I have been through multiple forums regarding DAW builds in an effort to gather a list of components. Many MOBOs older than 3 or 4 months are no longer available. My last build was 6 years ago so components have changed drastically. There are some comments that are confusing regarding do’s and don’ts. If someone can shed some light, it would be appreciated.
I have been using Protools LE 002 rack since I started recording, but I am considering moving to CUBASE 7 when it’s available. I want to dabble with surround sound which is very costly in PT. I do not do commercial work anymore so having compatibility with other studios is really not an issue. Recording is now my hobby. I'm trying to keep my PC build below $1000.
Questions:
1. Are there some common issues with socket 1155 builds that suggest only going with socket 2011 builds these days?
2. Do certain MOBO’s work better with 1155 socket or 2011?
3. Is an i5 build more stable than an i7 build?
4. Are MOBO’s in UD5 or UD7 series a problem?
5. Can someone suggest a mid-level soundcard?
6. What interfaces work well/stable with Cubase 6.5 or upcoming 7 ($300-$500) range?

Input is appreciated.

mick

You may need to refine some of these questions!

Quote mdent:

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1. Are there some common issues with socket 1155 builds that suggest only going with socket 2011 builds these days?

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Don't think I've come across any platform that doesn't have its own nuances and that includes both of those platforms.

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2. Do certain MOBO’s work better with 1155 socket or 2011?

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Mobo's are either 1155 or 2011. If they both have the same model number extension (i.e. both have UD5 at the end) then rest assured the is far, far more difference between them than a simple socket size change.

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3. Is an i5 build more stable than an i7 build?

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On 1155 you can fit both i5 and i7 chips. Which you choose to go with makes no difference to stability.

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4. Are MOBO’s in UD5 or UD7 series a problem?

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Some people (myself included) used to swear by them althrough I found enough bugbares that I moved away from them completely. I know a lot of people still sucessfully using them however.

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5. Can someone suggest a mid-level soundcard?

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Define mid-level! I call mid level £500 - £1000 so probably worth making sure we're working to the same price point here...

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6. What interfaces work well/stable with Cubase 6.5 or upcoming 7 ($300-$500) range?

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What I/O do you need? USB/firewire/pcie?

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ScanProAudio & 3XS Audio Systems
ScanProAudio Blog

Thanks so much for the feedback. I now see what you mean regarding narrowing down my questions. The more questions I ask, the more I realize what I don't know.

I suspect that's the same for all of us, however much we know


Martin

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YewTreeMagic

Quote Martin Walker:

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I suspect that's the same for all of us, however much we know


Martin

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Yep. Welcome to my world!

Quote mdent:

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Thanks so much for the feedback. I now see what you mean regarding narrowing down my questions. The more questions I ask, the more I realize what I don't know.

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That's not a problem, its just leaving us a lot of scope to get the answers wrong. Read up a bit where you can and try and ask us questions when you get stuck.

Answering - "What is the best sound interface" is a really hard one without some sort of example of how it would be used as the are many great interfaces at different price points that are suitable for different uses.

Answering - "What is the best sound interface for recording a band live with a laptop using firewire" or "What interface would be most cost effective for a none recording electronic artist" are both fairly easy to give solid answers too.

My stock answer for "what is the best interface" is probably the RME UFX as it'll tick most boxes both live and in the studio and is rock solid... but then I imagine its a bit overkill for most people reading this thread!

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ScanProAudio & 3XS Audio Systems
ScanProAudio Blog