VO-BB - 19 YEARS OLD!

PJHawke · Posted: Sun Sep 18, 2005 1:07 pm Post subject: USB interface and processor speed

I'm not up-to-speed on digital recording...

If I opt for a USB interface like an AudioPre or MBox, how fast does the computer's processor have to be? Since the interface takes the place of the sound card, how much is the puter actually doing during the take? Or is that just a factor in postproduction when you're tweaking the recording?

I'm just trying to figure out what I absolutely need to buy first. Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Pat

brianforrester · Posted: Sun Sep 18, 2005 1:42 pm Post subject:

Hey PJ,

Speaking specifically about ProToos and Mbox... the computer is still doing all of the recording and processing of information, the mbox is simply acting as a fancy sound card (with really good mic pre's). If you're using any plugins during the recording phase then obviously it will require more cpu and RAM power. In essence, I wimpy computer will give you more problems than a beast!

Here's an example for you... if when I'm recording, I have any active network connections open, antivirus software running, or other cpu intensive programs on the go, I WILL get buffer errors. Not always, but innnevitably when I'm in the middle of the perfect take that I've been struggling over for 10-minutes! Oh yeah, I'm running a Toshiba A70 laptop, 3.2 gig cpu, 1 gig RAM and 80 gig external HD (it's not the ideal solution for my setup, but it does the trick).

Ultimately, I would recommend getting the biggest and baddest machine that you can afford! That doesn't mean the biggest and baddest machine on the market! However, that being said, before you do anything related to hardware purchases for support of Pro Tools and Mbox I would suggest taking a look at the digidesign DUC

For windows, go here...
http://duc.digidesign.com/postlist.php?Cat=&Board=UBB32&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=7

For mac, go here...
http://duc.digidesign.com/postlist.php?Cat=&Board=MPMAC

The duc can be a bit daunting and overwhelming at times, but there are some pretty good threads related to the best machines for efficient operation of PT (ignore the pissing contests between PC and Mac enthusiests!! I believe that the operation of PT is dependant upon the user and which operating system you are most comfortable with, each one has its pros and cons).

Additionally, I would suggest taking a look at the digi site itself...

Go to www.digidesign.com, under products select "pro tools LE and m-powered systems", then select "software" and choose "compitability." From there it will allow you to look at known issues with certain chipset and other pieces of hardware, related specifically to both your operating system and mbox hardware...

My last piece of advice is this... if you have the luxury of dedicating a computer to your recording suite (not a reality for myself) then do it... the more crap you add to your computer the more adverse affects it will have on PT.

Hope that helps and doesn't confuse the matter.

Cheers,
_________________
Brian Forrester Voice Overs
www.brianforrester.com
brian@brianforrester.com
778.668.5715

kgenus · Posted: Sun Sep 18, 2005 5:00 pm Post subject:

Imagine a river with water flowing at a constant rate. To increase the amount of water, you must widen the river. You can not make it go "faster" per se. That's how computers function ... when you have so much water (data) that the river (bus) can not hold it, it overflows (buffer overflow). When you're specking out computers, you're looking for parts that will allow the maximum amount of water, or data, that you'll need for your application or use.

That being said, for "writing and reading audio streams" it's not the CPU, but the bus that needs to be able to handle the capacity ... in this case it's USB, which hits the computers internal bus, then goes to the hard drive. SCSI and Firewire use to be the "external" bussing solution of choice, now it's USB 2.0, which is faster than FW. Some might disagree, but Mackie Digital 8 Busses use to run on a (now) lowly Pentium 66.

In terms of audio applications, if you're planning on tracking with plugins active, some do and some don't, then you need to make sure your CPU has enough cycles to process without extensive latency.

Now, if you plan on mixing and producing, then obviously you'll need to ensure your computer can handle the total number of data streams coming in and has the ability to process those data streams during playback.

I didn't mention RAM but it's the same thing, more ram is more bandwidth in which your application functions. These are pretty much the basics of computing and digital recording .... AND the reason you hear people saying get the biggest thing you can afford.

Kevin
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Genus

PJHawke · Posted: Tue Sep 20, 2005 9:49 pm Post subject:

Thanx Brian, Kevin...I'm so glad I found this place; even the books I've read that are only a year or so old seem outdated now that I'm reading stuff from all of you folks....

