True 64 Track Playback?!

[mikejavo]

I am just wondering if anyone has positive experiences with the following hypothetical system setup:

G4 466, 512 MB RAM
Magma Expansion Chasis
ATTO ExpressPCI UL3D (I'd prefer to use this card instead of the DC)
4 X 10,000 RPM Ultra160 SCSI Drives (2 on each bus)
Pro Tools Mix3 + Mix I/O with Y interface cables
USD
8 X 888/24 interfaces

We are attempting to achieve true 64 track playback with no DAE PCI or Drive too Slow Errors.

Any insight would be much appreciated, especially from Digi, since we would be purchasing two of these systems.

Thank you.

[ProdInfo]

Hi Mike,

It sounds like you are pretty much on the right track to experiencing the joys of 64 tracks of record/playback. However, I'm not sure why it is that you would prefer to use the ATTO Ultra 3 SCSI card. Digidesign doesn't support or recommend that card. We have tested (and can guarantee performance) with the Ultra Wide model EPCI-DC, which just so happens to be available from your Digidesign dealer as the SCSI64Kit.

I can certainly understand the desire to get the fastest SCSI card on the market, but we actually "throttle down" the speed of the SCSI adapter to ensure greater reliability and consistency in the transfer of data across the PCI bus. The Ultra 3 model would not provide any greater performance in Pro Tools, and could actually cause problems with your system. Also, make sure that you choose an expansion chassis that is approved for Pro Tools.

When in doubt, stick with a supported configuration. I promise you'll have far fewer headaches if you do!

Regards,

Jim Metzendorf
Product Specialist
Digidesign

[ July 03, 2001: Message edited by: ProdInfo ]

[batman]

Jim is right with regard to the SCSI card, the higher data-transfer rates will produce "Too much activity on the PCI buss" errors. The card will need to be choked down to the 20/10 setting.
I've used both 7 and 13 slot Magma chassis with no problems, although Digi now seem to be
recommending their re-branded versions (taking a little "tax on the top" perhaps?).
Audio drive-wise, I've been pulling 64 voices off one fast/wide Cheetah for ages...it's only when you reach very high edit densities that more than one drive is required....
regards
Ade