Hey guys,
I'm soon going to buy a notebook and wanted to ask if anyone can give some hints.
1. It's gonna be a PC
2. Later on, I want to buy a decent PCMCIA recording card (the "Hammerfall DSP" by RME) in order to do some multitrack recording on that machine.
Now what should I pay attention to when choosing the notebook? What specs should the machine have? How fast should it be, how much RAM, etc....
I've heard that RAM sharing for the graphics is
if you want to record audio. Are there any other dirty tricks the manufacturers use to save some money on my expense, that will lower the performance or even make more demanding tasks like what I intend to do impossible.
Suggestions please....🙂
I'm soon going to buy a notebook and wanted to ask if anyone can give some hints.
1. It's gonna be a PC
2. Later on, I want to buy a decent PCMCIA recording card (the "Hammerfall DSP" by RME) in order to do some multitrack recording on that machine.
Now what should I pay attention to when choosing the notebook? What specs should the machine have? How fast should it be, how much RAM, etc....
I've heard that RAM sharing for the graphics is
if you want to record audio. Are there any other dirty tricks the manufacturers use to save some money on my expense, that will lower the performance or even make more demanding tasks like what I intend to do impossible. Suggestions please....🙂
Never considered an USB or Firewire AD/DA box? With a Mac (which has FW as standard) it's an easy thing to record, but I gather that you will use a Wintel box?
I guess that a PIII is a minimum, a P4 doesn't hurt. Multi-channel recording is quite heavy task especially if you want to process the sound in realtime during recording.
My tired old Mac (500 MHz G3) can use 3 plug-ins in realtime with a stereo signal and the program Spark from TC Works. www.tcworks.de
I guess that a PIII is a minimum, a P4 doesn't hurt. Multi-channel recording is quite heavy task especially if you want to process the sound in realtime during recording.
My tired old Mac (500 MHz G3) can use 3 plug-ins in realtime with a stereo signal and the program Spark from TC Works. www.tcworks.de
I think any P4 will be more than sufficient in terms of processing power. I am actually quite amazed by the sound quality of the Audigy USB that I use for testing. I am looking forward to USB2.0 external devices for sound recording.
Thanx for the replies so far,
per-anders, I probably won't do any processing when recording.
About the USB/ FW AD/DA box: how much do they cost, how well do they perform? The PCMCIA card I'm going to buy later on is state-of-the-art, but of course big$, costs about 1000 EUR (including a breakout box), but until I have saved up some money I might be interested in cheaper alternatives to get started.....😉
However, if somebody knows of any pitfalls concerning notebook buying, let me know.....
per-anders, I probably won't do any processing when recording.
About the USB/ FW AD/DA box: how much do they cost, how well do they perform? The PCMCIA card I'm going to buy later on is state-of-the-art, but of course big$, costs about 1000 EUR (including a breakout box), but until I have saved up some money I might be interested in cheaper alternatives to get started.....😉
However, if somebody knows of any pitfalls concerning notebook buying, let me know.....
Dell, IBM, Toshiba do seem the most reliable. Sony has 1394 built in. The Soundblaster Audigy USB is less than $200 USD. 100db SNR on playback, can't remember the record. I am suprised by the quality of playback.
General tip on notebooks,
Most PC notebooks have only 2 slots for memory and are often default spec'd with both slots filled (ie 256Mb= 2X128Mb), its cheaper for them this way. ALWAYS get you memory in one slot, it cost a little extra, but if you ever need more you're not forced to basically toss half your current memory. Dell, gateway,IBM, etc all often do this (fill the slots) with their laptops unless you spec otherwise.
FWIW,
Pete Kunz
Most PC notebooks have only 2 slots for memory and are often default spec'd with both slots filled (ie 256Mb= 2X128Mb), its cheaper for them this way. ALWAYS get you memory in one slot, it cost a little extra, but if you ever need more you're not forced to basically toss half your current memory. Dell, gateway,IBM, etc all often do this (fill the slots) with their laptops unless you spec otherwise.
