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Thread: What is the Gold-Standard for a Home Recording Setup?

  1. #1
    Member Guitarplyrjvb's Avatar
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    What is the Gold-Standard for a Home Recording Setup?

    I am considering upgrading my Windows XP/Sonar rig to the latest in hardware. I'll probably stay with Sonar since I don't really want to learn new software.

    What's the best system configuration and computer/audio interface for this purpose?

    My system is well over a decade old and I've kind of lost touch with what's out there now.

  2. #2
    Member hFx's Avatar
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    Depends on your budget and studio setup. If you need plenty of (analog) in/outs (using a desk and/or many outboard FX for the mix) or are OK with just a few. Plenty of good audio interfaces working well with Sonar, as well as mixing desks with integrated audio interface.
    My Progressive Workshop at http://soundcloud.com/hfxx

  3. #3
    Member Sputnik's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Guitarplyrjvb View Post
    I am considering upgrading my Windows XP/Sonar rig to the latest in hardware. I'll probably stay with Sonar since I don't really want to learn new software.

    What's the best system configuration and computer/audio interface for this purpose?

    My system is well over a decade old and I've kind of lost touch with what's out there now.
    So funny to hear another person in the same boat as me, this is exactly what I run for my music computer, XP and Sonar. I also really haven't kept up with what's out there either, so I'll be curious what others have to say. I use the computer basically for MIDI work, sort of like a sketchpad. Occasionally I lay down a scratch audio track, but I rarely need more than one audio input. It's really the computer I'm most curious about. I had mine custom-built about 10 years ago, and it's been a tank. But it's getting old and I'll have to do something at some point.

    The thing I'd really like to do with the upgrade is get a better soundcard. Anyone have any suggestions for that?

    Bill

  4. #4
    Member hFx's Avatar
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    There are tons of info "out there" of course - below is my "quick pick"

    Some ideas regarding choosing a computer:

    Build your own music computer:
    http://blog.logicalincrements.com/20...ic-production/

    Ready made:
    http://www.wirerealm.com/guides/top-...sic-production
    http://soundoracle.net/blogs/soundor...roduction-2016

    Budget audio interfaces:
    https://spinditty.com/instruments-ge...rface-for-2013 (updated for 2016)
    http://ehomerecordingstudio.com/best-audio-interfaces/
    My Progressive Workshop at http://soundcloud.com/hfxx

  5. #5
    Member Guitarplyrjvb's Avatar
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    The article that hFx recommends is very good.

    http://ehomerecordingstudio.com/best-audio-interfaces/

    A nice overview of all aspects. It looks like Sonar doesn't support the Mac so if I stay with Cakewalk, I'm in the PC world. It looks like Universal Audio and Focusrite are good with Thunderbolt interfaces. USB and Firewire seem to be outmoded.
    Last edited by Guitarplyrjvb; 12-05-2016 at 01:11 PM.

  6. #6
    Quote Originally Posted by Sputnik View Post
    So funny to hear another person in the same boat as me, this is exactly what I run for my music computer, XP and Sonar. I also really haven't kept up with what's out there either, so I'll be curious what others have to say. I use the computer basically for MIDI work, sort of like a sketchpad. Occasionally I lay down a scratch audio track, but I rarely need more than one audio input. It's really the computer I'm most curious about. I had mine custom-built about 10 years ago, and it's been a tank. But it's getting old and I'll have to do something at some point.

    The thing I'd really like to do with the upgrade is get a better soundcard. Anyone have any suggestions for that?

    Bill

    Well, let's make it 3 of us with XP/Sonar (I'm using Sonar7.)

    I too am considering upgrading the computer & I/O system after we move (Sticking with Sonar for similar reasons. Don't want to learn something new)
    Currently using a Delta 1010 audio interface. It's not supported anymore and sometimes does weird things (at the most inappropriate times of course)
    G.A.S -aholic

  7. #7
    Member Sputnik's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by hFx View Post
    There are tons of info "out there" of course - below is my "quick pick"

    Some ideas regarding choosing a computer:

    Build your own music computer:
    http://blog.logicalincrements.com/20...ic-production/

    Ready made:
    http://www.wirerealm.com/guides/top-...sic-production
    http://soundoracle.net/blogs/soundor...roduction-2016

    Budget audio interfaces:
    https://spinditty.com/instruments-ge...rface-for-2013 (updated for 2016)
    http://ehomerecordingstudio.com/best-audio-interfaces/
    Thanks man, I have some reading to do!

