Starting fresh: Win2k on a HP-P4

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OPunWide

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I'm want to build a home studio using a new HP Vectra VL800 (Pentium 4) running Windows 2000. (I was stuck with the HP brand, it's a long story). After browsing around here and doing a fair amount of research, it looks like W2k causes a lot of limitations and the HP brand causes some others.

What I'm starting with: All of my current equipment is old (D-50 keyboard, U220 sound module, mixer and a bunch of guitar stuff). It was run on an P100 with Cakewalk, with I'm not overly fond of. (I was spoiled with running Steinberg Pro on my ancient Atari 1040.)

What I'm looking for: Hardware and software that will control midi, and have at least 4 analog ins, 8 analog outs. But I also want to make sure this will last and that I get any of the current standards. Lots of these requests are for "find a cheap...", but I want quality instead.

So let's build a PC-based studio. Suggestions? Any other equipment I might really wish I had?
 
I am not an expert on Windows 2k but be sure any midi stuff you buy supports it. Also check out the chipset on your mother board and try to check compatibility issues, especially VIA chipsets.
You definitely need a sound card and may need some kind of midi I/O box. There are a lot of manufacturers but be aware that sound card companies come and go so I would go with the top sellers like MIDI man or Echo although I have a Mxtreme.....?

Really there two basic worlds (in windows) digital audio. Cakewalk/directX and Steinberg/VST/ASIO. Down one path is Cubase LOgic et al and the other is sonar, sound forge, and Giga Sampler.
There are many debates about the superior solution but there is very little that is available in one system that ultimately can't be done on the other.

If you buy one piece of software beyond the sequencer I would really check the giga sampler. It comes with an amazing piano module and also the drums available are remarkably realistic. It takes time to figure out but is well worth the effort.

I didn't mention the Digidesign 001 which is a bargain and is good quality but the compatibility issues may preclude this being a viable solution for your system....but check it out.

good luck....digital audio is not for the faint of heart!
 
From what I know, most issues with Win 2K for DAW have been resolved by manufacturers, after determining that it was the most stable Windows OS at the moment. You can read an article about how to set it up right in ProRec.

However, I keep reading bad stories about the P4 processor. I know you say you are stuck with HP but you may want to look at a P3 with high velocity or AMD.
 
Windows 2k

Very important


Also be aware that the latest internet scare on virus attacks,

The CODE RED WORM is targeting windows 2k, and Windows NT machines, so be sure you have the most recent updates from microsoft for these operating systems.

Upstate:D
 
There sure is alot of information out there.

It doesn't look like the Digidesign 001 will do a lot of good due to compatibility concerns with the HP. And the software that comes with it (ProTools LE) won't run on W2k.

At this point I'm leaning towards Sonar because of some good reviews about it running on W2k. On the other hand, some people complain about it crashing, and it is version 1.0.

Thanks for the link to ProRec -- I've spent a lot of time there and learned a lot (that was where the positive review on Sonar came from).

If anybody is interested, I'm posting notes on what I learn as I learn it. It's not a pretty page, but at least I've got the info in one spot. Almost looks like it's time for a comparision table. Maybe later.

Advise is still welcome.
 
Interesting notes. I do the same except I don't have a website to put them on.

ProRec is indeed a good source. Unless you already know them, you should also check out Harmony Central and Sonic State for even more interesting information and reviews.

Also check out this thread for paper and on-line magazine opinions.
 
the good thing about Win2k is that it will support the WDM stuff that will eventually be the standard for the cakewalk world. But at this time there still many apps that haven't got it together. (giga for one)
Just from browsing lately the wami rack sound card seems to be the best card in terms of compatibility with all the new stuff. They seem to be way ahead in developing new drivers that will work with lots of different standards ASIO WDM GSIF Y2K etc etc ...if
I was buying now i would go with the most versatile card which will allow you more flexibility in software choices. I would say this the most important factor in determining your system possibilities.
 
The WaMi Rack makes me nervous from a support standpoint. I can't find anything in the US, and don't relish trying to resolve a technical problem via e-mail to Korea. I've been through something similar with a Japanese company and the language barrier could turn a simple question into a week-long quest.

Right now I'm leaning toward M Audio's Omni Studio, although I would prefer a rack-mount system. They seem to be both far along on W2k and have good prices. I guess I'll use the SB Live for the midi support.

From a software standpoint it looks like Sonar. Again, price/performance looks good and they have focused on W2k.

I haven't researched if this pair will play well together, I guess that's tomorrow's job.
 
If you've got the money, Nuendo is awesome. And it works in Win2000.

I've heard a few good things about the Delta 1010, and some of the projects that I've heard have been great.
 
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