something else ( what else then?).
3) SOFTWARE: What is the easiest software to use overall, and compatible with Vista? I use Cubase only because its what I learned and am not partial to it, but with Vista who knows. I'm open to something better...what do you guys use and think works good recording with Vista? I do want to stick with whatever program I get though, as the more I invest in learning it the harder it'll be to turn back...but at this point I'm still open. The Steinberg Rep said Cubase Studio 4 would probably best meet my needs as a user, and I could upgrade from LE for around $200-$300.
I appreciate your suggestions, and advice...REALLY DO! I have this unopened computer sitting here, and a semi functional laptop thats going to go any day and once that happens I'm gonna have to make a decision pretty quick. THANK YOU. - Iron
Wondering about some advice, a quick background on my info:
I routinely record my band live from the firewire output on a Mackie Onxy 1640, into a laptop running Cubase LE. I use 8 channels tops at any one time right now, but 12-16 would be nice in the future. Besides live recording in the field, I also plan to make an album for a different band project of songs I've been working on for years.
The problem is that my old Windows XP laptop (Gateway) is on the fritz as the monitor is coming apart at the seams. I knew it wouldn't be long before it went, so a few weeks ago I started looking around to see what was out there since I've never ran on Vista and frankly shied away because everyone says the OS caused so many problems w/ recording.
Last week I recently purchased a Toshiba M305D-S4830 when I saw it on sale and it seemed like a great buy at the time for $700 (Specs: Toshiba Satellite® M305D-S4830 Laptop Computers Specs & Customer Reviews). I haven't opened the box, because I realize it was dumb to not check this model out further. I liked a lot about it, the esata connection, 4gb RAM, Turion x2 dual core processor, and the price - but in fact the reason I pulled the trigger then was because if I waited it was going to jump back up in price to "off-sale" status.
Anyway, the big deal now I come to find that this thing is running on Vista 64 bit, which at least according to some articles I've been reading was not good for Cubase (they now have a Beta that apparently has no problems according to cust service rep of Steinberg). Not to mention the Toshiba only has 5400rpm hard drive, which I supposed isn't the worst thing in the world as I can replace it.
So, a few questions:
1) COMPUTER: Does anyone own a Toshiba and do you like it / how has it performed as a recording machine? WHen you see the specs of this machine, is there anything that would worry you? I remember on my old gateway something about a Radion 9100 series graphics card or something conflicting with my firewire interface (which was presonus firestudio at the time) and that was a huge headache. What are the most important specs in a computer to record with vista ( I know XP was at least 2 gb RAM, 7200RPM drive, etc). Does anyone use solid state drives to record to yet?
2) OPERATING SYSTEM: Can anyone relate to whether 64 bit Vista is going to cause problems for me recording, either live gigs or in the studio 16 tracks or less at a time? If so, whats the process for scaling back to 32 bit? Is that something I should consider, or just scrap this system and go with something else ( what else then?).
3) SOFTWARE: What is the easiest software to use overall, and compatible with Vista? I use Cubase only because its what I learned and am not partial to it, but with Vista who knows. I'm open to something better...what do you guys use and think works good recording with Vista? I do want to stick with whatever program I get though, as the more I invest in learning it the harder it'll be to turn back...but at this point I'm still open. The Steinberg Rep said Cubase Studio 4 would probably best meet my needs as a user, and I could upgrade from LE for around $200-$300.
I appreciate your suggestions, and advice...REALLY DO! I have this unopened computer sitting here, and a semi functional laptop thats going to go any day and once that happens I'm gonna have to make a decision pretty quick. THANK YOU. - Iron
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