By jimmy Recard
Tue Dec 07, 2021 11:57 am
Hi
I was hoping y’all could give me some advice for my new PC DAW Build…
Please keep in mind I’ve not really done mixing/recording for like 10 years so I’m very out of the loop re tech/hardware and software + today’s audio file standards etc. I’ve done as much research as I can but still got loads to catch up on.
I’ve never even used proper MIDI let alone synth instruments etc so don’t assuming something’s too obvious to mention ok
It will be Windows 10; but might try a second boot with Windows 11 later to see if it’s any better for DAW?
BTW – when it comes to PC Hardware - I don’t care about RGB – I’d rather spend the money on what matters most. Similarly, I only go for brands if they are reliable ones to get – otherwise I don’t care about branding.
I need to know what are the values I need to know regarding Read/Write speeds for Recording Audio to Storage AND for Read/Write speeds needed for multitrack playback AND for Storage to actively and properly utilise Samples + use Synths on PCIE Nvme’s,M.2 SSD’s, regular SSDs, old school HDDs etc.
I want to record audio and use MIDI stuff, plugins, samples, synths etc.
I need this info so I can determine what to choose for storage; as well as determine if my whole build should be based on PCIE – 3.0, 4.0 or 5.0 as this affects which CPU/MOBO and RAM I get. As well as massively affecting the types of Storage I end up with.
For reference - I have a brand new Roland Octa Capture I will be using for Audio Recording + MIDI; probably on Ableton 11/10 or maybe Pro Tools etc – here are the specs
https://www.roland.com/au/products/octa ... fications/
What bitrate etc would you recommend for mics, guitar/instrument inputs etc?
Eg just 44.1kHz, 24 bit or should you go higher these days?
Are there certain instruments, sounds or tasks where you’d use specific bitrates that are different to other fields?
Would a PCIE 3.0 system be enough to record AT LEAST 3-5 live channels simultaneously, and also curious re the possibility of up to 8-10 channels too but not soo important for me?
Or would PCIE 3.0 limit the amount and quality of channels I could record simultaneously – would PCIE 4.0 really be required?
I was going to get a new 12700K Build – but now I’m seriously reconsidering scrapping that and just get a 10th or 11th or maybe even 9th Gen Intel system instead; as I should be able to get a heck of a lot more bang for my buck (I’m certainly not rich but want to future proof as much as I can afford).
I would most likely be looking at i7’s, maybe even i5 for 12th gen, and might consider i9’s or specialty if there’s a good value deal. I’m looking for the best balance of single CPU Speed, multi core speeds and Cache for my money.
Can y’all advise me on what you think the priority mix is for Single CPU, Multi Core CPU and Cache when it comes to DAWS like Ableton/Pro Tools. Eg Which tasks require which of these things the most and what minimums would you recommend for various things – Including for RAM too? Which tasks rely of what tech the most etc?
This goes for the different areas of Audio Recording, multitrack playback/mixing, MIDI using samples and Synth instruments, as well as power hungry Plugins etc?
Re RAM - I was planning on minimum 16GB (2x8GB) 3200/3600 but hoping to get 32GB instead if I can (ideally 2x16GB to leave space for more later if I can afford it).
The thought of getting secondhand RAM is a possibility but I really worry it might have been pushed hard for work purposes 24/7, or Crypto Mining, or Overclocked to death by gamers/renderers etc and be compromised or just die sometime not too long after buying it?
Am I worrying too much? I could surely get a lot more secondhand but worry it could all be lost too.
Reality is DDR5 is too expensive for what you get and nothing uses PCIE 5.0 yet. Plus anything 12th gen will cost through the nose compared to older stuff. On top of that – they don’t even have any cheaper Motherboards yet.
I probably won’t try to Overclock the CPU – maybe, but more likely towards the end of its life when it’s not such a big deal if it dies. However, I might be tempted to try some level of Overclocking RAM – or at least just using the XMP profiles. How safe is it Overclocking RAM – and any advice?
Is it ok to use less well known RAM Brands – eg generics like V-Color or other random things as long as they have a consensus of pretty good reviews? Eg https://www.amazon.com.au/V-Color-3200M ... 5RQ8W?th=1
Storage wise – IDEALLY I’d prefer a PCIE 4.0 system with PCIE 40 NVME/SATA etc but wondering if the PCIE 3.0 drives will be just fine instead? This is the plan for storage allocation – please advise me on if this needs adjusting? I really will be guessing with sizes – no idea what to get.
