You'll definitely want all the RAM you can afford and put into yout laptop. I have a gig and would go 2gb if I could. Caution, though, increased RAM and RAM activity will increase heat production. Keep your machine well ventilated, and shut it down when not in use.

Minimum RAM advertised in computer programs is usually the ABSOLUTE MINUMUM that will enable the program to run without inflicting mental damage to the users or making them smash the computer.

When reading "enable the program to run" do not assume that the words "effectively" or "satisfactorily" follow or are meant to exist in the context of the sentence.

As a company, you want to broaden your user base as much as you can. So saying that program XXX runs on 2.2 GHz and above, with 512 MB RAM and above will deny you potential customers. Lowering the threshold will earn more customers, and sometimes "oblige" them to upgrade, because our lives are software-driven.

Ever tried to run Windows 95 on a 386DX 40MHz with 16/32 MB RAM (circa early 90's) after installing it using floppy disks????
I have done it. I was never the same after that.....

Cassp, what you said rings very true.

I sit my Laptop on 4 small blocks so that more air can get under it and in and out of it. It has gotten hot enough in the past that it shut down on me a few times when doing intensive audio work with effects and Vsti, but it hasn't happened since I gave it more "breathing" room.

I got your email Squeak. Tonight I will go through my disks. I have several freeware soundfonts and drum modules to send you, as well as a few other freeware goodies and samples.

AJ



[This message has been edited by Bluezplayer (edited 05-31-2005).]

Thanks AJ

Squeak

AJ,
I will be upgrading the RAM in our new computer, but I was curious about something. I know the system minimal requirements for Traction 2 call for 256MB RAM (which my system has). What if I was just using the sounds that ship with the software (for the time being) until we get more RAM? The Traction 2 sofware ships with 250MB's of sounds. That's 250 MB's to just a handful of sounds compared to keyboards (so I'm sure the sound quality is quite good). If I just used that for the time being would I still have problems?

Thanks,
Squeak

256mb probably won't cut it once you start using sounds, which are going to come either from modules or samples. I think at 256, you may expect to be able to record a couple or a few tracks of audio, and as many midi tracks as you'll need. Maybe you can even process an effect or two.

As soon as you start adding internal audio ( samples / modules from within the computer ), memory goes quickly. I can tell you that Image line recommends a minimum of 64 mb for FL studio, but it doesn't take all that long for me to strain this laptop ( which has 784 ), when I start adding a bunch of effects and use internal modules or samples.


BTW, the new version of Tracktion looks nice, and promises better midi editing. Good deal, because it's predecessor was an excellent program otherwise. I'm still happy with FL though, and I'll stick with it since I already have other apps that are getting little if any use at all these days, like Sonar and XG works for instance.


AJ

Hi AJ,
I know you're a real fan of FL software,
is it really more suited to more modern types
of music as in, dance , pop, rock etc or could you use it for any type of music? The pattern based sequencing appeals, ( bear in my mind, my taste in music ranges back to mid last century (Haa Haa).

I had a bit of a play around with it last year when you first mentioned it to me, and the demo's were fantastic, but based more on modern type of music. I ended up so involved with getting my laptop up and running with fonts etc , I forgot all about FL. So would it be worthwhile getting the demo up & running, or is it more for modern music??

best wishes
Rikki

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Bluezplayer:
[B]

I'd also recommend a serious look at FL Studio Producer edition. It is among the best of the best when it comes to pattern based sequencing, although it serves quite well for non pattern based sequencing and single or multitrack audio recording as well.

Hi Rikki,

FL has the reputation of being an app for hip hop and synth oriented music, and in reality it's top shelf for that kind of music. It's also really good for everything else. It's a full fledged DAW now, and it can pretty much do anything Cubase or Sonar does.

It allows you to pattern sequence any part, up to 768 ppq, or sequence as many bars as you wish, just like a normal sequencer.

One example of where it shines.. Take a premade drum ( or other ) pattern, such as one from an arranger, import it, save a second instance of it, make subtle changes, such as move notes around a little, change panning, velocity, pitch, etc in the pattern editor ( piano roll ). Do this as much as you like. Now your pattern isn't as repetitive as it was. BTW, it isn't limited to drums.

The edit tools are really cool, including arps, strum emulations, fills, to name a few. Also, midi editing is excellent in the piano roll. I like that I can right click to delete a note and left click to create, edit or move a note. No changing back and forth from pencil to eraser to arrow, like in most sequencers.

The only reason I even open Sonar any more is if I need to use an MFX effect, such as Musiclabs Slicy Drummer or Rythym and Chords, but I rarely use these any nore either. Sometimes finding what works best gets a tad expensive..lol, but it has been worth it, at least for me.

If you already have a good DAW, and don't need detailed midi editing or pattern sequencing, then FL might not be any better than what you already have, but it certainly is a nice app that will work well for any kind of music. I just like it because of what it does, and the way it is laid out. The interface and layout tends to make more sense to me than most others.

AJ

Thank you AJ,
for the detailed explanation. I didn't want to get too involved with checking out another piece of software, if it wasn't suited to the type of music I like.
Never quite worked out where FL studio fitted in, it doesn't look like a sequencer( xg works, powertracks pro9 etc ) so wasn't 100% sure what it's true function was.

Some of those editing tools you mentioned sound great.

The demo's led me to beleive it was more suited to modern music, so I'm glad I asked the question, I'll definately be checking it out more thoroughly.

Thanks AJ.

best wishes
Rikki

p.s. it would have freaked my son & his wife out if they'd caught mum playing hip hop ( haa haa).