I'm on my 3rd dedicated PC, and this is the first one that I bought from Dell. The first two, I built. To be honest, they worked fine (too slow for today's standards... but at the time they were hoppin'!).
The issue with building your own is: You don't really save any money, and you have to do all of the work yourself.
I got sick of working on a PC to make all of the components play nice... so I bought a refurb Dell. Strip down the software and it's good to go. XP pro, when optimized, runs like a champ. So this one was the easiest upgrade by far. I think the only spec it didn't meet was the hard drive size I intended to get. That's an easy one to upgrade when I feel the need.

This Dell suits me fine, dual core 2.8G processor, 200G SATA... all the usual stuff... and I added a firewire card for my inputs.

All that for about $800-$900, about 6 months ago.

You may need better specs than that, I don't know what your intentions are... but for me, it isn't lacking anything and I didn't spend over $1000, so I'm happy.

corrupted wrote: I'm on my 3rd dedicated PC, and this is the first one that I bought from Dell. The first two, I built. To be honest, they worked fine (too slow for today's standards... but at the time they were hoppin'!).
The issue with building your own is: You don't really save any money, and you have to do all of the work yourself.
I got sick of working on a PC to make all of the components play nice... so I bought a refurb Dell. Strip down the software and it's good to go. XP pro, when optimized, runs like a champ. So this one was the easiest upgrade by far. I think the only spec it didn't meet was the hard drive size I intended to get. That's an easy one to upgrade when I feel the need.

This Dell suits me fine, dual core 2.8G processor, 200G SATA... all the usual stuff... and I added a firewire card for my inputs.

All that for about $800-$900, about 6 months ago.

You may need better specs than that, I don't know what your intentions are... but for me, it isn't lacking anything and I didn't spend over $1000, so I'm happy.

So it's a good thing that I know a computer geek that knows exactly how to put together a computer, right? lol. It sounds like I'd drive myself crazy trying to put everything together, so that's not a problem.

The setup I gave above with the HD, Motherboard, Soundcard, and Monitor will only run $784 which I think is a nice deal.

If those specs aren't great, I'd like to hear what would be better to use specifically for recording/audio software. The computer I have is from the STONE AGE and if I get too much running at once (it tops out around 13-14 tracks) it starts to hiccup and throw off timing if I try and record anything else. So obviously, I need to think about a new system for school once I get there.

Let's hear the ideas, people!

I think your specs are fine. I wouldn't worry so much about that.

One other thing... legal software will cost you a bundle, keep that in mind.

You should have at least 2 hard drives. One for your OS and things of that nature and one that is strictly for audio. 320gig is big and if it crashes, that's a lot of data lost. You may want to get something a bit smaller.

I don't know if it's a good idea to go with a Celeron chip. If budget is a concern I would probably go with a socket 939 mother board and an AMD chip because you can get one that fast and cheap.

pr0gr4m wrote: You should have at least 2 hard drives. One for your OS and things of that nature and one that is strictly for audio. 320gig is big and if it crashes, that's a lot of data lost. You may want to get something a bit smaller.

I don't know if it's a good idea to go with a Celeron chip. If budget is a concern I would probably go with a socket 939 mother board and an AMD chip because you can get one that fast and cheap.

yea, get two smaller hds and a different processor, like an AMD 64. i was going to build a computer, but then i saw an emachines that had all the stuff i was going to buy in it and it came with xp and software and stuff, and already assembled for less than it would cost me to build it. it was refurbished, so thats part of the reason for the price, but there was also a rebate.

Nirvalica wrote: [quote=pr0gr4m]You should have at least 2 hard drives. One for your OS and things of that nature and one that is strictly for audio. 320gig is big and if it crashes, that's a lot of data lost. You may want to get something a bit smaller.

I don't know if it's a good idea to go with a Celeron chip. If budget is a concern I would probably go with a socket 939 mother board and an AMD chip because you can get one that fast and cheap.

yea, get two smaller hds and a different processor, like an AMD 64. i was going to build a computer, but then i saw an emachines that had all the stuff i was going to buy in it and it came with xp and software and stuff, and already assembled for less than it would cost me to build it. it was refurbished, so thats part of the reason for the price, but there was also a rebate.

