vox541 Posted February 11, 2012 Share Posted February 11, 2012 Without building it unless its simple, which are the least expensive used non-mac laptops to run Cubase or Fruity Loops with VST softsynths and effects these days? To avoid buying something powerful enough to run many VSTs simultaneously, Ill sacrifice quality and do a mix down as an audio file to trigger in the sequencer if needed. I dont know which vsts Ill be using. Definitely 1or 2 complex synths and probably a drum and orchestral and FX one. When I used fruity loops on my slow 1.5 ghz PC, it needed a soundcard (had a $150ish Audiophile 2496) to not glitch and freeze up. But, will the processor and ram etc already needed for the computer recommended keep it from glitching? Im hoping to avoid a soundcard upgrade. I dont mind if my guitar or hardware synth recordings are slightly less cleaner than if I get a soundcard upgrade. Can a USB keyboard be used as an audio interface to get lossless recordings from other hardware? Example, I have a roland gaia that has usb out to the computer. If I route a guitar multi fx unit/hardware synth to the gaias audio in and then to the computer from the Gaias usb out, will it give me the same lossless usb signal the gaia has? THANK YOU. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ksoper Posted February 11, 2012 Share Posted February 11, 2012 Starting from your last question, I quote from the Gaia owner's manual, page 42, which you should probably download if you don't already have a copy. "If the SH-01 is connected via a USB cable to your computer, DAW software on your computer will be able to record the sound of the SH-01 and the sound from the device connected to the SH-01s INPUT jack. Sound played back by your DAW software can also be heard on the device connected to the SH-01s OUTPUT jacks." I take this to mean that the Gaia operates as a soundcard. Lossless? Digital audio by definition is lossy. I doubt the sample rate at the EXT input is "high def." But if you're not worried about quality, which you say you'll sacrifice, then I'm sure it'll be just fine. What's your budget for a laptop? A two- or three-year old machine running Windows 7 should work for you. For example, a HP DV5, similar to what I used before the screen went out, is selling for $275-$350 on eBay. Good luck. 9 Moog things, 3 Roland things, 2 Hammond things and a computer with stuff on it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vox541 Posted February 11, 2012 Author Share Posted February 11, 2012 budget is as low possible to do what I'm asking. $275 used is doable. I'll use a novation x station to route hardware through its usb to a computer. I just checked the manual and it does do what I'm asking with zero latency. Sorry I asked before searching manual. How bout glitching/freezing of vsts and host sequencing program, though? will the computer reccomended not glitch/ freeze running a few high end vst softsynths without a soundcard upgrade? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Synthoid Posted February 11, 2012 Share Posted February 11, 2012 How bout glitching/freezing of vsts and host sequencing program, though? will the computer reccomended not glitch/ freeze running a few high end vst softsynths without a soundcard upgrade? With your meager budget of $275, expect plenty of glitching and freezing. When an eel hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that's a Moray. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vox541 Posted February 11, 2012 Author Share Posted February 11, 2012 "budget is as low possible to do what I'm asking" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ksoper Posted February 11, 2012 Share Posted February 11, 2012 So you have both a Novation X Station and a Gaia? Sounds like you're all set. Again, find a laptop no more than two or three years old, plug in those boards, and rock. And be sure an post your results. We'd love to hear it. 9 Moog things, 3 Roland things, 2 Hammond things and a computer with stuff on it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vox541 Posted February 12, 2012 Author Share Posted February 12, 2012 i not asking about just plugging a gaia/x station to an recording program. I'm asking what's the cheapest laptop PC that can run a sequencing program like cubase/fruityloops plus some elaborate softsynths without problems. The audio interface issue is solved=I'll route through the x station. I'm not so good with computers but expect the suggestion to be something like: 'get a Xname laptop with 3.0 ghz processor and X amount of ram. Use the x station to route hardware, and there should be no problem running up to three softsynths/FX simultanously. welcome.' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vox541 Posted February 12, 2012 Author Share Posted February 12, 2012 I'll take pc tower suggestions then if it's significantly less than a laptop. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ksoper Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 A two- or three-year old machine running Windows 7 should work for you. For example, a HP DV5...is selling for $275-$350 on eBay. Good luck. Was this not specific enough? 9 Moog things, 3 Roland things, 2 Hammond things and a computer with stuff on it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vox541 Posted February 12, 2012 Author Share Posted February 12, 2012 'Was this not specific enough?' 'a HP DVS running win7" is specific, but according to synthoid, will glitch. again, i prefer laptop but will take tower suggestions for the minimum that can do what I'm asking. thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ksoper Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 Synthoid never suggested an HP DV5. I did. I recommended that particular laptop because I have had personal experience with it running Cantabile and, at least, VB3 with success--with an external audio card. Both Synthoid and I suggest that without some sort of external audio card, in your case a keyboard that functions as such, you will not be happy with the Windows audio driver/internal sound card solution. That is where the glitches come in. This is the case if you buy a two year old laptop, or a spankin' brand new one. Since you have not one, but two audio cards built into your synths, this will not be a problem for you. So, again, MY recommendation to you, based on MY experience, is to get a HP DV5 or the functional equivalent (do some research other than just asking what tool to buy) and get on with making music. I see you're also buying a cheap guitar. What's your whole budget for the studio? Have you considered taking a part-time job to make a little extra money for better equipment? The economy is getting better and I see that Taco Bell is hiring. 9 Moog things, 3 Roland things, 2 Hammond things and a computer with stuff on it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Muscara Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 "I'm so crazy, I don't know this is impossible! Hoo hoo!" - Daffy Duck "The good news is that once you start piano you never have to worry about getting laid again. More time to practice!" - MOI Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Synthoid Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 Synthoid never suggested an HP DV5. I did. Yes, I was misquoted. But no matter. The issue that (always) concerns me is setting a low budget and expecting miracles. Have you considered taking a part-time job to make a little extra money for better equipment? +1 Better to take your time, do the research, save your money, and then buy something that's going to work well for you and not end up in the bottom of your closet in 3-4 months. When an eel hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that's a Moray. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vox541 Posted February 12, 2012 Author Share Posted February 12, 2012 ah, i didn't think the x station could override the PC's stock soundcard to stop VSTs & a sequencing program from glitching. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vox542 Posted February 23, 2012 Share Posted February 23, 2012 not using an x station or gaia anymore, so I can't use them as a soundcard. can i get used PC laptop, not tower suggestions? know of cheapest soundcard/audio interface that does the minimal i'm asking? thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ksoper Posted February 23, 2012 Share Posted February 23, 2012 9 Moog things, 3 Roland things, 2 Hammond things and a computer with stuff on it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vox542 Posted February 23, 2012 Share Posted February 23, 2012 ok, i'll google and google and pick a laptop Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vox542 Posted February 23, 2012 Share Posted February 23, 2012 nevermind Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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