aschek wrote: Hi,

I decided to start this post here so everybody can benefit from it. I know that Sonica-X Tech support is here around, so I want to keep this as Technical as possible and skip all the Marketing :) I know i can have this conversation in private with the company, but again, i think it would be usefull for everybody... if not, moderator, feel free to delete this post :)

I hope there are also other Sonica-X users here that can also guide me....

I finally decided (thanks to the group) to drop the Sweetwater Creation and go for the Sonica-X solution. Now, i have many specific questions, that are specific to my situation and composition needs...

- I already own a Yamaha x01

- I will base my system around Cubase SX 3 and Reason 3 with some Kontakt based samplers, mainly virtual synths and soft samplers.

- I will NOT have need for an external input (mic, etc...) in the near future. I want to do everything within the DAW from start to finish.

- 64bit ? If this really will be something big in Pro Audio in the near future, then I think i would invest on it now.

- If i sent Sonica-x my Yamaha 01X will they install the drivers and optimize it for me ?

- What Sonica-x is most recommended for my needs ?

- If I decide to install Win XP x64 in the future, can they do it for me ? Do they currently ship systems with x64 ?

Thanks so much

Hi Alexander,

first, let me thank you for considering our company.

Next, I am not sure if this forum is the right place to start
this discussion but we will let the moderator decide.

Next week our new web site will go on-line and it will have a
forum for discussions like this.

Let me answer your questions;

1. Yes, we will install the hardware and software that you already own, we will configure it, we will load the latest drivers and patches and then image the system drive for recovery in the event of a catastrofict failure.

2. My recomendation is always to get as much CPU power as you can afford. Especially, when using a sequencer and sampler in the same box. If your projects are large and at sampling rates beyond 48K then I would go with a dual cpu system or a dual core.

3. Testing indicates that 64-Bit computing will yield a 20% to 30% performance increase to DAW applications. Steinberg and Cakewalk will be there first. RME already has 64-bit drivers for the Fireface 800. You can already upgrade Windows XP PRO to X64 via Microsoft.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/64bit/default.mspx

http://

I hope that this information will help you make the right decission.

My best,

Guy Cefalu
sonica-x support.

I have no problem with this as other companies who advertise at RO also give advice related to their products. Unless Chris or Kurt have a problem with it I won't stop it.

In the interest of fairness, if Scott (ADK) wishes to add input that would be fine also.

Let's just keep it professional.

Hi Guy.

A few questions here:

a) Do you offer the x64 upgrade ? If so, are there any changes in the GUI or in the overall configuration that needs to be re-configured to work as a DAW by your company ?

b) You are then suggesting the "X2-Opteron Audio PC" isn't it an overkill ? I mean, of course that the best will get you the best, but how much more will it give you over the "XCALA Audio Workstation" with a $800 difference ?

c) Between the XCALA and the X2i, what is the main difference applicable to MY requirements ? I do not see much difference there... can you please explain ?

d) Has your company experience with the Yamaha 01X and your DAW ? Have you tested it? Would you install it for me, me providing the hardware I already have?

e) Is there a good performance increase with a 2GB RAm instead of the regular 1GB RAM in your systems ? Does it really make a difference or the extra money should go to the CUP ?

Thanks a lot,

aschek wrote: Hi Guy.

A few questions here:

a) Do you offer the x64 upgrade ? If so, are there any changes in the GUI or in the overall configuration that needs to be re-configured to work as a DAW by your company ?

No yet, we have Alpha and Beta software but we don't have OEM or a hotload development kit yet.

Also keep in mind that my advice is to purchase a platform ready for 64-Bit computing but not to jump into it now as you will need a 64 bit DAW application and 64 bit drivers for your sound device. As of today, I am not aware of any 64 bit drivers from Yamaha.

b) You are then suggesting the "X2-Opteron Audio PC" isn't it an overkill ? I mean, of course that the best will get you the best, but how much more will it give you over the "XCALA Audio Workstation" with a $800 difference ?