Again – I am way out of the loop and have no experience with this stuff – just going on what I’ve read.
I’ll try to get all PCIE 4.0 NVME drives if I can afford it – or is that not necessary?
1) System Drive (Win 10/11) – 1TB min, maybe 2+ TB PCIE 4.0/PCIE 3.0 NVME
2) Recording/Project Files Drive – 500GB min up to 1+TB PCIE 4.0/PCIE 3.0 NVME
3) Samples Drive – 500GB min up to 1+TB PCIE 4.0/PCIE 3.0 NVME
4) Scratch Disk Drive – 500GB min up to 1+TB PCIE 4.0/PCIE 3.0 NVME
5) ANY OTHER DRIVES I NEED for specific purposes?
6) Of course other backups too
Are some of these size estimates way too big? If I can afford it I’ll get bigger where I can – but just curious where I might consider saving some coin for other things?
Regarding Scratch Disk - would Ableton/Pro Tools etc really benefit from one drive just for Temp files and stuff just like Photoshop does? Or is it not that important these days?
How would it work – what functions would it allocate to the Scratch disk as opposed to the DAW program itself probably running from the System Drive (can you only install Ableton/Pro Tools on the System Drive in the normal way as opposed to any drive you want)? For example, re cpu/ram etc main mixing functions allocated to Ableton program but Synth Instrument and Plugins allocated to RAM and Scratch disk?
If I am forced to get PCIE 3.0 only – would it help or would it actually be necessary to RAID some drives for faster read/write? If so – what do you recommend?
Of the four drives suggested above – can you please write down if there any of these that will require a “minimum” type of storage to work properly and also a ‘would be better to have at least’ option too? EXAMPLE ONLY - System Drive must be min m.2 SATA but would be better as PCIE 4.0/PCIE 3.0 NVME, Recording/Project Files Drive, must be min SSD but would be better m.2 SATA or higher etc etc?
I’m hoping to get a Motherboard that has ideally 1-4 m.2 slots for PCIE 4.0/PCIE 3.0 NVME’s and I hope running at full PCIE speeds (eg x4 each rather than x2). But if I really have to – maybe I could get a x16 - 4x4 Drive adapter card at some point if needed.
I’m currently going to use an old 7970 video card or integrated gpu so most PCIE Lanes should be pretty free for more storage as I’m told most modern video cards max out usage at 8x PCIE lanes at most even if they say they need x16 – but mine is from 2013 so I assume it should really use 8x or less in reality?
Re Read/Write speeds - would it be faster/better to split a single 1-4TB PCIE Nvme into 3-4 partitions rather than have the DAW trying to Read/Write to multiple physically separate drives all at once? Obviously I could have backups on other drives in case it fails. And could I just RAID two or 4x 1TB drives together then partition that one “big drive” for even better speed etc?
Any recommendations on good value Motherboard pref with m.2 slots – something good for Audio or just a good mix of features?
Also regarding Storage – I’ve seen videos/sites saying you might want to get different drives and in different ‘arrangements’ for different purposes. Eg get the fastest PCIE 4.0 Nvme you can for System drive.
But get the fastest Write/Read drive (in that order) for BOTH your Audio Recording/Project Files Drive, AND your Scratch Disk Drive – and maybe raid them for speed for Write/Read? And for those drives also I’ve heard you should choose a drive that is capable of more read/writes over it’s life time specifically? What term do I search for regarding that?
Similar thing for Samples Drive or just a drive that has faster Read speeds (RAIDED or not)?
Have I got the idea right? Any recommendations for specific drives or sizes etc?
Any recommendations on moderately priced and slightly more higher end CPU Coolers, Case Fans and Quiet/Silent Full EATX/ATX PC Cases? Re Cases I’ve heard part Mesh cases are good but should have some kind of filters? What kind of filters do you need and can you add them if they don’t have em?
BTW I have no idea how much space an hour of audio takes these days. Also, if I want to have loads and loads of samples for synths eg complete orchestra packs etc I have no idea how much space to allocate for that stuff either?
Is there anything else hardware related that I’ve not thought of? Too much to think about when it comes to choosing parts!
I hope I haven’t put you all to sleep just yet – I know I have a lot of questions! I look forward to hearing some great advice from the more experienced out there!