    Bill

  8. #8
    Member hFx's Avatar
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    If you have modest requirements regarding the I/O channel count, a USB interface will be quite sufficient and often cheaper too.
    My Progressive Workshop at http://soundcloud.com/hfxx

  9. #9
    Member Yodelgoat's Avatar
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    Wow, theres a whole bunch of us SONAR users here I guess. I'm on 8.2 and will not be upgrading anytime soon. There are only so many bells and whistles you can endure, and I am not interested in most of the newer features they are offering, with most of them making it easier to not be musically inclined, and get away with it. I'm an old school guy who likes a simple setup. Now that I know my way around, why would I want to unlearn it all?

    Drives me crazy, all the upgrades and new features. I just want the ability to get my ideas recorded. If you upgraded every time SONAR wanted you to, you would spend thousands, and always be on a new release, trying to learn where all the buttons are, while trying to record - its maddening.

    My PC is about 5 years old, and I have no intention of upgrading my Sonar anytime soon. I guess when it stops working. As it is, it needs to be rebooted every day or so, because things stop working. It could be Windows, it could be Sonar. I have never had my studio PC on the internet, so I dont get virus', but I also dont get regular windows updates.

  10. #10
    The eons are closing
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    Thank you for the linkage! It's a 2017 goal to get something setup [emoji106]
    Death inspires me like a dog inspires a rabbit

  11. #11
    Quote Originally Posted by Guitarplyrjvb View Post
    I am considering upgrading my Windows XP/Sonar rig to the latest in hardware. I'll probably stay with Sonar since I don't really want to learn new software.

    What's the best system configuration and computer/audio interface for this purpose?

    My system is well over a decade old and I've kind of lost touch with what's out there now.
    Add another Sonar user here, the new Platinum with lifetime updates (a pretty good deal). Here's what I can add to the discussion, if it's helpful:

    I stayed with XP for a long time, resisting Windows 7 and 8, and about 4 years ago left Sonar for Studio 1 (which is a very good program but I'm back with. Sonar). In late 2013 I built a new studio computer and put Windows 7 on it (I already knew Windows 8 was a no-go) and experienced a huge improvement in speed (XP stability had been great and W7 stayed the same). The machine has 16GB RAM, a great processor, etc. I also bought a Focurite 8i18 audio input to replace my aging Delta 1010.

    The Focusrite was great and until today I still had it (I just gave it to my son because I got a Focusrite 8I20 to replace it. If money were no object I would go with a Lynx Studio audio interface, but otherwise I'm very happy with the Focusrite products.

    I also moved up to Windows 10 earlier this year and have not regretted it. Better speed, great stability so far, and it works flawlessly with my Focusrite products.

    As for Sonar, it won't surprise that I recommend leaving version 8 or Sonar 1-3 behind and moving up to Sonar Platinum. I believe that until tomorrow (12/31) you can get lifetime updates included for free. The Cakewalk team has been rolling out updates and features every month, and it has been pretty cool.

    It's good to meet Sonar users in the Prog world. Best of luck,

    Steve McNamara

  12. #12
    Member Guitarplyrjvb's Avatar
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    My primary reasons for upgrading were getting access to better VST's and better quality recording and mastering. Upon thinking on it, I'd rather work on new music than new hardware/software. For now, I guess I'll stand pat until my current rig dies. It's nice to know what's out there, though! Things have come a long way in computer recording in the last 10 years or so. I guess there will always be new gear and the longer I put it off, the better the upgrade will be. Some of the new desktop computers have astounding capabilities!

  13. #13
    Quote Originally Posted by SteveMac View Post
    Add another Sonar user here, the new Platinum with lifetime updates (a pretty good deal). Here's what I can add to the discussion, if it's helpful:

    I stayed with XP for a long time, resisting Windows 7 and 8, and about 4 years ago left Sonar for Studio 1 (which is a very good program but I'm back with. Sonar). In late 2013 I built a new studio computer and put Windows 7 on it (I already knew Windows 8 was a no-go) and experienced a huge improvement in speed (XP stability had been great and W7 stayed the same). The machine has 16GB RAM, a great processor, etc. I also bought a Focurite 8i18 audio input to replace my aging Delta 1010.

    The Focusrite was great and until today I still had it (I just gave it to my son because I got a Focusrite 8I20 to replace it. If money were no object I would go with a Lynx Studio audio interface, but otherwise I'm very happy with the Focusrite products.

    I also moved up to Windows 10 earlier this year and have not regretted it. Better speed, great stability so far, and it works flawlessly with my Focusrite products.

    As for Sonar, it won't surprise that I recommend leaving version 8 or Sonar 1-3 behind and moving up to Sonar Platinum. I believe that until tomorrow (12/31) you can get lifetime updates included for free. The Cakewalk team has been rolling out updates and features every month, and it has been pretty cool.

    It's good to meet Sonar users in the Prog world. Best of luck,

    Steve McNamara

    Interesting comments about the Delta 1010.....


