I know off topic, but I had to share The wife and I got a new computer today. Walmart had a great deal on a Compaq Presario on sale for $498.00 At that price the wife and I couldn't pass it up. the specs are really good too:

-AMD Sempron 3000+ processor
1.80 GHz, 128kb L2 cache, 1600MHz system
buss

-256MB PC3200 DDR SDRAM memory

-80 GB 7200RPM Ultra DMA hard drive

-CD-RW/DVD ROM (fast speed too)

-Front panel 9 in 1 card reader

The computer tears up the net using DSL. The wife downloaded a huge file (over 20 mb's) and if you blinked you missed the download

This computer is going to be awsome when I decide on which recording software I want. I like the PowerTraks, but I've also been eyeballing Mackie's new "Traction 2"

Squeak

Congrats Squeak. The original Tracktion was an excellent program. I was able to d/l it for free when Mackie was giving it away during last winter's promotion. If it had any weaknesses, midi recording / editing would be the one thing that stands out.

When we had talked in the past, I remember you were into making some modern music, perhaps with a synth oriented and/or hip-hop flair, and that you like working with hardware drum machines.

With this in mind, Before you decide on Tracktion, 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.

Orion Platinum also excels in this area, and although I tend to think of FL as a slightly more complete DAW, Orion certainly is capable. Just depends which interface you like better. I can use either, and really, I rarely feel the need to use Sonar at all any more. I find both FL and Orion's interfaces to be more intuitive. You can d/l fully working demos of both ( no saving of files ).

You'll likely want to get more Ram if you'll be doing serious Audio work with your new machine, and perhaps disable any of the Windows based apps ( CPU hogs ) that you won't ever use. A few audio sites give tips on optimizing Windows for Audio. They are certainly worth a look.

Regards,

AJ



[This message has been edited by Bluezplayer (edited 05-30-2005).]

Bluezplayer,
Would you suggest I upgrade to 512mb ram? We were considering getting a unit with that much ram, but this model computer was at such a good price, we figured that we could just upgrade later on with other things. I was SOOOO wanting that Free download from Mackie. When I checked it out I found the specs on my computer wouldn't run the software. It costs $145.00 and now I have a computer that will run it (go figure)

Squeak

[This message has been edited by squeak_D (edited 05-30-2005).]

[This message has been edited by squeak_D (edited 05-30-2005).]

At least 512 to run a top end DAW ( including Tracktion, FL, Sonar, etc ). You'll want even a little more than that if you plan on using Vst synths or effects. I use 1024 on my PC ( Athlon 2400 - 2.0 Ghz Procesor ) and 768 on the laptop ( P4 2.8 Ghz ). Sometimes the Laptop strains when I run more than a couple of high end Vst effects and instruments.

BTW, I saw your post about the drum machine, and with that in mind, I have a couple of freeware sf2 ( soundfont ) and analog vst drum kits that might make you happier than the kits on your arranger. Let me know and I'll send 'em to you. You could use them in FL, Tracktion, or any other app that supports VST or DXi.


AJ

512 is pretty much a stardard, anything less will not perform nearly at its optimal capabilities. Buy a stick of 256, or better yet 512 or 1024mb ram. 256 ddr will run roughly 30-40, you can find some good deals. 512 is a little more, but a lot worth it at 50-70. You will notice a huge performance boost right away, especially in DAW programs that use a lot of virtual memory.

Phil

It's amazing though. You can buy a computer on Monday that's up to date, and on Friday your model is already outdated. I think I'll be happy with the 256mb for now. If I remember correctly the PowerTraks also has an offer to get a Roland Virtual Synth for a few bucks more. I don't think I'd be doing any heavy audio recording. Any audio I record would be acoustic/electric guitar and vocals.

Squeak



[This message has been edited by squeak_D (edited 05-30-2005).]

Don't wanna burst your bubble Squeak, but 256 may not let you run very many tracks clean ( no pops or delays ), even in PT. You might get away with it though if you can disable some of the apps that Windows runs automatically at startup.

As for that Roland softsynth.. I have the equivalent that came with Sonar ( the VSC88 replacement... MP1 I think it's called ? ). I deleted it when I streamlined my Vst / Dxi selections, simply because I have enough that the ones I don't use get in the way.

I thought even my software XG module ( SXyG50 ) sounded better than the Roland module, and I can tell you that the xg module isn't as good as any of my Yamaha arrangers sonically, even going back to the PSR530. You might prefer the Roland though, as sound is subjective.

I have a soundfont ( it was a freeware ) based on the SC55. It sounds rather similar. Yours for the taking if you want it ( and I can dig it up.. I know I have it stored on a CD somewhere ).

AJ

Squeak,
congratulations for the new machine.

Please consider AJ's advice and buy more RAM.
It will be worth every penny.

Thanks for all the info everyone I'm sure the wife and I will end up adding more ram. She herself was talking about that possibility when we bought the computer yesterday.

Bluezplayer, I'd be happy to use anything you're willing to share Quick question. The reason I figured I'd upgrade down the road is because when I looked at the system requirments for Traction 2 it had 256mb ram as the minimal. So would my systems current set up be sluggish running that program? If I saw the video demo correctly, it comes with a ton of sounds too.

Squeak

Squeak,

You might get away with 256 in Tracktion if you keep it very simple, but once you add a few tracks or effects ( or sounds ), there really is no way to overcome lack of RAM. Kinda like trying to defy the laws of physics in a way.. just won't work.

If you'd like, send me an email with your current address and I'll send you a couple of CD's of Soundfonts and samples.

You might want to have a look at this:
http://www.bobhug.com/OptimizingXPforAudio.html

PT Pro is a fine app. If you want, however, you can get freeware that is probably on par with it. If you don't need midi sequencing capabilities, I'd suuggest a look at the following:
http://www.kreatives.org/kristal/index.php

For pattern based loop recording ( like FL Studio ) this might do the trick:
http://pquenin.free.fr/pqnaudio/vstseq/index.html

Here are a couple of other sequencers / audio recording apps that are freeware and do include midi editing:
http://www.digitalsoundplanet.com/SoftwareHouse/Products/Audio_Master/Freeware/fr eeware.phtml
http://www.frieve.com/english/musicstd/musicstd.html

Regards,

AJ



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

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).