computer for just running mixcraft 9

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blkmonday
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Joined: Sat Sep 04, 2021 4:52 pm

computer for just running mixcraft 9

Post by blkmonday »

so my current computers keep crashing with mixcraft 7 and 9 to the point where i gave up computer based recording and got my hands on a Tascam 24 track. the tascam is cool easy plug in and record but limited. Im looking to either upgrade my current computer or just purchase a new tower that is able to handle this program with no problems. i know next to nothing about computers so im seeking advice. currently i have a HP Omni 200-5380qd with windows 10, intel i7 880@3.07 ghz, 8G ram and 64bit. would adding an external hard dive help? or installing more ram inside? if i was to go with something new is a Dell xps 8930 with six core i7 16gb and 2tb hard drive and 256 solid drive a good pick? also i currently use a Tascam us-1200 as my interface. any advice would be appreciated...budget around 800 bucks or less but not restricted to that i guess
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Mr.Mxyzptlk
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Location: Bridgwater, Somerset. UK

Re: computer for just running mixcraft 9

Post by Mr.Mxyzptlk »

Talk about coincidence! I just sent an enquiry about the very same thing today to an IT specialist about building me a bespoke PC specifically just for music production. My current setup does the job but I want to future-proof as far as is possible in the PC game and upgrade a little.

It all depends on how you produce your music. If you mainly use live instruments and audio files with the odd VST here and there, your current setup sounds ok with possibly a question mark on the RAM and upgrading to SSDs all round. However, if you're going to be running a lot of VSTs, soft synths, effects etc. and large samples, that's a different ball game altogether.

I'm also in the process of upgrading my system too as I mentioned earlier. I use a combination of VST soft synths, effects and very large orchestral files (EastWest, BBC Spitfire Audio, Roland and Korg soft synths etc.) and audio files with a view to incorporating vocals in the future. I'm also going to be upgrading to the EastWest Diamond libraries which are around 2TB alone and 24-bit. Just for that I need 8 cores, 32GB and NVMe as a minimum, which I currently do not have. I'm also investing in a Yamaha Montage 7 for more live audio work. So I've asked the PC guys if they can price me up for the following:

i7 8-core processor
64GB or 128GB RAM (preferably)
NVMe SSD root drive
Space for 2 or 3 internal SSDs
USB 3.0 rear ports (minimum eight)
Thunderbolt/USB-C card

I think they were the main things I was after. Hopefully they will be able to use my existing SSDs and graphics card as it runs my 3 monitors via mini DisplayPort, which will reduce the costs a bit. Like you I'm hoping to get within the 1K mark at most.

You didn't say what type of music you produce and how so hope you found my pointers useful.

Good luck!
i7-10700K 8Core @3.80 GHz, 128GB- 5TB NVMe+3TB SSD (Int) 4TB SSD (Ext)- Samsung 24"x3 Mon- PreSonus Studio 1810c+Eris E5 XT+Atom SQ- Yamaha Montage 7- AKG D5- Win 11 Pro- MX10 Pro- EastWest- Roland Cloud- KORG 4- Spitfire Audio- Heavyocity- 8Dio- NI
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TrevsAudio
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Location: Rhode Island

Re: computer for just running mixcraft 9

Post by TrevsAudio »

then on the other hand, my highly dated computer (see spec in my signature) easily handles my largest project to date. 68 tracks (none frozen), most with FX and automation.
Also a technophobe, so the Techy Gods must be with me :mrgreen:
Old Dudes Rock!
Trevor
OFC™ Founding Member
Dell 3050 SSF i3, 32gig RAM; MX 8, 9 and 10.5 Pro; Win 11 Pro
Focusrite 2i2; Sennheiser HD650 cans

Sample Projects: https://soundcloud.com/trevs_audio
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@trevsaudio
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Mr.Mxyzptlk
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Location: Bridgwater, Somerset. UK

Re: computer for just running mixcraft 9

Post by Mr.Mxyzptlk »

trevlyns wrote: Sun Sep 05, 2021 1:23 am then on the other hand, my highly dated computer (see spec in my signature) easily handles my largest project to date. 68 tracks (none frozen), most with FX and automation.
Also a technophobe, so the Techy Gods must be with me :mrgreen:
That's pretty good going Trev. 8) Were they mainly audio tracks or were you using VST synths etc.? I don't know how you're getting away with just 4GB RAM?
i7-10700K 8Core @3.80 GHz, 128GB- 5TB NVMe+3TB SSD (Int) 4TB SSD (Ext)- Samsung 24"x3 Mon- PreSonus Studio 1810c+Eris E5 XT+Atom SQ- Yamaha Montage 7- AKG D5- Win 11 Pro- MX10 Pro- EastWest- Roland Cloud- KORG 4- Spitfire Audio- Heavyocity- 8Dio- NI
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TrevsAudio
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Location: Rhode Island

Re: computer for just running mixcraft 9

Post by TrevsAudio »

Tracks downloaded from the internet - WAV's This was for a mixing project
Old Dudes Rock!
Trevor
OFC™ Founding Member
Dell 3050 SSF i3, 32gig RAM; MX 8, 9 and 10.5 Pro; Win 11 Pro
Focusrite 2i2; Sennheiser HD650 cans

Sample Projects: https://soundcloud.com/trevs_audio
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@trevsaudio
blkmonday
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Joined: Sat Sep 04, 2021 4:52 pm

Re: computer for just running mixcraft 9

Post by blkmonday »

im really doing basic stuff right now live instruments..guitars and vocals mainly and some Roland V drums. using the built in effects. no plug ins. do you think adding an external hard drive would help at all? im going through deleting programs freeing up space and im going to follow the instructions Mixcraft has for getting the computer to run at high performance.........all this time i should be spending recording and not playing computer tech ugh. wish there was an easy fix
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Mark Bliss
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Re: computer for just running mixcraft 9

Post by Mark Bliss »

Generally a traditional external hard drive works well for storage, archiving, etc. Not so much for read/write performance.
An ssd as a primary drive however can be a benefit.

I am with Trevor. I have had good performance with far lower specs than you listed, and would opine that your problems may not be primarily with your computer. It depends a great deal on your specific use and needs though.
Stay in tune, Mark

My SOUNDCLOUD Page
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