Thank you for your help and time.
Cheers
I was hoping y’all could give me some advice for my new PC DAW Build…
Please keep in mind I’ve not really done mixing/recording for like 10 years so I’m very out of the loop re tech/hardware and software + today’s audio file standards etc. I’ve done as much research as I can but still got loads to catch up on.
I’ve never even used proper MIDI let alone synth instruments etc so don’t assuming something’s too obvious to mention ok
It will be Windows 10; but might try a second boot with Windows 11 later to see if it’s any better for DAW?
BTW – when it comes to PC Hardware - I don’t care about RGB – I’d rather spend the money on what matters most. Similarly, I only go for brands if they are reliable ones to get – otherwise I don’t care about branding.
I need to know what are the values I need to know regarding Read/Write speeds for Recording Audio to Storage AND for Read/Write speeds needed for multitrack playback AND for Storage to actively and properly utilise Samples + use Synths on PCIE Nvme’s,M.2 SSD’s, regular SSDs, old school HDDs etc.
I want to record audio and use MIDI stuff, plugins, samples, synths etc.
I need this info so I can determine what to choose for storage; as well as determine if my whole build should be based on PCIE – 3.0, 4.0 or 5.0 as this affects which CPU/MOBO and RAM I get. As well as massively affecting the types of Storage I end up with.
For reference - I have a brand new Roland Octa Capture I will be using for Audio Recording + MIDI; probably on Ableton 11/10 or maybe Pro Tools etc – here are the specs
https://www.roland.com/au/products/octa ... fications/
What bitrate etc would you recommend for mics, guitar/instrument inputs etc?
Eg just 44.1kHz, 24 bit or should you go higher these days?
Are there certain instruments, sounds or tasks where you’d use specific bitrates that are different to other fields?
Would a PCIE 3.0 system be enough to record AT LEAST 3-5 live channels simultaneously, and also curious re the possibility of up to 8-10 channels too but not soo important for me?
Or would PCIE 3.0 limit the amount and quality of channels I could record simultaneously – would PCIE 4.0 really be required?
I was going to get a new 12700K Build – but now I’m seriously reconsidering scrapping that and just get a 10th or 11th or maybe even 9th Gen Intel system instead; as I should be able to get a heck of a lot more bang for my buck (I’m certainly not rich but want to future proof as much as I can afford).
I would most likely be looking at i7’s, maybe even i5 for 12th gen, and might consider i9’s or specialty if there’s a good value deal. I’m looking for the best balance of single CPU Speed, multi core speeds and Cache for my money.
Can y’all advise me on what you think the priority mix is for Single CPU, Multi Core CPU and Cache when it comes to DAWS like Ableton/Pro Tools. Eg Which tasks require which of these things the most and what minimums would you recommend for various things – Including for RAM too? Which tasks rely of what tech the most etc?
This goes for the different areas of Audio Recording, multitrack playback/mixing, MIDI using samples and Synth instruments, as well as power hungry Plugins etc?
Re RAM - I was planning on minimum 16GB (2x8GB) 3200/3600 but hoping to get 32GB instead if I can (ideally 2x16GB to leave space for more later if I can afford it).
The thought of getting secondhand RAM is a possibility but I really worry it might have been pushed hard for work purposes 24/7, or Crypto Mining, or Overclocked to death by gamers/renderers etc and be compromised or just die sometime not too long after buying it?
Am I worrying too much? I could surely get a lot more secondhand but worry it could all be lost too.
Reality is DDR5 is too expensive for what you get and nothing uses PCIE 5.0 yet. Plus anything 12th gen will cost through the nose compared to older stuff. On top of that – they don’t even have any cheaper Motherboards yet.
I probably won’t try to Overclock the CPU – maybe, but more likely towards the end of its life when it’s not such a big deal if it dies. However, I might be tempted to try some level of Overclocking RAM – or at least just using the XMP profiles. How safe is it Overclocking RAM – and any advice?
Is it ok to use less well known RAM Brands – eg generics like V-Color or other random things as long as they have a consensus of pretty good reviews? Eg https://www.amazon.com.au/V-Color-3200M ... 5RQ8W?th=1
Storage wise – IDEALLY I’d prefer a PCIE 4.0 system with PCIE 40 NVME/SATA etc but wondering if the PCIE 3.0 drives will be just fine instead? This is the plan for storage allocation – please advise me on if this needs adjusting? I really will be guessing with sizes – no idea what to get.
