Rain Recording Offers New DAW PCs

Looking to provide computer-based solutions for digital audio applications, Rain Recording announced the Element audio computer. Each component in the Element has been chosen for performance in the recording and mixing environment, and the entire suite of components are matched for efficiency and quiet operation. Built in a lightweight aluminum chassis with superior cooling properties, the Element features a Pentium 4 processor with Hyper-Threading, 1GB of RAM, 6 FireWire ports, 8 USB 2.0 ports, and a DVD-R drive.

The Rain design team has chosen Intel motherboards and processors. The BIOS is optimized for audio applications, and Intel's Hyper-Threading Technology delivers the power of a dual-processor without all the added heat.

Even in pro studio situations, convenience often dictates that the computer be close at hand. Ambient noise, however, is a perennial problem, and it is not uncommon for users to spend thousands of dollars sonically isolating their computers, or risk data errors with longer cable runs. The Element Audio PC, however, eliminates the noise problem at its source. By using specially-selected, cooler-running components and its unique aluminum chassis, Rain has been able to reduce the speed of the cooling fans to the point where noise levels are at or below a pro studio noise floor, according to the company.

Rain maintains a strict policy of internal component consistency--there are no substitutions based on specifications, even if a similar component is less expensive. Over 30 leading audio software and hardware products have been fully tested and qualified with Rain systems. "Certification is a good thing," said Bill Paschick, President of Rain, "but our real-world testing raises the bar much higher in order to obtain the level of reliability we want to bring to our customers." Rain works closely with leading audio software and hardware manufacturers like Cakewalk, Presonus, and Frontier Design.

The Element also features thumbscrews that enable removal of the chassis lid without a screwdriver and an optional aluminum "RAK" adapter that makes the Element easily rack-mountable while still allowing lid removal.

"Rain is committed to providing the most responsive and well-informed customer service in the industry," said Bill Paschick. "All Rain products are backed by free tech support and we encourage our customers to use us as a resource for all matters relating to digital audio production. We have also worked to streamline the buying process. The new Element replaces three previous base models because we decided to make one superior system for digital audio instead of hitting a bunch of price points, while our online store makes it easy to select add-ons and upgrades. Our customers choose Rain because they need the best solution for getting work done."

Element specifications:

• Intel Pentium 4 Processor 530J LGA775 1MB L2 3.0 GHz 800 MHz
• 915 PBLL MB with integrated FireWire, audio, and 10/100 LAN, 64-bit ready
• 1GB of DDR-2 RAM (533Mhz)
• 200GB Ultra 100 ATA hard drive with 8 MB buffer, 4 SATA ports
• Dual layer DVD-RW / CD-RW combo optical drive, 1.44 floppy drive
• 6 FireWire ports (IEEE 1394 / 6 pin) (4 external / 2 internal)
• 8 USB 2.0 ports (6 External / 2 Internal)
• Dual PCI Express video ports
• 10/100 on-board network adaptor
• Microsoft Windows XP Professional
• Silent 300 watt power supply
• Intel Precision Cooling Technology
• Zalman CNPS (Computer Noise Prevention System)
• 100% aluminum alloy tower chassis
• USB keyboard and mouse

The Element audio computer will be available April 4 with an MSRP of $2799.