Craig: What type of computer are you using? What components, etc?

Craig, since you are the Guru of Gurus, we would be interested in what computer you are using: PC or Mac; if PC, Intel or AMD; amount of memory; hard drives; recording interface; major software --- you get the picture.

I'm starting to collect components for the computer build that I will use strictly for recording purposes --- PC based. I seem to be reading conflicting information in some instances on interfaces, and so on.

Got a minute? Spill your guts.

Well, for me computers are appliances, I have no religion. The real guru for me is Pete Leoni, I've learned most of what I know from him.

I used only 68xxx-based machines for 10 years - Mac, Atari, Amiga but got a PC in 1995 when there were no decent stereo digital audio editing programs for the Mac. Since then I've used both platforms, but right now, I'm using PC more than Mac although I'm using the Mac more than I was, say, a year ago.

My main music computer is a dual Athlon design that was written up in the August 2002 issue of EQ magazine. It still is a very powerful system but the Tyan mobo is dying, so I'm getting a new one. I've upgraded hard drives several times and have removeable drive bays - a beautiful thing. I've also upgraded to an 8.5GB DVD-R drive and added a Firewire card; I need to add a USB 2 card next. It's a workhorse in a rack mount, runs XP Pro, and kicks butt. A similar design is sold by Advanced Systems of Kentucky and East Coast Music Mall, and I recommend both sources highly. I have also heard very good things about Sweetwater's Creation Station computers, particularly with respect to quiet operation.

My other computer is a dual G5 Mac which I use mostly for running Digital Performer (fine program, and convenient file exchange with a collaborator!) and a few other programs. I'd like to network it with the Windows machine. Honestly, though, it's hard for me to keep on top of all the Mac upgrades and patches when OS X goes through its changes. I haven't upgraded to 10.4 yet, for example.

I have an old G3 laptop that served me well for many years; I used to use ONLY Mac laptops. But I jumped over to a PC laptop when Apple couldn't keep up value-wise and while the industrial design can't touch a Mac, the price/performance ratio is way ahead.

As to interface, Creamware PowerPulsar (SCOPE) all the way. Great ASIO and WDM drivers, fantastic soft synths, solid processors, superior internal patching...it totally rocks. I cannot understand why more people don't use it in the US. I think it's probably due to price, but when you add up the cost of everything you get in the package, it's a good deal. The only thing that even comes close is the Emu Emulator X package.

As to software, I use a ton of different programs because it's my gig to be as familiar with as much of it as possible and frankly, it's all pretty good these days I use Sonar, Live, and Reason a lot, but that's unfair to the all the programs I use on a regular basis - Vegas for video (superb), Acid Pro for soundtracks, Project5...Cubase SX for some dance projects...you get the idea. I have the luxury of always being able to choose the perfect tool for the job.

Does that help?

Craig, Tiger totally rocks! It's the best OS I've ever used.

You should think about that upgrade. That said, I really didn't get a chance to use Panther. I went right from XP to Tiger, so it might be no more exciting for you than the other versions of OSX.

As I've said before, I think XP and OS X are totally great operating systems...Microsoft and Apple both got it right.

Good stuff, Craig. Thanks for the info.

I've had my eye on that Creamware Pulsar gear ever since it was reviewed a few years back in Computer Music Magazine. Unfortunately, quality is often expensive and it's been just out of my reach...so far.

Recently picked up E-Mu's 1212m card to install in the new build. The specs appear pretty good to my layman's eye, though some of the driver comments I've read both here in HC's forum pages and elsewhere had me a little hesitant. I was actually more intrigued by the more involved Emulator X Studio but, again, those inhibiting budget constraints.

Thanks again, Craig. Your time, expertise and clarity are always appreciated by those of us still somewhat baffled by the CroMagnon dreams of our Neanderthal minds!

I wholeheartedly agree!

The OS nitpicking Mac vs. PC debate is now a silly sidetrack issue. Both platforms are now great for music and anything else. I will say that if you are going to do music on either platform, make sure to use either XP or OS X. Prior OS's on both platforms are too unstable for audio/music work in my opinion.

I'm primarily using OS X Tiger (on my G5), but I have a powerbook with Panther on it, and even though I actually own a copy of Tiger for the powerbook, I haven't gotten around to updating it yet. Panther is fine for now, but as Craig notes, the endless updates for OS X gets pretty tiring from a user point of view.

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E-mu is good about posting updates. They did a major one not too long ago; make SURE you grab it, and follow the directions for installation to the letter. In particular, the update greatly improved operation with Sonar, and the board also "played nice" with the Creamware system. It worked okay before the update, but was much more picky about operation.

The same comments go for the Proteus-based system as well, it uses very similar software and drivers.