Again – I am way out of the loop and have no experience with this stuff – just going on what I’ve read.
I’ll try to get all PCIE 4.0 NVME drives if I can afford it – or is that not necessary?
1) System Drive (Win 10/11) – 1TB min, maybe 2+ TB PCIE 4.0/PCIE 3.0 NVME
2) Recording/Project Files Drive – 500GB min up to 1+TB PCIE 4.0/PCIE 3.0 NVME
3) Samples Drive – 500GB min up to 1+TB PCIE 4.0/PCIE 3.0 NVME
4) Scratch Disk Drive – 500GB min up to 1+TB PCIE 4.0/PCIE 3.0 NVME
5) ANY OTHER DRIVES I NEED for specific purposes?
6) Of course other backups too
Are some of these size estimates way too big? If I can afford it I’ll get bigger where I can – but just curious where I might consider saving some coin for other things?
Regarding Scratch Disk - would Ableton/Pro Tools etc really benefit from one drive just for Temp files and stuff just like Photoshop does? Or is it not that important these days?
How would it work – what functions would it allocate to the Scratch disk as opposed to the DAW program itself probably running from the System Drive (can you only install Ableton/Pro Tools on the System Drive in the normal way as opposed to any drive you want)? For example, re cpu/ram etc main mixing functions allocated to Ableton program but Synth Instrument and Plugins allocated to RAM and Scratch disk?
If I am forced to get PCIE 3.0 only – would it help or would it actually be necessary to RAID some drives for faster read/write? If so – what do you recommend?
Of the four drives suggested above – can you please write down if there any of these that will require a “minimum” type of storage to work properly and also a ‘would be better to have at least’ option too? EXAMPLE ONLY - System Drive must be min m.2 SATA but would be better as PCIE 4.0/PCIE 3.0 NVME, Recording/Project Files Drive, must be min SSD but would be better m.2 SATA or higher etc etc?
I’m hoping to get a Motherboard that has ideally 1-4 m.2 slots for PCIE 4.0/PCIE 3.0 NVME’s and I hope running at full PCIE speeds (eg x4 each rather than x2). But if I really have to – maybe I could get a x16 - 4x4 Drive adapter card at some point if needed.
I’m currently going to use an old 7970 video card or integrated gpu so most PCIE Lanes should be pretty free for more storage as I’m told most modern video cards max out usage at 8x PCIE lanes at most even if they say they need x16 – but mine is from 2013 so I assume it should really use 8x or less in reality?
Re Read/Write speeds - would it be faster/better to split a single 1-4TB PCIE Nvme into 3-4 partitions rather than have the DAW trying to Read/Write to multiple physically separate drives all at once? Obviously I could have backups on other drives in case it fails. And could I just RAID two or 4x 1TB drives together then partition that one “big drive” for even better speed etc?
Any recommendations on good value Motherboard pref with m.2 slots – something good for Audio or just a good mix of features?
Also regarding Storage – I’ve seen videos/sites saying you might want to get different drives and in different ‘arrangements’ for different purposes. Eg get the fastest PCIE 4.0 Nvme you can for System drive.
But get the fastest Write/Read drive (in that order) for BOTH your Audio Recording/Project Files Drive, AND your Scratch Disk Drive – and maybe raid them for speed for Write/Read? And for those drives also I’ve heard you should choose a drive that is capable of more read/writes over it’s life time specifically? What term do I search for regarding that?
Similar thing for Samples Drive or just a drive that has faster Read speeds (RAIDED or not)?
Have I got the idea right? Any recommendations for specific drives or sizes etc?
Any recommendations on moderately priced and slightly more higher end CPU Coolers, Case Fans and Quiet/Silent Full EATX/ATX PC Cases? Re Cases I’ve heard part Mesh cases are good but should have some kind of filters? What kind of filters do you need and can you add them if they don’t have em?
BTW I have no idea how much space an hour of audio takes these days. Also, if I want to have loads and loads of samples for synths eg complete orchestra packs etc I have no idea how much space to allocate for that stuff either?
Is there anything else hardware related that I’ve not thought of? Too much to think about when it comes to choosing parts!
I hope I haven’t put you all to sleep just yet – I know I have a lot of questions! I look forward to hearing some great advice from the more experienced out there!
Thank you for your help and time.
Cheers