Brian, based on what you said, I think I'm a long way from getting an Mbox/PT setup...between just those elements and the system required to run it, that's backburner wishlist stuff for now...thank you for keeping me from sinking big bucks on something I wont be able to use for a long while!

Kevin...so if the system bus is the real grail with these USB jobbies, what are some hard numbers I should look for? I'm still trying to find the bus speed in my laptop, I imagine its unimpressive (PIII 450MHz regular USB), my desktop is definitely too primitive...for awhile I guess my home recording will be just demo/practice/audition, M-Audio has a good mid-end interface/ pre-amp for a good price and there's shareware to practice with for now... if I can upgrade what I've got enough to at least audition with I can save pennies and practice until I can pop for the production grade setup. Thanks again........................PJ

donrandall · Guest

If you are just looking for something to record and play to gain experience, learn and practice - why not get a $40 mic (there are actually some acceptable cheap mics for that purpose), an inexpensive mixer, headphones and a cassette player? Why go through all the expense involved in trying to get good results from a computer that appears to be not suitable for the purpose?

If you already have headphones and a cassette deck, you're half way there.

kgenus · Posted: Wed Sep 21, 2005 7:32 am Post subject:

brianforrester · Posted: Wed Sep 21, 2005 8:21 am Post subject:

PJ,

I certainly didn't mean to scare you off, but it's all about setting up the best system for you at the time! A $35 mic with a tape recorder isn't a bad way to go if you're just looking to get some practice mic time and feedback from others. I elected to go for the mini home studio setup, because that's my preference and I thoroughly enjoy messing around with hardware, software, and cables!

Take it slow and progress your way through the stages. As you get more comfortable then begin to upgrade, but the most important thing is to do things that make senes for you both professionally and financially, and financially is always a the factor that tends to take centre stage! Do what you can reasonably afford at this time that suits your current needs.

All the best.
_________________
Brian Forrester Voice Overs
www.brianforrester.com
brian@brianforrester.com
778.668.5715

Guest · Posted: Wed Sep 21, 2005 9:32 pm Post subject:

PJHawke · Posted: Wed Sep 21, 2005 9:33 pm Post subject:

grrrrr.........I keep forgetting about that....that's me of course ^^
:oops:

kgenus · Posted: Thu Sep 22, 2005 5:50 am Post subject:

Go cheap and put the rest in coaching...
_________________
Genus

mcm · Posted: Thu Sep 22, 2005 6:18 am Post subject:

Charlie Channel · Posted: Thu Sep 22, 2005 8:31 am Post subject:

On the Shure side of things, the SM-57 is good for instruments. The SM-58 was recommended as being "better" for voice by one pro. That's what I started with and used for the first narration project I got paid for.

C

PJHawke · Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2005 12:57 pm Post subject:

So what I'm hearing is, forget about digital until I've got disposable income and I've hit the bricks and got work. Til then, just get rudimentary stuff that's pro-end enough to be usable when that happens.
I went by MacMurray's to look at stuff...the sales guy recommended going with a little Peavey 6 mixer instead of the Behringer UB802, since Behringer's totally outsourced and has no real source of customer service, but a musician friend that does a lot of studio recording and stage play swears by them...so Mary's UB802 "CutiePie"--er, that is, "EuroRack"--sounds good. The sales guy mentioned the Audix OM-2 mic as same price as the SM-58, but considered better by several customers because of a stronger midrange and warmer lows; anyone here familiar the two?

Thanks so much for the opinions, foks...you guys are great. I am SOOOO glad these threads were saved!..................PJ

Doc · Guest

PJ,

I'm using a Tapco (by Mackie) analog 6-channel mixer that works great and only cost $89. (Now, $119)

http://www.bswusa.com/proditem.asp?item=BLEND6

And, I'm using a Marshall MXLV69M mic, tubed with its own phantom power supply. Was $299, complete with windscreen, shock mount, cables and nice hard carrying case. (Still $299)

http://www.bswusa.com/proditem.asp?item=MXLV69M

Also, here's a tip! If you call them instead of just placing your order online and you have a little bit of negotiating skill, you can get an even better deal. I did. Ask for Shannon and tell her Doc Phillips from Tucson referred you. No, I do NOT receive any kickback. :wink:

kgenus · Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2005 2:17 pm Post subject: