First build. I need some advice on custom building a pc for recording/editing audio.

The bearded clam

Hello,

I'm new to boards.ie. I've been scouting around for a decent build within my budget for a while, i have a general idea of what i need so i'll add the specs that i was thinking of and hopefully i'll get advice if i'm making any mistakes. Forgive me if any of it seems foolish or unnecessary. Also i've added the recommended info at the bottom...

Here's what i think i need:

CPU: I'd like a good processor so i was thinking about an intel i7 (not sure which one to go with though.)
Ram: 16gb
SSD/HDD: I was looking at a 120gb Solid state drive to run programs with a 1tb Hard drive for storage. (would i need a bigger SSD in order to ensure my software runs smooth? I'm not sure if latency has anything to do with this?)
Soundcard: I need a good soundcard that is compatible with asio. I was looking at the creative sound blaster ZxR 5.1

Other important info: I'm using a mixer that connects through firewire so that's a necessity, i also need to keep latency as low as possible. I'll be using cubase 6. (hopefully this will be helpful for anyone who might be willing to give advice)

Again, if i'm wrong about any of the above remember that i'm practically a noob so feel free to correct me.

1. What is your budget? 1200-1400

2. What will be the main purpose of the computer? Audio recording/editing. I'll be using it for browsing the internet too...but i think it's obvious that any rig recommended should handle that with ease.

3. Do you need a copy of Windows? [Yes/No]

4. Can you use any parts from an old computer? No

5. Do you need a monitor? Yes

5a. If yes, what size do you need. 20-22"

6. Do you need any of these peripherals? Keyboard, mouse, wireless connectivity.

7. Are you willing to try overclocking? Not sure if i would benefit from this...i don't know much about modding.

8. How can you pay? Bank transfer, credit card or laser. (whatever is required)

9. When are you purchasing? 2 or 3 weeks

10. If you need help building it, where are you based? Kildare

ED E

Yo should have enough there. Unless you plan on recording like 10 tracks simultaneously.

Things to consider:

• Two monitors
• Noise: Does it need to be silent?
• External DAC/Hard controls might be useful unless you're routing back via the mixing desk
• FW card can be stuck into any build
• Make sure you have some sort of backup solution, dont want to lose a load of artist material when a drive gives up the ghost.

Is this a totally new setup, what gear have you already other than the desk? Need monitors(audio)?

The bearded clam

Hey ED E,

Thanks for the reply. Yeah, i'll be running around 5-7 tracks for drum mics alone. In some cases i'll be running guitar and bass straight through alongside the drums for guide tracks and maybe keyboards too, depending on the band and how they feel comfortable recording. So i'll need to keep everything running as smooth as possible.

For now i'll have to stick with one monitor because i won't have much cash left over once i've bought the rig. I'll be routing back through the mixer and i will be buying an external hard drive in the following few weeks...i'd be pretty disappointed if it packed it in too soon.

It is a totally new setup, when you ask what gear i have i assume you mean the likes of compressors, effects processors etc? At the moment i have none...haven't had the cash to really attempt to get a proper setup until now. I've been using cubase plugins...i know, not the best choice! I plan to get the pc up and running and then i'll be saving for some good gear. And last but not least i have factored in the audio monitors...i'm looking at a pair of krk rokit 6's or a pair of behringer b2031a monitors. (both are active)