There is much talk about the new Windows Vista operating system around the studios and home studios of the world. The reason for this is not because of the slick new interface and the security upgrades. The buzz is around the number 64. Windows Vista comes in both 32 bit and 64 bit versions. This relates to how much information the CPU (also called the processor) can process at one time. If the CPU is 64 bit and the operating system is 64 bit AND the specific application is also 64 bit (also called Native) then it will be able to process twice as much information as in 32 bit mode. At the same time, the processor is able to access more RAM than previous 32 bit computing versions (up to 128 GB depending on Vista version). Why does this matter? The increase in processor performance will speed up exporting of files, the number of instances of plug-ins and software instruments, as well as the depth of quality that these plug-ins can attain. Higher quality samples can be loaded and it should also result in lower latency (the delay between your action and the computer's audio re-action). There are good days ahead for computer based recording as we move to 64 bit. Some software companies like Cakewalk Sonar, and Universal Audio and hardware companies like Edirol and RME have native drivers, but many others are still trying to catch up. If one decides to go Windows Vista this summer, just know that some software and hardware will not install at all and others may only work in 32 bit mode, not giving any advantage over Windows XP. By September, most companies should be up to date and we will all be moving towards 64 bit computing as the new home studio standard.
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