So many ask this question, we thought we would make a page dedicated to buying a computer for the home studio. So in this article we will focus on what to look for in purchasing a windows PC for recording. (Yes Macintoshes work too, but we're not going to focus on them here). We will look at the basic PC requirements, including motherboard and processor, RAM, hard drive considerations and operating system options. We hope you find it helpful and it gets you recording at home very soon!
Revolution Audio Canada is an underground retail movement sparking the home studio uprising by selling cool recording technology (mics, software, new and used recording gear), giving helpful one on one studio consultations and hosting affordable and accessible local education. The revolution starts here. The revolution is now.
Basic PC Requirements
Most of the software/hardware will run on slower computers (check on the software boxes for minimum requirements). If you are purchasing a new computer, in order to run the majority of programs - this is type of PC I would recommend:
Motherboard / Processor
A Processor that's fast enough for the software you want to run (check specs online at our store or at the software developer's page) - Pentium IV 2.8 ghz or Athlon 3200 + is plenty for most programs. A dual processor is recommended. Either the intel Core 2 or AMD Dual 64 bit processors. This will give you a lot of cpu room and get you ready for the inevitable Windows Vista upgrade sometime in the next year (more on Vista later).
Some audio programs like Pro Tools have certain motherboards and video cards that are incompatible, so you need to check with the pro tools website especially before going out and spending a lot of money (only if you are using Pro Tools - here's the current link concerning Pro Tools compatibility for Windows XP and Vista PC's). Don't be the guy who just got a great deal on a "Dell" or Future Shop special, just to get it home to find out it doesn't work with the program!
RAM - 512 MB RAM minimum. 1 gig is probably better, especially if you are using a lot of software instruments - especially at current prices it is the least of your worries. 2 gig is probably max for using XP operating system. 4 gig is plenty on Windows Vista.
Hard Drives - 2 hard drives installed, one for your applications as a "boot drive" the second for data. (Some software has specific ways in which you need to format the second drive - check with the user manuals). IDE 7200rpm drives are okay, but you'll notice a big increase in speed if you switch to SATA drives (serial ATA). My research has shown that setting up in RAID format does not help much with speed when it comes to audio, but might save you in terms of back up. The top drive manufacturers for reliability are Seagate and Hitachi and offer longer warranties.
Video Cards - most audio programs have modest video card needs. I personally recommend a video card that will be pretty fast, fanless and have the possibility of supporting two monitors. If you can afford two, it's so great when it comes to working your sequencer. (one monitor for the virtual mixer, one for the virtual tracks!) Don't go overboard here - you're making music, not wasting your time playing Warcraft 3! (right???)
LCD monitors are easier on the eyes, as well as they don't interfere with electric guitars like the older CRT monitors. Space is always an issue in home studios, and so LCD's are ideal. They can even be mounted on a wall if needed.
Fan Noise. There are many quiet solutions for CPU, hard drive and case fans out there. If you go quiet, just make sure they are strong enough so it keeps the temperatures cool enough. We like the company Bigfoot Computers in Toronto for quiet fan options.
External ports - Firewire 400 and USB ports are a must. Because so many programs now need USB dongles to work, I would recommend adding a couple more onto the stock system.
Audio Card - Don't leave the most important function of your computer (converting analogue audio information into digital) to a consumer level sound card! I would NOT recommend using any of the sound blaster audigy series for recording. From a hardware standpoint, they are great for games but not well suited for recording audio (no matter what the box or the Best Buy guy says.) Spend your money on a well suited Professional level sound card, or better a USB or Firewire interface, by companies like Yamaha, Presonus, M-Audio, Edirol and Digidesign. These are computer music companies. Trust them! With these companies, you'll probably spend less and certainly end up with a better result. Here is a link to Revolution Audio's full line of audio cards and interfaces.
DVD Writer - Even if you are not burning DVD's to be used in your DVD player, these can be very handy for backing up data in an inexpensive way. They all double as CD-writers too, which is pretty important when it comes to recording audio! We would recommend a recognized brand name when possible.
Operating System - XP home or pro, my understanding does not make a huge difference. Pro is optimized for multiple processors (which tells me it probably is the better choice).
Regarding Windows Vista - this operating system is not recommended at this time. Hopefully by the end of the summer 2007 all the audio companies will catch up with the changes and offer compatible interfaces and software. Revolution Audio will be testing Windows Vista Home Premium 64 bit with various software and devices this Summer and we'll put up another report on how it goes. Click here for our growing Windows Vista Compatibility Page for the computer based studio.
In the end, the computer you should use is the one that works and and fits into your budget! If you want to leave the building of the computer and selecting the components to the experts, at Revolution Audio we sell MusicXPC computers and are currently developing Revolution Audio Recording PC's, custom built for your needs and budget.
Our Current Computer Setups around Revolution Audio FYI:
The Bunker Studio:
Revolution Rack computer - Intel Core 2, 4GB RAM, 1 X 250 GB HD, 1 X 500 GB SATA II Hard drives, dual booting Windows Vista Home Premium and XP Pro
Apple G5 2.0 Dual 2GB RAM, 1 X 250 GB HD, 1 X 150 GB HD - OS 10.4.9
The Front of Store:
Teaching/Demo Computer: Revolution Rack Computer - AMD Dual X2 4200+, 2 GB RAM, 2 X 250 GB and 1 X 350 GB SATA II HD, Windows XP PRo