I'm not opposed to a refurbished machine, yet I want to spend under $900 for a really good system. I've pretty much got what I need software-wise (comsumer grade mind you, not like a Pro Tools rig or anything) but I have a sort of endorsement deal with Sony Digital Media and am securing others along the way (if anyone wants to do some software exchanges let me know privately, as I don't know the guidelines on what you can and can't ask for on here. tdpromotions@sbcglobal.net)

320GB too much HD space? A lot of projects that I work on .wav form wise can get upwards of almost 100mb a piece. I definately need some large capacity HD, but you think going 2 smaller drives is better? What sort of CPU would I need to support the 320gb HD?

You've been helpful so far guys, keep it coming....

Cain wrote: [quote=Nirvalica][quote=pr0gr4m]You should have at least 2 hard drives. One for your OS and things of that nature and one that is strictly for audio. 320gig is big and if it crashes, that's a lot of data lost. You may want to get something a bit smaller.

I don't know if it's a good idea to go with a Celeron chip. If budget is a concern I would probably go with a socket 939 mother board and an AMD chip because you can get one that fast and cheap.

yea, get two smaller hds and a different processor, like an AMD 64. i was going to build a computer, but then i saw an emachines that had all the stuff i was going to buy in it and it came with xp and software and stuff, and already assembled for less than it would cost me to build it. it was refurbished, so thats part of the reason for the price, but there was also a rebate.

I'm not opposed to a refurbished machine, yet I want to spend under $900 for a really good system. I've pretty much got what I need software-wise (comsumer grade mind you, not like a Pro Tools rig or anything) but I have a sort of endorsement deal with Sony Digital Media and am securing others along the way (if anyone wants to do some software exchanges let me know privately, as I don't know the guidelines on what you can and can't ask for on here. tdpromotions@sbcglobal.net)

320GB too much HD space? A lot of projects that I work on .wav form wise can get upwards of almost 100mb a piece. I definately need some large capacity HD, but you think going 2 smaller drives is better? What sort of CPU would I need to support the 320gb HD?

You've been helpful so far guys, keep it coming....the thing with the smaller drives is that they are read faster than that huge 320gb one. you could get like an 80 gb for system and programs, and then like a 200gb for other files. the emachines i got was $400 after rebate, so $500. heres a link...
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1696985&CatId=0

Nirvalica wrote: [quote=Cain][quote=Nirvalica][quote=pr0gr4m]You should have at least 2 hard drives. One for your OS and things of that nature and one that is strictly for audio. 320gig is big and if it crashes, that's a lot of data lost. You may want to get something a bit smaller.

I don't know if it's a good idea to go with a Celeron chip. If budget is a concern I would probably go with a socket 939 mother board and an AMD chip because you can get one that fast and cheap.

yea, get two smaller hds and a different processor, like an AMD 64. i was going to build a computer, but then i saw an emachines that had all the stuff i was going to buy in it and it came with xp and software and stuff, and already assembled for less than it would cost me to build it. it was refurbished, so thats part of the reason for the price, but there was also a rebate.

I'm not opposed to a refurbished machine, yet I want to spend under $900 for a really good system. I've pretty much got what I need software-wise (comsumer grade mind you, not like a Pro Tools rig or anything) but I have a sort of endorsement deal with Sony Digital Media and am securing others along the way (if anyone wants to do some software exchanges let me know privately, as I don't know the guidelines on what you can and can't ask for on here. tdpromotions@sbcglobal.net)

320GB too much HD space? A lot of projects that I work on .wav form wise can get upwards of almost 100mb a piece. I definately need some large capacity HD, but you think going 2 smaller drives is better? What sort of CPU would I need to support the 320gb HD?

You've been helpful so far guys, keep it coming....the thing with the smaller drives is that they are read faster than that huge 320gb one. you could get like an 80 gb for system and programs, and then like a 200gb for other files. the emachines i got was $400 after rebate, so $500. heres a link...
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1696985&CatId=0

Nice system for sure. I'd put in a killer soundcard first and foremost, maybe video too since the reviews all said the video card was lacking. I'd like to see the ghz on the processor a little faster though, especially since Powerbooks are coming with ridiculous amounts, why buy something a laptop can outdo? I don't want to be shredding up shit if I don't need to, so if the Memory/RAM is the most important thing, I'll worry about that. I most likely would do something like 2 HD's since they're inexpensive, plus it's just nice to have the space if you need it.

CAIN

Cain wrote: [quote=Nirvalica][quote=Cain][quote=Nirvalica][quote=pr0gr4m]You should have at least 2 hard drives. One for your OS and things of that nature and one that is strictly for audio. 320gig is big and if it crashes, that's a lot of data lost. You may want to get something a bit smaller.

