Pro Audio Recording and Production - Index          
Computers : Get the Right Components

DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). Computers for Professional Audio Applications

The following article will explain important details about the components and give you examples that represent great value, quality and performance...

Motherboard (main systems board) Generally a P35 Chipset is great value and will work exceptionally well for professional audio and video productions.

Make sure the Motherboard has compliant Firewire by TI (Texas Instruments) to ensure rock solid Firewire Audio performance. You'll also want plenty of PCI slots and storage options. A least 4x USB.2.0 ports and excellent fast Ram support, if running Windows XP Professional you'll need 2.Gig Ram, for Vista you may need 4.Gig.  Adding/upgrading shouldn't be difficult for a well designed motherboard but make sure you get the right compatible add-on components.

Motherboard - Example: Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3P v 2.0 cost: $150.(USD). Gigabyte GA-P35-DS4 v 2.0 cost: $160.(USD), Asus P5K-E/WIFI-AP P35 cost: $150.(USD). and Abit IP35 Pro costs: $180.(USD).  Note: All these boards support LGA 775 for Intel Pentium Core2 Duo and Quad Core Processors. Other M/B Examples: Click Here   

Important: Check for newer motherboard releases and compare, also be sure to have the best BIOS version installed. You can find out more info' about by visiting the manufacturer website and computer tech forums such as Toms Hardware.  Research various motherboards first before making the commitment.

CPU (Computer Processor Unit) The Genuine Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 is nice but it's FSB (Front Side Bus) 1066.MHz is highly recommended in terms of great value and performance. -- The Q6600 Cost $275.(USD).

For larger audio and video productions I advise no less than a Genuine Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 2.66GHz with FSB 1333.MHz. -- The Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 cost $175.(USD)

Newer Intel 45nm technology Quad Core processors are designed to be more stable and efficient, run cooler and with a larger cache but they're very expensive. Important: You'll need a m/board that supports the newer 45nm processors.

Ram (Read Access Memory), Crucial produces good quality Ram. 800 (PC2 6400), 2.Gig Ram cost: $80.(USD) and the 1066 (PC2 8500), 2.Gig Ram cost: $110.(USD)

Hard Drives here's a tip, get two Sata Hard Drives the first Hard Drive 120.Gig being the default for the O/S (Operating System) such as Windows XP and the main studio software application, then get another H/Drive 320.Gig or more for all the Audio files and Plugins. This approach will give you 30% or more better overall performance.

Hard Drive - Example: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3320620AS 320GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Perpendicular Recording Technology. Cost: $85.(USD)

Seagate or Western Digital Caviar Hard Drives 7200.rpm, Sata 16.meg Cache.  Make sure they're super quiet!. Once you've installed the Hard Drives the computer should automatically identify them, simply go into the studio recording software options and assign all the audio files and plugins to the second larger Hard Drive.

Graphics, Video Cards - be aware that a lot of graphic cards have very loud, noisy fans (not ideal for recording purposes unless you have ISO Booths in your studio) and the fans supplied with most Graphic Cards can either become faulty or fail completely!! Therefor I highly recommended a Silent (Fanless) graphic card that utilizes advance passive cooling. Get no less than a 256MB, 128.bit, PCI-Express x16 and 2x.DVI is ideal. Having 2x DVI connections will give you the option to set up two monitors which will greatly enhance your workflow.

Graphic/Video Card - Example: HIS Hightech H260PRP512DDN-R Radeon HD 2600PRO 512MB 128-bit GDDR2 PCI Express x16 HDCP, Zelman Cooling iSilence III. Dual DVI for setting up 2x LCD Monitors.  Considering the quality build and features this graphic/video card is good value. Costs: $100.(USD)

Important Note: Fanless (Silent - Passive Cooled) Graphic Cards are large and therefor not suitable for smaller systems, be sure to check your Motherboard and PC Case to ensure plenty of space to install a large Graphics Card.

PC Case Fan very cheap, easy to install, light-weight, whisper quiet, provides better stability and protection for ALL your components.

Cooling Fan - Example: Nexus 120 mm Real Silent Case Fan cost: $14.(USD)  or Cooler Master 120MM Blue LED Silent Case Fan cost: $19.(USD) I also suggest you get a large Tower PC Case with good ventilation.

