Recording gear (computer)

[sylnau]

I was using an M-Audio Delta 2496... but it just died today.
My computer is getting old too.

What is best... a laptop with an external soundcard or a tower with an internal soundcard.

Any recommendation? If latency is an issue... PCI, USB or Firewire?

[sonidero]

Now a days a Laptop with external works just fine and is what most Engineers or Producers use when mobile... It's really up to what kind of computer will work best for you, but there are SOOO many AWESOME external options out there that it really doesn't matter... Do you get Sweetwater magazine??? They have pages of stuff...

[sylnau]

No, don't know that magazine.

It wasn't planed to replace my computer... it's a pain in the ass ($$$).

I'm a computer guy (network admin in real life)... so no MAC for me.
Latency is a big issue for me I tried some USB card 7 years ago... and decided to switch to PCI.
But that might be different now in 2013.

[amnesiac305]

Yeah..i don't think it matters laptop vs tower. I prefer non laptops personally. I would suggest to get an external which may allow for more versatility and either USB or Firewire should be fine. I have an RME fireface that is rock solid nice but a bit pricey. Just figure out how many I/O you need and whether you need any mic pres and go from there. I am sure you can find something decent for relatively cheap.

[sonidero]

No, don't know that magazine.

Call Sweetwater and ask for a magazine... Any newer interface would work, they keep getting better each year... I want one of those new Roland Quad Captures...

[sylnau]

I'll visit some store here in Quebec City on the weekend.
I like M-Audio product a lot, maybe I'll stay with this.

[Dr. Sherman Sticks M.D.]

yea things have changed since then. even if u go tower or laptop either way i'd get an external interface. lots of options.

mac mini's are pretty sweet if u are into the whole apple steeze but dont have enough for a tower or macbook/pro
but i honestly don't think it really matters either way (mac vs pc)

[sylnau]

Ok, I'll check for external.
But back then, I tried an M-Audio (don't remember the model) and an Edirol in USB... and it was a pain to record guitar because of latency.

And I guess I should stay away from Windows 8 (LOL).

[htsamurai]

the only reason to get a mac is for core audio, no single other reason. And for the look, but whateves.

8 gigs of ram and a decent processor with a good usb interface and you'll be good to go man, that easy. promise.

[space6oy]

sweetwater's publication is a catalog, not a magazine. unless you meant their news, but even that's more a pamphlet than a magazine. don't mean to be a dick or anything, just sayin'. they're great over the phone too if you wanna chat about options.

far as external connection, also depends on how much you're wanting to run in at once. gotta go firewire if you're gonna chain a lot of inputs (i have 40 simultaneous XLR ins via presonus firestudio x2 & digimax FS x3).

also i've sworn by macs since '98 because of their operating system. i deal with windows too and it's still complete shit (to me) in comparison.

mac vs. pc! woo!

[htsamurai]

if we're gonna turn this mac into pc lemme get my rape shoes on, this is gonna go on for a while.

[erector]

I love how every single computer-based recording thread I've ever read turns into the same PC vs. Mac thing...

Linux is where it's at yo

[space6oy]

that's why i laughed about it, totally don't want to. worse than analog vs. digital!

edit: also you started it, samurai!

[tuffteef]

unless u have a ssl sitting in the corner just buy a laptop and an mbox

[space6oy]

again mean no one any offense but i'm pretty sure the only reason pro tools hasn't died yet is because of all the studios that shelled fortunes to use it years ago and are stuck with it for life because of that. digidesign being bought out by m-audio was another teller. i used it for 11 years before switching to ableton. here we go w/ yet another mac/pc but it blows in comparison IMO. have heard a lot of logic users agree.