I don't know if it's a good idea to go with a Celeron chip. If budget is a concern I would probably go with a socket 939 mother board and an AMD chip because you can get one that fast and cheap.

yea, get two smaller hds and a different processor, like an AMD 64. i was going to build a computer, but then i saw an emachines that had all the stuff i was going to buy in it and it came with xp and software and stuff, and already assembled for less than it would cost me to build it. it was refurbished, so thats part of the reason for the price, but there was also a rebate.

I'm not opposed to a refurbished machine, yet I want to spend under $900 for a really good system. I've pretty much got what I need software-wise (comsumer grade mind you, not like a Pro Tools rig or anything) but I have a sort of endorsement deal with Sony Digital Media and am securing others along the way (if anyone wants to do some software exchanges let me know privately, as I don't know the guidelines on what you can and can't ask for on here. tdpromotions@sbcglobal.net)

320GB too much HD space? A lot of projects that I work on .wav form wise can get upwards of almost 100mb a piece. I definately need some large capacity HD, but you think going 2 smaller drives is better? What sort of CPU would I need to support the 320gb HD?

You've been helpful so far guys, keep it coming....the thing with the smaller drives is that they are read faster than that huge 320gb one. you could get like an 80 gb for system and programs, and then like a 200gb for other files. the emachines i got was $400 after rebate, so $500. heres a link...
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1696985&CatId=0

Nice system for sure. I'd put in a killer soundcard first and foremost, maybe video too since the reviews all said the video card was lacking. I'd like to see the ghz on the processor a little faster though, especially since Powerbooks are coming with ridiculous amounts, why buy something a laptop can outdo? I don't want to be shredding up shit if I don't need to, so if the Memory/RAM is the most important thing, I'll worry about that. I most likely would do something like 2 HD's since they're inexpensive, plus it's just nice to have the space if you need it.

CAINwell, for amd, they run more efficiently than Intels, so the speed is fast, but numbers are low. it runs about as fast as a 3.4 ghz intel. and yea, the graphics card is lacking a little, i overloaded it once playing a game online with a lot of people on at once, but i don't do much graphics stuff, so its not a necessity. and im going to buy a new soundcard in a week or two. one with alot of inputs and outputs. for ram, i'd say atleast 1 gb. look for a motherboard with 4 ram slots, so you can just add more when you need to.

Cain wrote: Hello,

What would be the IDEAL computer setup for doing music on? Of course we're talking realistic, average working man budget for procuring one....

I've been looking a lot at the Spectral Computers stats and they're looking great. Only problem is I'm not spending $7000 on a system....

So then I looked into building my own. What sort of optimum performance should I be looking at? I was going to start with a barebone system 7 expansion slot. I'll copy and paste some specs....

Hard Drive
Capacity 320GB
Interface Serial ATA-300
Spindle Speed (RPM) 7200
Buffer Memory 16MB
Average Latency (msec) 4.16
Maximum External Transfer Rate (Mbits/sec) 300
Data Transfer Rate on Serial ATA Up to 3000 Mb/sec
Logical Cylinders/Heads/Sectors per Track 16,383/16/63
Bytes Per Sector 512
Nonrecoverable Read Errors per Bits Read 1 in 10E14
Temperature, Operating (°C) 0 to 60
Temperature, Nonoperating (°C) -40 to 70
Shock, Operating: 2 msec (Gs) 68
Shock, Nonoperating: 2 msec (Gs) 300
Type OEM

Matrix Mach Speed Motherboard
Form Factor microATX
Processor Interface Socket 478
Processors Supported Intel Celeron D
Intel Pentium 4 Prescott and Northwood up to 3.06GHz
Intel Pentium 4 up to 3.40GHz
Channels 6 Channels
Video Memory 64MB Share Memory
Speed 8X
LAN Type 10/100Mbps
AGP Slots 1
PCI Slots 3
CNR Slots 1

Intel Celeron Processor
Processor Speed 350 / 3.20GHz
Processor Interface Socket 478
Bus Speed 533MHz

I'll probably be going TWIN 400mhz DDR Mem Expansion 2x512mb
with a Creative Labs Dolby 7.1 X-fi XtreamMusic SRS Card and a Hanns-G 19" LCD Monitor.

