can an off-the-shelf do the job?

[canars1]

I'm new to PC music recording. I bought a decent Compaq PC (512MB, 160GB hard drive, 2.16 Ghz AMD Athlon processor). Bought Steinberg Studio Case for Cubase and VSTs. Roland Juno-2 for MIDI controller that I've had for years. Audiophile USB MIDI interface.

The problem is LATENCY. I know this is a widespread problem for people. I've tried to narrow it down and I'm wondering if I should see if my current PC can be optimized or I should start over and buy a PC that's already customized for this use.

The other weird thing that happens is that the Audiophile drivers just disappear and I have to reinstall from scratch.

I'm a serious newbie and your thoughts might help me start enjoying this stuff. Thank you.

Name's Bobo.

[web01169]

believe you me...i feel your pain as i have nuendo and latency kills me and i dont know how to correct it..but the only thing i can think to do is listing to my keyboards internal sounds while recording the plug-in sound as far as recording audio to get passed the problem i listen to the straight signal from the mixer before it goes through the soundcard and i am afraid you may have to do the same unless someone knows another way and i cant wait to here it

[canars1]

Thank you! I've read about external monitoring and borrowed a mixing board. Dumb question - do I need to set up something in the software or is just hooking up the MIDI interface to the mixing board sufficient so that the computer knows it is not the sound monitor?

[Justin]

Since you mentioned a new PC as an option. I thought you guys might get a kick out of a sneak preview of this:

http://www.sweetwater.com/creation_station/

:)

These is our new PC line. We've worked really hard the last few months to build a great system that is ready for pro audio "off the shelf". If you do end up looking at a new PC, consider one of these. They'll save you time and money compared to trying to research and build, or tweak an off the shelf PC.

[BillyJack]

Ex-Die-Hard-PC guy here. If you're gonna be a game player then disregard this because games are made for PC but, if you're a musician, I promiss you, your best bet for getting rid of latency is MAC. :( Sorry fellow IBMers but it's true. I've stuck with my PCs all I can but, when it comes to audio/video work MAC is it. I've replaced and upgraded my PCs on average every two years for the last 15yrs and it stops now. The twin engine MAC is so damn fast that you won't believe it. There's no learning curve, MAC OS works alot like Windows. Few minor differences but none that are note worthy. I know IBMers concider this taboo but facts are facts and all I can suggest is that you check in on it.

[Justin]

I've used both. Mac's are closer knit with the industry so they are at times easier to integrate into a studio. That being said, a pc built specifically for audio can be just as good.

Since you brought up games, one thing I do recommend. If you want something for games and word processing, get an off the shelf e-machine or dell, or compaq or whatever and have fun. Just keep your studio machine dedicated to audio, and seperate from the games, internet, and office stuff. It'll just bog down your audio system with unnecessary drivers, processes, and hard drive clutter.