PSU Power Supply Unit, it's important to get a very good quality unit that has a quiet fan and will provide excellent stability and be at least 500.watts and compatible with your motherboard.

Power Supply - Example: ThermalTake W0093RU ATX 12V v2.0 500.watt is an excellent unit that is quiet and stable. Cost: $79.(USD)

Components - List - Example:
 Motherboard - Abit IP35 Pro
 CPU - Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600
 RAM - Crucial 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2
 Hard Drive - 320.Gig Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3320620A
 Graphic/Video Card - HIS Hightech H260PRP512DDN-R  512.MB  128.BIT
 PC Case Cooling Fan - Nexus 120 mm Real Silent
 Power Supply - ThermalTake W0093RU ATX 12V v2.0 500.watt
Above Total Costs: $812.(USD)

22" LCD Monitor Acer AL2216Wbd 5ms DVI Widescreen with HDCP support 300 cd/m2 700:1 $229.(USD)

Recommended O/S: Windows XP Professional, Full Version with Service Pack 2 (SP.2), Costs: $270.(USD). Windows XP Professional has proved to be a rock solid workhorse for professional audio use. Note: Windows Vista uses up a lot more resources therefor requires more Ram (Memory) and may not work smoothly with all professional audio recording applications, make sure you get the right software and excellent driver support if you intend to use Vista.

MS Vista flaw? the development of WaveRT (a mechanism by which audio drivers are suppose to function really well) is currently causing issues in regards to some audio devices. (Article Posted: Jan 2008) -- Microsoft are working on these issues and hopefully will be resolved in Vista Service Pack 1...

...meanwhile, there's been developments in ASIO4ALL drivers (released 22nd Jan 2008) this will allow issues with certain audio devices to perform better with Vista. Download: ASIO4ALL.v2 Click Here

Important Note:  Please be advised that I cannot guarantee any of the components items listed above are the correct prices and certain items may not be available since old stock may be discontinued. Also note that product specifications may vary without notice, therefor I cannot be held responsible for any incorrect information.

Article by: G.Stevenson.   Published: January 2008

Fine Tune The O/S (Operating System) specifically for professional audio applications Click Here

Suggested Retailers:   Tiger Direct   |   NewEgg   |   Studio Cat  -- Highly Recommended.
Purrrfect Audio - Studio Cat was created to design/build the best Digital Audio Workstations in the world and trail-blaze the creative use of them. We’re passionate about these tools because we understand them as both technicians and professional level end users. We’re very proud that our Digital Audio Workstations and Sample Libraries are used throughout the world. Great value on Computers and Sample Libraries.  Click Here
Hardware : Audio and Midi Interface

 Audio / Midi Interfaces such as:  RME FireFace 400 or 800, Presonus FireStudio Project, Motu 8pre, Edirol (Roland) FA-66 and FA-101, EMU, M-Audio, TC-Electronics, Apogee.

 RME Fireface 400 and 800 are the top choice although Apogee and TC.Electronics Studio Konnekt 48 are very high quality interfaces but are very expensive. RME is a little more affordable and popular for home project studios.

 If you plan on using ProTools M-Powered or LE software you will need a compatible audio interface such as M-Audio whereas ProTools.LE usually comes bundled with Digidesign M-Box.

 SoundBlaster is best for serious Gamers although they may work with pro-audio applications the audio drivers aren't as good compared to other pro' audio interfaces such as RME and Edirol.

 Best performance for value is Edirol FA-66 Firewire connections, rock solid performance and very good driver support for Windows XP, Vista and Mac. The Edirol FA-66 is ideal for budget home project studios.

 The cheapest of the lot is either the EMU or M-Audio PCI (Internal Cards) with break out cables.

 Some units don't come with midi ports (music instrument digital interface) for plugging in Midi Keyboards and other Midi hardware. If you plan on using both Audio and Midi be sure to get an interface with both Audio and Midi inputs/outputs. Also be aware that most PCI interfaces either come with poor mic pre-amps or none at all, in this case you will need to purchase a mixer such as SoundCraft Compact series mixers or Mackie mixers.

 Before purchasing an audio/midi interface make sure it has excellent driver support for your particular Windows or Mac Operating System. Example: older audio/midi interfaces may not work / not support Windows Vista.

