VO-BB - 19 YEARS OLD!

[steeleman]

I am building and installing a studio for a friend. We have all the gear
except the PC. Would like to hear from the board on models. brands that
work well. Last time I did this for myself I went with a SONY VAIO
and Pentium 4 processor.....plus a plug n play 24 bit/96 khz card...Never looked back.. Staying in the PC WINDOWS family...any suggestions on brands or dealers...or models that any of you have found to be super!
This PC will be used mostly for AUDIO VO type work. My friend is an
evangelist and does a radio show that airs in several states!

Thanks.

[CWToo]

Just make sure the computer's chip set is compatible with your audio stuff. Pro Tools is picky about that kind of thing and they have a list of compatible computers on their web site.

That being said, I have been using Dell computers for about 15 years--around five or six of 'em. The current Dell is an Inspiron laptop that I love.

[Jowillie]

I'm getting ready to go through the same thing. I love my wife'e Inspirion expcept for the Dell priority crap that interferes with some audio/video editing funcitions. Some say to totally format the hard drive and reload without the Dell stuff and turn off every thing automatic in Windows.
OR....check out:
www.shop-sonica.com
_________________
Wild Willie Edwards
www.hometowntvtoday.com
http://vomictest.blogspot.com

[TheVoiceOfBob]

If you are going to go laptop, and like Dells, jump up to the Latitude series. The quality of the components is far better.

That aside, do you have a reason for purchasing a laptop over a desktop? Do you need to use the computer portably? If not, then stick with a desktop. It will be far more reliable.

(/IT support mode off)
_________________
Try to imagine a world where there is no such thing as hypothetical situations.

The Voice of Bob

[LaurenLee]

I'm on my third HP (not Compaq -- had a horror story with that one) since Windows 3.1 way back in the day -- and you'd really have to work on me to get me to buy a different make. My laptop is an Averatec. Nobody seems to like them, but I've found it fantastic!

Just my two cents...
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Blue skies -- Lauren Lee
www.voiceover.ca

[billelder]

I had a friend with a Dell laptop that's used for mobile recording. The problem is that some of the "pre-installed software" can interfere with continual recording. And it's almost impossible to remove. There is someone who has created a program named the DeCrappifier. I wouldn't use it, but it shows how much of a problem this has become.

I'll second the opinion of using a desk top computer. If there is a local computer store near you, they probably have some great deals, comparatively priced, without the "bloat-ware" that comes with "internet buy" computers. Fast is great but audio doesn't require the precessing power that video does. I'm still using a Pentium III 800 to do my voiceover work. I've also used it to record 24 tracks of audio for a band without problem.

A good "barebones" computer has always been my favorite option. I got mine from a company in Canada for about $200 (new) that is a Pentium 4 and came with motherboard, processor and RAM. I already had the hard drives, DVD/CD burners and audio interface. It's been a great reliable computer. Also, the Mac is an option since they'll run your windows software too.

I have an old Dell Latitude C600 from Overstocked.com which came with no operating system. I installed my own operating system and got all the drivers I needed from their support web site. It's been an incredible "lappy" and records beautiful audio with the addition of a USB interface. I've had to replace the hard drive that came with it ($30 from NewEgg.com) because those smaller drives can go at any moment.

Good luck with everything. When all else fails, get a teenager to set it up for you. They do this stuff in their sleep.

(Just my opinions and your mileage may vary.)

[VO-Guy]

If it's a desktop you're looking for I can definitely recommend the Creation Stations from Sweetwater. I use one and it's extremely quiet plus the warranty you get is great. And it comes already tweaked for audio recording with all the needless stuff turned off or not installed.

Russ

[Yoda117]

You can build those computers a lot cheaper than what the Creation Stations go for. There are even kits advertized through places such as www.silentpcreview.com

When I use my Alienware laptop (which are frighteningly noisy), I used some of the noise padding they use in the tower systems and placed the lappy on top. The reduction in sound was immediately noticeable.

Otherwise I'd steer you towards building one if you have the time and know-how. For under $1500, I put together a very nice system with 2GB, Dual Core, and SLI that runs frighteningly quiet (as in the powersupply from her preamp was louder than the PC; the PC was closer to the mic).
_________________
Voiceovers by Gregory Houser
Philadelphia based Voice Actor

Blog - A man, a martini, and a lot of microphones