FWIW,
Pete Kunz
bob4 said:
When I have recorded vinyl I have had rumble filter on. First I had also deNoiser but when I got more experienced I noticed that it was wiser to adjust the noise reduction with a little bit more "Fingerspitzgefühle". Easy on the settings....
BTW: You audio nerds: have you tested DeNoiser from Steinberg? It's Dolby H, I, J or even K. Think of what my life would had been with this wonder with my cassette deck!!! DeNoiser and DeClicker are marvelous!
Hi alvaius (sorry this has nothing to do with this thread)
What's up with your Zetag cross-over. You told me that if I gave you my e-mail address you would send me a schematic of your cross-over. But it's been 3 weeks I think since I posted my e-mail address in the loudspeaker forum. Did you change your mind about giving me your cross-over design? I'd be happy if you didn't change your mind of course, but I would like to know if you are not going to give me your cross-over design also. So I can start designing my own soon-to-be horrible flawed cross-over.
-Jimmy
What's up with your Zetag cross-over. You told me that if I gave you my e-mail address you would send me a schematic of your cross-over. But it's been 3 weeks I think since I posted my e-mail address in the loudspeaker forum. Did you change your mind about giving me your cross-over design? I'd be happy if you didn't change your mind of course, but I would like to know if you are not going to give me your cross-over design also. So I can start designing my own soon-to-be horrible flawed cross-over.
-Jimmy
Re: Hi alvaius (sorry this has nothing to do with this thread)
Jimmy,
there's a nice small button on every post that reads "email". By clicking on it you can send a email to the person who made the post. 😉
Jimmy,
there's a nice small button on every post that reads "email". By clicking on it you can send a email to the person who made the post. 😉
NOTEBOOK
Hi Bob,
Provided the notebook has a USB port I would certainly consider Per-Anders' advice.
It is a much more universal standard than PCMCIA and it would allow you to use the soundsystem on any other PC having a USB port making for a better investment IMHO.
Beware however that there are two USB standards that are not necessarily backwards compatible with everything: USB1.X and USB2.0.
Will you buy a new or used notebook?
And you really mean "notebook" not "laptop"?
Ciao,
Hi Bob,
Provided the notebook has a USB port I would certainly consider Per-Anders' advice.
It is a much more universal standard than PCMCIA and it would allow you to use the soundsystem on any other PC having a USB port making for a better investment IMHO.
Beware however that there are two USB standards that are not necessarily backwards compatible with everything: USB1.X and USB2.0.
Will you buy a new or used notebook?
And you really mean "notebook" not "laptop"?
Ciao,
USB 1.1 (12 MBit when the sun shines) don't give you so many channels. 48 kSP, 24 bit is 144 kByte per second = 8 channels theoretically.
FireWire is "sufficient" => many channels
USB 2.0 is virtually non-existant for the moment.
FireWire is "sufficient" => many channels
USB 2.0 is virtually non-existant for the moment.
USB
Hi,
You all know USB's nickname?
Unused Serial Bus.
For PC it is out there for a couple of years already.
Firewire for PC will require an add-on card or,in the case of a notebook a pcmcia card.
Cheers,😉
Hi,
You all know USB's nickname?
Unused Serial Bus.
For PC it is out there for a couple of years already.
Firewire for PC will require an add-on card or,in the case of a notebook a pcmcia card.
Cheers,😉
Re: USB
USB 2 is very rare especially when it comes to accessories but is coming strong I must admit.
BTW: Dell doesn't know what USB 2 is! I bought my machine not long ago and when I asked about USB 2 they answered
BTW2: Is FW so rare on PC:s?
fdegrove said:
USB 2 is very rare especially when it comes to accessories but is coming strong I must admit.
BTW: Dell doesn't know what USB 2 is! I bought my machine not long ago and when I asked about USB 2 they answered
BTW2: Is FW so rare on PC:s?