RME  |  Apogee  |  TC.Electronics  |  Presonus   |   Edirol   |   M-Audio   |   EMU
Troubleshooting : Latency : Drop Outs : Clicks n Pops

Troubleshooting - Setting up Your Audio / Midi Interface Make sure you follow the operations manual step-by-step. Don't be too disappointed if you're having issues because anyone new to computer recording will have a difficult learning curve at first, usually the biggest hurdle is getting your audio interface setup correctly. Read on...

Most motherboards include onboard audio that can cause conflicts and often Windows will default to the onboard audio that came built-in to the Motherboard. You may need to disable the onboard audio in Bios and then make sure to go into your Audio Recording Application and set the options to your new audio interface such as for example the RME or Edirol audio/Midi device. You may also need to go into Windows global audio devices to make sure the audio interface you want to use is setup as the default audio and midi device.

Drop Outs, Pops and Clicks! Latency Issues? this can occur for a number of reasons, such as already explained above or other applications running in the background such as Anti-Virus, Spyware, Gamma Loaders and MS services and applications. For more info' Click Here

Bit Depth and Sample Rates. setting sample rates too high (96 to 192) can cause poor latency, Clicks and Pops. I highly recommend 24.bit at 48k Sample rate, this setting is ideal considering it's DVD broadcast quality - for TV Broadcast/Film work. Most professional studios will use 24.bit at 48.k Sample rate settings because if later you intend to release on DVD/Film TV work, and for CD release it's just a matter of dithering and converting to 16.bit at 44.1 Sample rate.

For most applications, 24.bit at 48.k sample rate setting should not have any known issues on a Core 2 Duo or Core 2 Quad Q6600 system, generally it's the Sample Rate that ia critical and if set too high can be heavy on resources and remember if producing for CD quality recordings for commercial release the standard is 16.bit at 44.1.Sample Rate.

Adjust Latency : Buffers and Sample Rates. *Refer to your audio software operations manual. Start with low Latency then with a little trial and error slightly adjust upwards then do a test recording (repeat this procedure if nessasary), do this until you find the sweet spot, a setting that works best for your particular application. Sometimes later on in the recording project after all the tracks are recorded and you're now doing the final mixdown to master you can re-adjust (raise) Latency setting therefor giving you more scope to use better high quality master effects plugins. This can be easily done in Sonar.

Drivers for your Audio / Midi interface  make sure you have installed the drivers and setup them up correctly in the software application. *Refer to your operations manual. Check your computer O/S global settings / Audio Devices. In Software such as Sonar sometimes ASIO drivers isn't always the best to use, you may want to try WDM mode because it works exceptionally well and there are a few other settings also such as Latency Buffer, I/O Buffers here you can easily adjust these settings which better suits your particular setup a little trial and error at first until you find what works best for you by starting with a low Latency setting then slightly increase this.

If you are using lots of Midi tracks/plugins convert those midi tracks to audio. Try and do all your midi work first then add your audio later and when it comes to mixdown / mastering if you are getting Clicks and Pops raise your latency up because at this point having near Zero Latency will not be an issue. In fact there is no such thing as Zero Latency, manufactures will claim this but anywhere between 2ms and 5ms is perfect (almost Zero Latency) you'll hardly notice.

If you're still getting nasty Drop Outs, Click, Pops and Poor Latency issues after having setup a good Audio/Midi interface such as RME, Edirol FA-series you may need to reinstall the main audio software (fresh clean install). On some computers where the O/S (XP or Vista) came pre-installed it setup wasn't ideal for pro audio applications therefor you may need to re-install the O/S, backup your files format and do a complete fresh/clean install.

The most common problem is the onboard audio that came with the Motherboard such as; SigmaTel or RealTec, these audio devices are not ideally suited for use in professional audio/midi software applications and often causes major nightmares such as Drop Outs, Clicks, Pops and Poor Latency performance, you need to make sure that the onboard audio device that came built-in with the motherboard is NOT setup in the recording applications and NOT as global default.
Get the Knowledge : Enhance Your Skills

For anyone new to computer audio, midi recording and mastering it's highly recommended you invest in a good book: Amazon.com there are plenty of other resources online such as....

Online tutorials Gearwire and Stream Works Audio SWA (SWA is very good).

There are also website forums such as your software support forums or...