Read the specs carefully, the dual opteron system comes with 2 CPUs installed, 3 head video and a RAID 0 500GB audio drive.

The scala system comes with one CPU, dual head video and a 160GB audio drive.

c) Between the XCALA and the X2i, what is the main difference applicable to MY requirements ? I do not see much difference there... can you please explain ?

The X2i is a single cpu PCIe/925EX 64 bit early adaptors dream system. The scala is a single or dual CPU PCI AGP 8X system. The scala system is for those who can not afford a dual CPU system but want the flexibility of being able to upgrade later without a system board replacement. Also, the X2a which is a single CPU system can be upgraded to a dual core CPU without a system board replacement.

d) Has your company experience with the Yamaha 01X and your DAW ? Have you tested it? Would you install it for me, me providing the hardware I already have?

Yes, it will work and the audio PC will come with a firewire card tested by Yamaha.

http://www.01xray.com/hardware/1394cardlist.html

Yes, we can install it for you.

e) Is there a good performance increase with a 2GB RAm instead of the regular 1GB RAM in your systems ? Does it really make a difference or the extra money should go to the CUP ?

It is nice to have 2GB of very fast RAM when using samplers and VSTi.

Thanks a lot,

Joseph Crisci
sonica-x support

Hi - I remember seeing a deal regarding the Fireface800 at a discount when purchased alongside one of your computers...was that through you guys? or am i thinking of a different vendor? I'm interested in the following setup and would be curious as to your thoughts/suggestions/pricing...

Fireface800
Mackie MCU
Sonar 4 Producer (with eyes towards the x64 version)
Computer (not sure what I should be looking at for this)

I already have 2 19" flat panel monitors but would like the 3-head video card so that i can add a third later. would like it to be a 64 bit machine....sonar x-64 says it can support up to 1024 Gig of Ram...most i've ever seen available in a system was 4 Gig...does your system allow for possible future expansion in that regard?

Thanks,

Josh

Hi Guy, as long as you are supporting RO and helping our members with music, all the power to you. The forums are to be spam free but this topic is clearly directed to you and not spam :)
Support from dealers is what keep this place ticking. Nice to see you here. Since we are on the topic of promotion ... We now have the HOT DEALS http://www.recording.org/article-topic-15.html area open. Its ideal for dealers advertising specials and helpful retail info for the community.

ManFromTheBand wrote: Hi - I remember seeing a deal regarding the Fireface800 at a discount when purchased alongside one of your computers...was that through you guys? or am i thinking of a different vendor? I'm interested in the following setup and would be curious as to your thoughts/suggestions/pricing...

Fireface800
Mackie MCU
Sonar 4 Producer (with eyes towards the x64 version)
Computer (not sure what I should be looking at for this)

I already have 2 19" flat panel monitors but would like the 3-head video card so that i can add a third later. would like it to be a 64 bit machine....sonar x-64 says it can support up to 1024 Gig of Ram...most i've ever seen available in a system was 4 Gig...does your system allow for possible future expansion in that regard?

Thanks,

Josh

Hi,

yes we have deals all the time but can't advertise prices here. Just call us.

Thank you.

Maureen Wider
Sonica-x sales support

Hey Guy,

I am still not very clear on that, I want a good system, and I know that the best will be the best, but for my specific needs... what should I prioritize ? A dual CPU, more memory ? what ? I really need to make a good decision here.

Also, what is the lead time once the order is placed ? And, do i have to send you my specific Yamaha 01x or you can install drivers from there ? Or it is something i can do myself without the need of tweaking ?

Also, do you offer an upgrade path to Win XP x64 ?

Is it possible to have a wireless lan card installed ? or does it mess up too much the system ? I have heared mixed reports on that... i need lan connection, so i see your solutions includes lan... what about wireless ?

Also, I already have 2 digital 19" LCD monitors.... can i go full digital on both with the included card ? or is it one digital and one analog ?

thanks

Guy, I only see 2 systems now in the website... are you still offering the others ? let me know. thanks

As the result of a request this thread has been locked.