Hi:
I do not have a computer based DAW and have been looking around here and other forums for info as well, although with not much success.
I believe the reason is a failure on my part to explain clearly, what I need. Please understand, that I understand, there are many options and preferences as well as people that will recommend one over the other, but I have to start somewhere.
Here is what I need.
The right PC configuration to run the following:
1. Synthesizers (soft) of the following types. Standard sample playback types like Roland XV5080, Emu Proteus, Korg Triton, etc. for general emulation of real instruments, 256 voice polyphony. Don't care if this requires several cards alone. VA types like Nord, Novation and those which are well respected for analog emulation and those which are famous for otherworldly - far out things like Reaktor, etc., 48, or so, voice polyphony.
2. Sampler...Full featured like Emu, but not limited in memory...GigaSampler? however with a better interface/programming interface, 256 voice polyphony..again, card requirements not an issue.
3. MIDI...sensible, solid performance. Since most of my work will be done here at the sequence level, the ability to have all standard editing functions and to be able to address any of the above mentioned synths freely, meaning that the synths themselves, must be able to have the patch/program parameters edited in real time from any selected midi channel/track while the sequencer is playing and still retain the efx bus/fouting, etc of the present ensemble (midi tracks playing back multitimbral across several different synths.
4. Audio... Only 24 or so tracks, sensible tracking/mixing/editing. Ability to run alongside the midi tracks. No more than 8 or so hardware inputs, but the ability to route almost anything to anywhere.
That's pretty much it.
Phil M.
Comments
Ok, first of all since you are not doing audio intensive work, t
Ok, first of all since you are not doing audio intensive work, the system in question does not need to be the latest and greatest..unless you want it to be. Although the prices for the latest and greatest is not that bad these days...
I will get into what components if need be later..
first we will talk about VSTi's and Samplers..
Sample Tank..a VSTi sampler that runs within the program..which is nice sinec you won't need a seperate machine. Gigastudio is a very CPU intensive program that will not run along side an audio/Midi sequencer very well so most people build a dedicated machine just for that.
I use Sample Tank and must say it's awesome...the samples are very high quality sounding and there are a ton of em too(well, at least for me there are! :D
Some of them are synth sounds, horn sections, vocal samples, bass, guitar..etc etc etc...they load just like the gigasampler ones...very cool stuff I tell you
As far as synth modules..Waldorf PPG, Pro52, B4, Reaktor, HALion, Battery and many many more...the days of needing hardware modules are pretty much over..everything can be in the computer..
Now, if you already have the hardware and you are a MIDI freak(like my engineer here at work) you will want to go with Logic as that is truly the MIDI geeks true friend...the samplers they have included with the program are very cool as well...
Now bear in mind you could also get SX which has teh basic functionalities for Midi with program and bank change methods but not as in depth as Logic..Logic has the MIDI environment where you can build your own synth sounds and modules...it has a steep learning curve but none the less is very powerful...in fact it still baffles me to this day...then again I'm an audio nut more than a MIDI-it.... :p
More later...just thought I'd chime in quickly
Opus
Fats and Opus: thanks for the quick reply. Opus, your reply giv
Fats and Opus: thanks for the quick reply.
Opus, your reply gives me direction and I will consider what you say. In adition, I have similar questions on other sites as well and I am starting to see a picture forming.
Of course, I'll be looking at and talking with the various product makers, especially concerning some of the reqirements for synth editing on any/all patches while sequencer is playing.
I will be looking forward to your future comments/recommendations.
Thank You,
Phil M.
Opus: Yes, more questions. Well, I am greatfull to have such pe
Opus:
Yes, more questions. Well, I am greatfull to have such personal attention. I almost felt that I was asking for too much of you or anyone else's time.
Its good to know there is a place (HERE OF COURSE)
where anyone seeking help in this field can come.
I'll be back when I've got more info.
Thanks again,
Phil M.
The August issue of EQ magazine ran an excellent article on buil
The August issue of EQ magazine ran an excellent article on building PC's for audio. Opus is also the man to speak with regarding construction of computers and he has recently built machines for Paul Reed Smith and Carlos Santana. What you are looking for is very do-able at this point so talk to Opus and I'm sure he will get you going............ Fats