Recording PC

[Chilidem]

I'm in the market for a new computer for recording. My current PC is running 2 GB Ram, processor with ~2.1 GHz, and I have a 500 GB hard drive. I'm currently using Reaper, with Superior Drummer 2.0 and Metal Foundry, Izotope Alloy and Ozone, and using some other random plug-ins for effects. I have a Lexicon Lambda for my audio interface, but it's suited me well thus far and I have no need to upgrade yet. Maybe in the future.

Composition wise, I'm not doing anything too crazy. The tracks usually will run up to 6 guitar/bass tracks, midi drums with SD 2.0, and a few vocals tracks. I am thinking about running some other virtual instruments in the future, but it's not a necessity as of right now. I'm thinking about getting a PC with at minimum 8 GB of RAM (I've heard that this is actually overkill with music production), Intel processor i5 or better, and 500 GB to 1 TB hard drive.

Anything else I should take into consideration? Anyone that has any experience with this, I would greatly appreciate any insight.

[Grindhead Records]

I'd consider getting two HDs. You run the program off one drive and have it write your recordings to the other drive.

8 gb of RAM is pretty ridiculous.

Focus on soundcards and monitors!

[Chilidem]

Originally Posted by Grindhead Records

I'd consider getting two HDs. You run the program off one drive and have it write your recordings to the other drive.

8 gb of RAM is pretty ridiculous.

Focus on soundcards and monitors!

Ok. I'll look into the two hard drive thing. Would an external work or would I want to get a second internal drive?

8 gb of RAM is just sort of planning for the future in case I start doing my virtual instruments. Superior Drummer can use about 2 GB if you really stretch it.

I'm sticking with my soundcard for now and will be getting a second monitor.

[Grindhead Records]

Originally Posted by Chilidem

Ok. I'll look into the two hard drive thing. Would an external work or would I want to get a second internal drive?

8 gb of RAM is just sort of planning for the future in case I start doing my virtual instruments. Superior Drummer can use about 2 GB if you really stretch it.

I'm sticking with my soundcard for now and will be getting a second monitor.

An external could work, but then it becomes about data transfer speeds. Would you have USB3 ports? I still don't know if that compares to a 2nd internal drive...

I figured the 8gb would be for such a thing. You can always bounce down stuff if you need to put more virtual instruments in. As long as you keep the working files separate, then if you need to go back to remix your bounce, it's easy.