USB
Hi Per-Anders,
Really?
Usually they are on the frontline when it comes to integrate the latest and greatest.
Compared to USB it definitely is.
Don't forget that when the big players wanted to choose a port where they could attach mutliple serial devices Mac Intosh came up with firewire and the Wintel corporates opted for the vastly inferior (in bandwidth at least) USB.
Looking from that angle you can understand that not many motherboard manufacturers for Intel CPUs integrate the Firewire standard.
Quite a few digital cameramakers now offer models that you hook up on the USB port whereas before all you had was Firewire.
Cheers,😉
Hi Per-Anders,
Really?
Usually they are on the frontline when it comes to integrate the latest and greatest.
Compared to USB it definitely is.
Don't forget that when the big players wanted to choose a port where they could attach mutliple serial devices Mac Intosh came up with firewire and the Wintel corporates opted for the vastly inferior (in bandwidth at least) USB.
Looking from that angle you can understand that not many motherboard manufacturers for Intel CPUs integrate the Firewire standard.
Quite a few digital cameramakers now offer models that you hook up on the USB port whereas before all you had was Firewire.
Cheers,😉
Re: NOTEBOOK
Hi Frank,
New 😀
Is there any difference? 😕
That's of course an important argument. But:
1. I'm going to give my old PC to my brother, the notebook will be my main machine.
2. I intend to study sound engineering / recording (it's similar to the german "Tonmeister"), and will definitely be using the setup for demanding multitrack recording later on. So IMHO it's a case to go big or go home (regarding the audio device). It wouldn't make any sense to spend money on some equipment I will later have to sell/ give away 'cause I want to upgrade to something bigger.
3. Concerning the usage on other PC's: the thingie I want to buy consists of a PCI or PCMCIA card and a breakout box (you canchoose between analog and digital. they're perfectly compatible with each other, so when I have the money to buy a normal PC, I simply buy the PCI card (250 EUR), and then I can use it along with the breakout box I already own.
But thank you for your input and for spending some thoughts on it 🙂
quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by fdegrove
Firewire for PC will require an add-on card or,in the case of a notebook a pcmcia card.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is that true??
any further comments are welcome of course......
just in case anybody is interested:Hammerfall DSP
Hi Frank,
fdegrove said:
New 😀
fdegrove said:
Is there any difference? 😕
fdegrove said:
That's of course an important argument. But:
1. I'm going to give my old PC to my brother, the notebook will be my main machine.
2. I intend to study sound engineering / recording (it's similar to the german "Tonmeister"), and will definitely be using the setup for demanding multitrack recording later on. So IMHO it's a case to go big or go home (regarding the audio device). It wouldn't make any sense to spend money on some equipment I will later have to sell/ give away 'cause I want to upgrade to something bigger.
3. Concerning the usage on other PC's: the thingie I want to buy consists of a PCI or PCMCIA card and a breakout box (you canchoose between analog and digital. they're perfectly compatible with each other, so when I have the money to buy a normal PC, I simply buy the PCI card (250 EUR), and then I can use it along with the breakout box I already own.
But thank you for your input and for spending some thoughts on it 🙂
quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by fdegrove
Firewire for PC will require an add-on card or,in the case of a notebook a pcmcia card.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is that true??
any further comments are welcome of course......
just in case anybody is interested:Hammerfall DSP
DER TONMEISTER
Hi Bob,
Now that explains your interest in the mics and so on...hmmm interesting studies.🙂
Yes.
Mainly in size and weight.The laptop being the heavier one.
Some manufacturers also skimp on accessories on the notebook to make them lighter.
'Fraid so.
Portables don't have slots which is why you use PCMCIA devices as add-ons.
Not cheap either.
Cheers and good luck with the studies,😉
Hi Bob,
Now that explains your interest in the mics and so on...hmmm interesting studies.🙂
Yes.
Mainly in size and weight.The laptop being the heavier one.
Some manufacturers also skimp on accessories on the notebook to make them lighter.