    As I stated in a post earlier; I use Sonar/ XP / and a delta 1010.....well, my 1010 died this weekend...now I'm in need of a new I/O device......SO MUCH has changed in the past 10 years and I'm completly out-of-it when it comes to the latest gear. I would like something similar to the functions of the 1010.......8 ins / 8 outs (heck I really only need 4 outs) plus MIDI in (must have!!! don't want a USB in but will go that way if I HAVE TO)

    Any suggestions people? I really need you help here....thx !
    G.A.S -aholic

  14. #14
    Member Guitarplyrjvb's Avatar
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    I thought that the Focusrite products looked the best from my recent exam. They have a bunch of I/O options so you can be relatively simple or complex. I haven't used it, though.

  15. #15
    Member hFx's Avatar
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    Yes I'd recommend a Focusrite too - however, it depends on how you will use the inputs and outputs.
    My Progressive Workshop at http://soundcloud.com/hfxx

  16. #16
    Ok, the Focusrite Clarett 4 Pre looks like it would fit my needs.

    Does this come with a sound card?....the Delta 1010 did......not sure how these things all get hooked up these days.
    G.A.S -aholic

  17. #17
    Member Guitarplyrjvb's Avatar
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    I think they pretty much use whatever soundcard is installed on your system.

  18. #18
    Member hFx's Avatar
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    Not suitable I believe. It requires a thunderbolt interface on your computer (a quite modern Mac that is).

    Better look at the Focusrite Scarlet range instead (USB interfaces) - 18i8 for example - however it depends on your requirements. In practice, 18i8 provides 6 analog inputs but no separate analog outputs - just monitor and dual phones outputs. i.e. not very usable for feeding external FX. Do you depend on an analog mixer in your setup?

    More close to the Delta 1010 with regard to analog I/O is Focusrite Scarlet 18i20, but that's a bit more expensive.
    My Progressive Workshop at http://soundcloud.com/hfxx

  19. #19
    Member Guitarplyrjvb's Avatar
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    Has anybody noticed a change in the quality of the recorded sound as a result of these upgrades? Right now, I'm recording with a bit depth of 16. I imagine that the newest stuff is much more detailed than that. The question is, can you really hear the difference?

    What component/spec is the primary driver of sound quality?

  20. #20
    Member hFx's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Guitarplyrjvb View Post
    Has anybody noticed a change in the quality of the recorded sound as a result of these upgrades? Right now, I'm recording with a bit depth of 16. I imagine that the newest stuff is much more detailed than that. The question is, can you really hear the difference?

    What component/spec is the primary driver of sound quality?
    The most important gain (!!) regarding 24 bit recording is that you don't have to be very careful about the recording level and can leave plenty of headroom for dynamics. As for the higher sampling rate, the debate is still on. Most audio interfaces mid-range and up are pretty darn good. However there's still plenty of chances to f*ck up in the analog domain (bad gain staging resulting in unwanted distortion and noise).

    IMHO the biggest advantage to upgrade is the 24 bits...
    My Progressive Workshop at http://soundcloud.com/hfxx

  21. #21
    Another Sonar user. I'm at Producer X3, I think...machine is a Windows 7 64-bit build. CPU is an i7, 16 or 32 GB RAM, and all SSD except for a couple of "old school" hard drives for deeper backup. One important detail for me: machine is fully network-disconnected. No ethernet, wifi, any of it. I've done this now for a couple of machines and I find they run far more smoothly sans all the endless updates/tweaks that Microsoft drops. Getting harder these days as many software packages really want you online to use their package, but it works well for me.

    I had an RME HDSP9632 card but just updated to a Presonus 16 channel digital mixer with firewire for my interface. Took a while to sort out some of the particulars (I had to download one specific Windows update offline to get it to load drivers correctly), but it's great. I mostly run everything at 24/48 and it's certainly good enough.

    I also have an older Presonus ADL-600 stereo tube pre that I use for "warming up" some sounds during recording.
    If you're actually reading this then chances are you already have my last album but if NOT and you're curious:
    https://battema.bandcamp.com/

    Also, Ephemeral Sun: it's a thing and we like making things that might be your thing: https://ephemeralsun.bandcamp.com

  22. #22
    Quote Originally Posted by Supersonic Scientist View Post
    Ok, the Focusrite Clarett 4 Pre looks like it would fit my needs.

    Does this come with a sound card?....the Delta 1010 did......not sure how these things all get hooked up these days.


    Farq it ! I just bought a used Delta 1010 off Ebay....just dropped in the new sound card and viola', I was back in business....but SOMEDAY, I'll have to upgrade most of this gear.
    G.A.S -aholic

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