 Post a Question on Stars of Wisdom Gear Zone Forum

Include your computer system details and hardware devices when seeking assistance on forums

Usually all software apps include a comprehensive operations manual but you also have the option to purchase books.  A great example is Sonar 7 Power By: Scott R Garrigus, this is an excellent book that I highly recommend! It will teach you how to dig in deep with step-by-step examples and exercises.

Don't expect to become proficient overnight.  Audio engineering and mastering is an art form in itself and it's also an ongoing learning process that all professionals no matter how experienced will learn something new everyday.

Recording and Mixdown this is where the fun begins. Some engineers and producers will try to keep a good balance as they record basically recording and mixdown as you go because this will save you time later on. Start with keeping the performance and timing nice and tight, don't overdo effects whilst recording because you cannot take out what is already committed, it's best to add all the fancy effects after the track is recorded. Also keep an optimal level to the point well below distortion keep the signals below the red but don't record too lower signal either (Trial an error to find the sweet spot), basically the more you get into the application the more experience you'll gain and overtime will develop a good workflow and improve your audio engineering skills.

Recording Vocals can be a bit tricky! Basically you'll need to start off with a very good studio microphone and if you're on a limited budget there are $99.(USD) studio condensor microphones such as the AT2020 which is excellent value but other issues to consider is having a very good microphone pre-amp and a very good sounding room that is professionally constructed using special soundproofing treatments. The best site for more info is: Recording Studio Design

Studio Monitor Speakers and Headphones Speakers come in all sizes and range in price from $99.(USD) to $2,000+ if you on a limited budget I suggest a good pair of Headphones such as "Studio Reference" Sony, Beyerdynamic and Sennheiser. If you intend to use Speakers then you better seriously consider having room acoustic treatment done because the room itself can cause problems. Again, the best site for more info is: Recording Studio Design

Mastering is where you clean up noise, even out the overall compositions, use EQ to fine tune the overall tone, have even spacing between songs, maybe do fade-in, fade-outs and ensure there isn't any radical unintentional volume changes from one song to the next. Basically you want to get an overall well balanced product that is Radio ready.

Most engineers and producers will have another separate application for mastering such as WaveLab or Sound.Forge whereas higher end multi-track audio and midi applications such as Sonar Producer Edition will work well and also have the option to upload a custom audio player with playlist for publishing songs on the Internet.

Professional studios will often use expensive high quality studio mastering hardware and/or software plugins, mostly dynamic processors such as compressors, limiters and expanders which help to give that polished Radio sound and usually a very good Reverb and Delay effects unit that is smooth as silk. To get an idea get a CD that is similar to your own music and use that as reference guide to get a perspective on your own CD.

Software apps such as Cakewalk Sonar Producer Edition has very good quality studio effect plugins such as the VC-64, LP-64, Boost.11 and Convolution Reverb. There's also excellent third-party plugins such as UA (Universal Audio) UAD, Waves Bundled Plugins, T-Racks Mastering, PSP VintageWarmer, Kjaerhus and iZotope.Ozone.

UAD  |  Waves   |   T-Racks   |   PSP   |   Kjaerhus   |   iZotope
Free YouTube Tutorials
 Cakewalk Sonar, Project.5, HomeStudio Steinberg Cubase, Nuendo, Sequel
Digidesign ProTools, Software Mackie Tracktion
Ableton Live Software Adobe Audition
Logic Pro Software Gearwire
Production : Writing Skills : Recording : Mixdown

Writing Songs or Instrumentals is a fine art, a skill that you get better at doing the more you do it, so keep on writing, keep on honing your skills.

The most important elements to a song are the Melodies, Hooks (Catchy memorable parts), Arrangements and not to forget Lyrics (for songs) that blends in perfectly with the music. The other important element is the actual performance and finished composition of the song or instrumental....