I really don't want to get anything I don't really need on it, since I'll only be running audio recording software and internet. I don't really know anything about video cards or anything, so if someone wants to help me out on what I'd need for a really killer system, let me know!!

CAIN

The consumer sound card isn't going to help you. You need an Interface if you really want to "record". I can recommend an excellent complete setup for under $1000, but first need to know......

1.What are you recording? Live Drums?, Vocals?, Midi?

2.What software are you using?

Replace the Celeron with a P4. I have 2 computers at work--a Dell Celeron (2.8Ghz), and a me-built P4 3.2Ghz. The P4 isn't that much faster Ghz-wise, but it is way more reliable and faster and has fewer hiccups/hangups.
I would also get a better motherboard. I got an ASUS with like 5pci slots.
The Creative soundcard will be fine for watching movies and playing games and such, but you will want a separate soundcard/interface for recording & mixing music.

The old socket 478 boards and P4's are a stable tried and true workhorse, but it is really old technology at this point. You may want to look into the dual-core stuff so you aren't wondering in about a year why you hadn't.

Oh, and yeah, you will want to do a dedicated audio hard drive. You will want to check the latest prices to decide on what size is the best deal, but maybe something like 160GB for your main drive, and 250GB for your audio.

Reggie wrote: Replace the Celeron with a P4. I have 2 computers at work--a Dell Celeron (2.8Ghz), and a me-built P4 3.2Ghz. The P4 isn't that much faster Ghz-wise, but it is way more reliable and faster and has fewer hiccups/hangups.
I would also get a better motherboard. I got an ASUS with like 5pci slots.
The Creative soundcard will be fine for watching movies and playing games and such, but you will want a separate soundcard/interface for recording & mixing music.

The old socket 478 boards and P4's are a stable tried and true workhorse, but it is really old technology at this point. You may want to look into the dual-core stuff so you aren't wondering in about a year why you hadn't.

Oh, and yeah, you will want to do a dedicated audio hard drive. You will want to check the latest prices to decide on what size is the best deal, but maybe something like 160GB for your main drive, and 250GB for your audio.

pentium D's are dual core and pretty fast.

The PC I'm using is a P4D, dual core 2.8. I use Sonar5PE and that utilizes dual core processors pretty effectively. I would recommend it highly...

lk wrote: [quote=Cain]Hello,

What would be the IDEAL computer setup for doing music on? Of course we're talking realistic, average working man budget for procuring one....

I've been looking a lot at the Spectral Computers stats and they're looking great. Only problem is I'm not spending $7000 on a system....

So then I looked into building my own. What sort of optimum performance should I be looking at? I was going to start with a barebone system 7 expansion slot. I'll copy and paste some specs....

Hard Drive
Capacity 320GB
Interface Serial ATA-300
Spindle Speed (RPM) 7200
Buffer Memory 16MB
Average Latency (msec) 4.16
Maximum External Transfer Rate (Mbits/sec) 300
Data Transfer Rate on Serial ATA Up to 3000 Mb/sec
Logical Cylinders/Heads/Sectors per Track 16,383/16/63
Bytes Per Sector 512
Nonrecoverable Read Errors per Bits Read 1 in 10E14
Temperature, Operating (°C) 0 to 60
Temperature, Nonoperating (°C) -40 to 70
Shock, Operating: 2 msec (Gs) 68
Shock, Nonoperating: 2 msec (Gs) 300
Type OEM

Matrix Mach Speed Motherboard
Form Factor microATX
Processor Interface Socket 478
Processors Supported Intel Celeron D
Intel Pentium 4 Prescott and Northwood up to 3.06GHz
Intel Pentium 4 up to 3.40GHz
Channels 6 Channels
Video Memory 64MB Share Memory
Speed 8X
LAN Type 10/100Mbps
AGP Slots 1
PCI Slots 3
CNR Slots 1

Intel Celeron Processor
Processor Speed 350 / 3.20GHz
Processor Interface Socket 478
Bus Speed 533MHz

I'll probably be going TWIN 400mhz DDR Mem Expansion 2x512mb
with a Creative Labs Dolby 7.1 X-fi XtreamMusic SRS Card and a Hanns-G 19" LCD Monitor.

I really don't want to get anything I don't really need on it, since I'll only be running audio recording software and internet. I don't really know anything about video cards or anything, so if someone wants to help me out on what I'd need for a really killer system, let me know!!

