JSB wrote:Now you tell me.... If a secondhand mongrel like this can run his music software without problem what the hell are people actually paying for when they get these so called ' Music PC Specialists' to build them one?
1) Noise Levels
It takes knowledge of what components to choose and how to place them in order to create a quiet computer. Although mainstream manufacturers like HP, Dell etc... have started to take noise levels more seriously recently, a typical off the shelf system will not be nearly as quiet as a properly treated PC.
2) Component Choice
When you're building a system for a specific purpose like audio, you can tailor the components for that task. An audio specific computer does not need a dual NVIDIA GeForce 7800 GTX SLI rig when the most taxing visuals it will produce is the Cubase score editor! Plus, by adding components that are not needed, you introduce the potential for complications/conflicts and pay a lot more than is needed.
3) Support
Perhaps this is less important to the average home musician who's just recording to impress their mates at the pub, but for many people, the support a company like Carillon can offer is worth the premium alone. If you phone up Dell and ask why your copy of Pro Tools isn't working with your new Mackie Control, they probably won't be of much assistance. A specialised music PC company on the other hand, will know intimately about your Pro Tools setup and have the knowledge and resources to help you out. For some of these specialist companies, you can talk to the actual engineer who contructed and configured your machine.
4) Configuration
Although Windows XP is pretty good out the box, there are still things that can be done to improve it for audio. On top of that, the installation and testing of your chosen audio software and/or hardware can be done at the time of construction where any bugs can be ironed out saving time and effort later.
A company like Carillon will tell you before hand whether there's a known incompatiblity between your chosen EMU card and PowerCore box instead of the user getting the card themselves, installing it and only then finding there's an issue after they've made an investment.
So, there's a couple of reasons. If you have the knowledge, time and resources to build your own systems, that's great. It can be very rewarding, increase one's knowledge and save some money as well.
If you don't, won't or can't put together your own audio system, these companies offer a service which will take the hassle away and deliver a nice shrink wrapped box ready to plug in and go. Leaving the customer to get on with making their music.
And thanks for resurrecting this thread. I thought it was dead, but 5 months later, it returns! :beamup:
by PWGLE » Wed Oct 05, 2005 12:13 am 