Think of a song or instrumental that is like taking a journey for example: across the valleys (lows) and climbing up to the mountains (high), then perilously going across the rocks then downwards onto a smooth golden sandy beach on a beautiful sunny day. Not only will the music be interpreted with expressive dynamic feel but also consider having lows and peaks in the actual melodies for example: the Verse in the low end then building up gradually to the Chorus (higher melodic notes)

Keeping the Space Within often especially in Heavy Rock, Metal and Punk music a lot of the instruments are hitting at the same time making it very difficult to define each of those instruments clearly. You can use more Reverb to pull certain instruments in the background, less Reverb to bring other instruments to the front. Then there is the Center, Left and Right panning to put each instrument in it's own space, applications such as Sonar has surround sound but still with all instruments hitting at the same time you need to try and give all those there own space. EQ is also very useful in giving each instrument it's own frequency (tone) that sits completely own making each instrument stand out better in the mix for example; A guitar and piano both panned to the left with very similar EQ characteristics will sound cluttered. Basically good use of Reverb in combination with EQ will help clear up a mix and retain the natural dynamics of the song.

The SoundScape generally a well crafted song with a sparse soundscape will have each instrument hitting in time but not always at the same time, and also consider parts such as the bass end so that the Kick Drum and Bass Guitar doesn't sit on the same EQ frequency (tone) causing a cluttered bass end sound. You need to define a distinct difference between the Kick Drum and Bass frequency so that they both stand out clear in the mix. Example: you may want the Kick Drum to have a solid body sound to it but also with a good attack (Punch, whack) so that it stands out in the mix especially for Rock, Heavy Metal, Punk and similar genres.

Panning each instrument putting them in their own space is important. Example: main instruments such as Lead Vocals are normally centered with the occasional sweeping pan as an effect but this isn't always done. The Backing Vocals and if more than 2 are usually panned left and right with slight differences in L/R for other Backing vocals so that each vocal part has it's own space. Professional engineers will double even triple track (rec) vocals to make them more lush and for lead vocals having one track drier (not much Reverb) will bring it up front nice and clear whilst two copies or overdubs of the lead vocal will have more effects panned just slightly off-center adding a nice ambiance around the drier lead vocal panned center.

Using a combination of EQ and Dynamic Processors are mostly used for mixdown to master but can also be used on individual instruments to shape the tone and make each instrument stand out clearly in the mix but don't over-use EQ and Dynamic Processors effects, some instruments require only a little amount. With EQ often cut (minus) works well too. Compression on Vocals should be used carefully often a Soft-Knee setting works well but the essential thing is to have good vocal technique, performance. Basically you want to retain most of the natural dynamics of the song but at the same time make each instrument stand out clear in the mix.

Don't clutter up the SoundScape if there are too many instruments all playing at the same time right on the beat you will end up with clutter and a nightmare to get all those instruments clearly defined in the final mix. The old saying is "Less is Best" and it's not so much the notes being played at unrelenting lightening speed throughout the song or instrumental from start to finish, the most important thing that is often overlooked is the "Space Between the Notes"
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Highly Recommended Books and Tutorials
Indie Bible By: David Wimble
#1 Industry Resource
The Indie Bible is far and away the most comprehensive resource for getting exposure for your music
How to Write a Hit Song By: Molly-Ann Leikin.
The Complete Guide to Writing and Marketing Chart-Topping Lyrics and Music. An ideal introduction, instruction, reference guide regardless of the category, genre or niche of their music.
Streamworks Audio  SWA
Great flash-movie tutorials for the hobbyist, musicians, engineers and producers. Easy step-by-step guides and informative examples to speed up your workflow.
Making a Great Master By: Disc Makers. Packed with tips and information for engineers and producers - including such hot topics such as workstations, master prep and post production to name a few. A must have guide! Best of all it's Free!
Sonar Power  The Comprehensive Guide
By: Scott R Garrigus Get the most out of Sonar with the definitive guidebook! Teaching you how to dig deep into the program with step-by-step examples and exercises.
Sonar Insider By: Craig Anderton. If you’re a Sonar user, this is the book you’ve been waiting for. Regardless of your level of experience, tips and techniques from one of the world’s leading authorities on Sonar and musical technology.
Free Audio Software
 Audacity Multi-Track Recorder  Amber Audio Converter
 Quality VST Reverb Plugin  Digital Fish Plugins
Classic High Quality Plugins KVR Audio Plugins
Independent Musicians Resources - Distribution
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PodSafe Music Network PodCasting MP3.com Music Community
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Ideal Guide for Musicians on a Limited Budget. Includes Freeware
Music Industry Resources - Directories
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UK Music Industry Directory Indie Bible #1 Industry Directory
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