CAIN

The consumer sound card isn't going to help you. You need an Interface if you really want to "record". I can recommend an excellent complete setup for under $1000, but first need to know......

1.What are you recording? Live Drums?, Vocals?, Midi?

2.What software are you using?

If and when I do record, I do vocals, keys and synth. MIDI comes later when I get the better system.

Software wise> PT Pro Audio 8.0, Acid Pro, Vegas Video 6, will be getting Reason 3.0 on the new system, and other assorted goodies. (we should talk software privately. I'd like to know your arsenal as well)

I'm honestly looking to spend UNDER $800, realistically. I have other obligations (paying for school, plane tickets, place to live while at school, etc) and can't live in a computer so I don't want to spend a shitload on it.

So far the system is going to be changed to people's suggestions (ie, the 2 HD's one for music the other for everything else, different soundcard for music and recording, etc) I just want to know what the BEST, FASTEST and AFFORDABLE for music, recording and remixing.

CAIN

PS> For the soundcard, what would you put in instead of the Creative Labs 7.1 SRS?

I think the point is, you don't want to use a "soundcard" (by the standard assumption of what a "soundcard is). You want an "audio interface". Generally these days, that's an outboard unit that plugs in via Firewire, or something along those lines. There isn't really a card in that case. It can make life much easier having it all external, as well.

Take a look at the PreSonus Firepod:
http://www.presonus.com/firepod.html

Not that I'm suggesting that model in particular... but that's the same concept many interfaces use for DAWs.
Usually they give you a bunch of inputs (that varies by model and manufacturer), and at least 2 outputs (for stereo playback). Most of these devices act as external soundcards.

For example, on my DAW I use a Mackie Onyx Firewire I/O board. But if I'm just playing an mp3, it still goes through the playback on my board, just like it was a really expensive soundblaster. :lol:

Another note... if this is the direction you're looking to go, it's better not to have a second audio card anyway (an on-board one, that is)... because that can lead to device conflicts, IRQ problems, etc...

Does that make more sense?

I should add... if you only want to record one track at a time and you don't have much cash anyway... a good starter card would be the M-Audio "Audiophile 2496".
I had one for years and it rocked... but if you're recording more than one at once, you'll have to upgrade that a bit. I'm sure you can find them pretty cheap on an auction site, they're around $100. Then if you wanted to upgrade it wouldn't be such a disappointment...

http://www.m-audio.com

im planning on getting the M-audio Delta 1010lt, which is an internal soundcard, but has alot of inputs.

Cain wrote:
PS> For the soundcard, what would you put in instead of the Creative Labs 7.1 SRS?

That is a whole 'nuther BIG issue without one clearcut answer. One of the most important pieces of your entire system. M-Audio makes a bunch of decent recording soundcards of various configurations. Look at all of them and see what one fits your needs and budget. Delta 1010LT is pretty cool for the price.

Nirvalica wrote: im planning on getting the M-audio Delta 1010lt, which is an internal soundcard, but has alot of inputs.

Cool, then that's really all you'll need. You don't need an additional consumer card. The Delta will serve as your output as well as input.

corrupted wrote: [quote=Nirvalica]im planning on getting the M-audio Delta 1010lt, which is an internal soundcard, but has alot of inputs.

Cool, then that's really all you'll need. You don't need an additional consumer card. The Delta will serve as your output as well as input.i know. i was tellin the dude who made this thread what i decided to get because i just got a computer to record with, so im sorta in the same boat, or was atleast.

you just got us mixed, its cool.

Nirvalica wrote: [quote=corrupted][quote=Nirvalica]im planning on getting the M-audio Delta 1010lt, which is an internal soundcard, but has alot of inputs.

Cool, then that's really all you'll need. You don't need an additional consumer card. The Delta will serve as your output as well as input.i know. i was tellin the dude who made this thread what i decided to get because i just got a computer to record with, so im sorta in the same boat, or was atleast.

you just got us mixed, its cool. :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: oops, glad everyone's happy then.

CAIN-

$800 doesn't really go a long way when it comes to Digital Audio. Like others have said, you need a computer AND an interface, two very seperate issues. That being said there are still options for your budget but, you have to decide what your priorities are.

Are you looking to progressively upgrade your gear as your interest/skills improve or are you just looking for something to have fun making music with?