'Fraid so.
Portables don't have slots which is why you use PCMCIA devices as add-ons.
Not cheap either.
Cheers and good luck with the studies,😉
Re: DER TONMEISTER
Hey Frank,
I'll have to check out.
Hoho, eaaasyyyy, first I've got to do my duty in Finland, after that, we'll see....
Hey Frank,
Hell Yeah.... 😎fdegrove said:
fdegrove said:
I'll have to check out.
fdegrove said:
Hoho, eaaasyyyy, first I've got to do my duty in Finland, after that, we'll see....
Hi alvaius (sorry this has nothing to do with this thread)
Hey thanks for patronizing me bob, you know some people sign up to this forum give a secondary e-mail address that is rarely use or don't check their e-mail, like myself. This dude told me 2 or 3 months ago he would give me his cross-over design when he was done, so I've been waiting and now he's ignoring me, I think.
And there's these things in every hardware store called "claps." When applying them to glued wood they make the joint stronger, but when putting them on your head they just hurt. 😉
And, in my useless opinion, I think you should try Windows XP, runs much faster than 95/98/ME.
bob4 said:
Hey thanks for patronizing me bob, you know some people sign up to this forum give a secondary e-mail address that is rarely use or don't check their e-mail, like myself. This dude told me 2 or 3 months ago he would give me his cross-over design when he was done, so I've been waiting and now he's ignoring me, I think.
And there's these things in every hardware store called "claps." When applying them to glued wood they make the joint stronger, but when putting them on your head they just hurt. 😉
And, in my useless opinion, I think you should try Windows XP, runs much faster than 95/98/ME.
One of the reasons for intergrated USB over Firewire in PC was probably because USB didn't have any royality costs, and firewire had a per port royality cost. I would assume a firewire OHCI/UHCI is more expensive to implement as they are more complex. Also the name issue which is rather pathetic.
As for intergration, lots of modern laptops intergrate Firewire - such as Vaio(under the name i.Link) and Dell. Same with USB2.0. There is a large number of perhipals available for both Firewire and USB2.0, including mass storage units which would probably be helpful in your case if you're doing a large amount of audio work. There is probably more USB2 perhipals then there is Firewire(not including consumer devices) as the standard is more popular among PC manufactorers. It should also be noted that most modern laptops have a Mini-PCI slot, although finding mini-pci perhipals is difficult.
I'd go for the breakout box and PCMCIA card personally. As for which laptop, that really depends on what you want and how much you want to spend. If you're looking for a huge amount of power a Dell Inspiron 8200 is one of the most powerful laptops that is still actually mobile, it's also a hefty 8 lbs. The Gateway 600 is also a powerhouse. As for RAM, it can be easily upgraded. The harddrive can be upgraded too, or you can use an external Firewire/USB2 drive that could easily be transfered between machines like your breakout box. An external Firewire/USB2 3.5" box usually goes for about $55 or so.
As for intergration, lots of modern laptops intergrate Firewire - such as Vaio(under the name i.Link) and Dell. Same with USB2.0. There is a large number of perhipals available for both Firewire and USB2.0, including mass storage units which would probably be helpful in your case if you're doing a large amount of audio work. There is probably more USB2 perhipals then there is Firewire(not including consumer devices) as the standard is more popular among PC manufactorers. It should also be noted that most modern laptops have a Mini-PCI slot, although finding mini-pci perhipals is difficult.
I'd go for the breakout box and PCMCIA card personally. As for which laptop, that really depends on what you want and how much you want to spend. If you're looking for a huge amount of power a Dell Inspiron 8200 is one of the most powerful laptops that is still actually mobile, it's also a hefty 8 lbs. The Gateway 600 is also a powerhouse. As for RAM, it can be easily upgraded. The harddrive can be upgraded too, or you can use an external Firewire/USB2 drive that could easily be transfered between machines like your breakout box. An external Firewire/USB2 3.5" box usually goes for about $55 or so.
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