Hi to all, guys!

I've a doubt, folks...

I've 3 computers. 1) An Intel P4, 2.8Ghz with 1Gb of Ram. 2) An AMD notebook by Acer, 3000+ processor with 512Mb of Ram. 3) An old Atari 1040STF.

I use to record midi tracks before with my Atari and then I record audio tracks on my Intel P4 tower.

I would like to use vst instruments, sounds and plugins. This is not possible with my Atari. I can use my Atari to send sounds via midi only.

So the question is. It's better to use a pc only with midi/audio tracks or two machines?

I want to know if it's wise to use my Acer for vst instruments and sounds via midi. My acer will be used as a midi sequencer only. My tower for audio recordings.

What do you suggest?

Ciao!

My suggestion would be to start out using your pc only, and see how well that works. If you need more CPU power and or memory, then look into solutions for networking the laptop with your desktop.

Just my quick thoughts.

...oh, also, you can still use your Atari to record the midi tracks, and then sync the Atari with your PC so that the Atari's midi tracks play the VST plugins and instruments that are on your PC.

I think the Atari's precision regarding midi will probably be superior to the PC's, but that's just my educated guess...and this may not matter to you. (Perhaps Pop will chime in here, as I think he has an opinion on this...of course, it depends on what software you're using on the Atari, but hardware wise, the Atari is better set up for midi I believe.)

quote:

Originally posted by Fox:
My suggestion would be to start out using your pc only, and see how well that works. If you need more CPU power and or memory, then look into solutions for networking the laptop with your desktop.

You mean using lan cable?

quote:

Just my quick thoughts. ...oh, also, you can still use your Atari to record the midi tracks, and then sync the Atari with your PC so that the Atari's midi tracks play the VST plugins and instruments that are on your PC.

This can be a good idea.

quote:

I think the Atari's precision regarding midi will probably be superior to the PC's, but that's just my educated guess...and this may not matter to you. (Perhaps Pop will chime in here, as I think he has an opinion on this...of course, it depends on what software you're using on the Atari, but hardware wise, the Atari is better set up for midi I believe.)

I adore my Atari. I've an old version of Cubase, the 2.0 version.
On my tower, I've two versions. Vst32 5.0 and LE.

Other suggestions?

I wouldn't do MIDI on a modern PC to save my life. More specificly-not with a Steinberg product.

That said...the more machines, the more complex your scenario is. I think this all depends on how you work. If you just use MIDI to build a part, then print it as audio...having the Atari timing and familiarity will be the winner. If you have to maintain MIDI/audio track sync--I would imagine trying to keep that under control in one machine would be easier.

NOW...if you're talking about 3 computers...Atari for MIDI, Acer for virtual instruments, and a third for audio tracks--go that way. That Acer will just be no different (in functionality) than any sound module you've ever had plugged up.

quote:

You mean using lan cable?

Yes.



I thought Pop would have something to say about this!

If it were me, I'd use the Atari to do midi, and I'd also play with the PC doing all the midi, just to test which I prefered. Frankly, I don't know if you'll be as particular as pop is. I use the PC for midi, and I'm fine with it.

quote:

NOW...if you're talking about 3 computers...Atari for MIDI, Acer for virtual instruments, and a third for audio tracks--go that way. That Acer will just be no different (in functionality) than any sound module you've ever had plugged up.

Here, Pop is saying use the Atari to trigger the Acer which will then pipe audio into the PC. (Thus no LAN.) This is another option, and is simpler than LAN solutions.

Peace,

Fox

First of all, thanks everyone.

I think I confused you all, gusy, hu?!...

Well... I was thinking to use Atari for midi and for sending sounds to my expanders (Korg Dw8000 + Yamaha Tx81z) and my tower for audio recordings. But, I would like to use vst. So, the problem is that I can't use my Atari for vst. This means that I have to use my Acer (notebook) for midi, sounds and vst, and my tower for audio recordings. I would like to use midi and audio separately. I hope now it's more clear.

So my atari will be a place of antique.

Or do you think it's better to use one computer only?

Ciao!

Why can't you try out the setup that Pop recommended: Atari for midi, Acer for being a sound module (sounds and vst), and PC for recording sound.

Make sense?

I will try out, Fox... If it works, why not?!
Thanks and bye!

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