If you're looking to just have some fun and record your own music then I would recommend just getting a $300 Dell and an Maudio Audiophile or something similar. Any new computer is capable of at least 12trks playback/record at 48K. With the Maudio ASIO drivers latency isn't a problem(they weren't when I had a Delta 1010) so you could do overdubs of yourself and have decent audio quality. You wouldn't need a second drive for this kind of performance, and you'd have $200-$300 change left over to put toward food, a Mic, Midi controller and you're ready to rock.

The con to this would be that if you decide to start upgrading your equipment then you will pretty much have to replace everything....ouch huh. But thats what ebay is for. Just sell your stuff and upgrade.

If you're looking to get some longevity/performance out of your purchase then you will have to focus your attention to either the Computer or Interface. You won't need a Smokin PC to run an Maudio Audiophile at its maximum I/O. But if you go ahead and really get the all the CPU/drives you can with your budget (which isn't going to be "workstation" performance either) you could save up and get a nice Mackie 400f or likewise later.
On the other hand running a $700 interface on a $100 computer isn't going to fly either.

To make a long post less longer, I suggest getting the basic Dell/Audiophile combo. Or better yet get an Mbox and a basic Dell. If you were to do this you would also have Pro Tools LE. All of your songs(session files) would be compatible with 99% of all major recording studios. When it comes time to upgrade your system you will have experience with Pro Tools. Also, ProTools supports Rewire which you will need to use Reason with another program.

The good news is you got alot of fun ahead of you (and frustration). The things you can do with digital audio is endless, you won't have to depend on a Major recording label to record your music, you might even be able to make some money at it (thats a whole 'nother post). :wink:

just my .02, hope it helps and good luck 8-)

Just realized you could run Mpowered Pro Tools with the Audiophile. Of course the cost of the Audiophile and MPT would be more than the Mbox, so never mind that. :oops:

lk wrote: CAIN-

$800 doesn't really go a long way when it comes to Digital Audio. Like others have said, you need a computer AND an interface, two very seperate issues. That being said there are still options for your budget but, you have to decide what your priorities are.

Are you looking to progressively upgrade your gear as your interest/skills improve or are you just looking for something to have fun making music with?

If you're looking to just have some fun and record your own music then I would recommend just getting a $300 Dell and an Maudio Audiophile or something similar. Any new computer is capable of at least 12trks playback/record at 48K. With the Maudio ASIO drivers latency isn't a problem(they weren't when I had a Delta 1010) so you could do overdubs of yourself and have decent audio quality. You wouldn't need a second drive for this kind of performance, and you'd have $200-$300 change left over to put toward food, a Mic, Midi controller and you're ready to rock.

The con to this would be that if you decide to start upgrading your equipment then you will pretty much have to replace everything....ouch huh. But thats what ebay is for. Just sell your stuff and upgrade.

If you're looking to get some longevity/performance out of your purchase then you will have to focus your attention to either the Computer or Interface. You won't need a Smokin PC to run an Maudio Audiophile at its maximum I/O. But if you go ahead and really get the all the CPU/drives you can with your budget (which isn't going to be "workstation" performance either) you could save up and get a nice Mackie 400f or likewise later.
On the other hand running a $700 interface on a $100 computer isn't going to fly either.

To make a long post less longer, I suggest getting the basic Dell/Audiophile combo. Or better yet get an Mbox and a basic Dell. If you were to do this you would also have Pro Tools LE. All of your songs(session files) would be compatible with 99% of all major recording studios. When it comes time to upgrade your system you will have experience with Pro Tools. Also, ProTools supports Rewire which you will need to use Reason with another program.

The good news is you got alot of fun ahead of you (and frustration). The things you can do with digital audio is endless, you won't have to depend on a Major recording label to record your music, you might even be able to make some money at it (thats a whole 'nother post). :wink:

just my .02, hope it helps and good luck 8-)

I really appreciate the 2 cents, lk. Seriously good information there. Got me thinking really about what it is I'm set out to be able to do at home as opposed to someplace else. How exactly would I have Protools LE, from the Mbox?

And thanks everyone, for taking the time to really inform me on affordable stuff. I know the price is horrible, but it's pretty much what I have to work with. School is more important IMO, so this is basically to do other shit I like in the meantime.

So basically the two most important thing for MUSIC related computing are Memory/RAM and Processor. I don't need something that looks pretty for games, this isn't a gaming machine. I need something strictly for that within a budget. This is like one of those scavenger hunts...it's now like a mission.

CAIN