External Chassis & Track Count Questions

[anguswoodhead]

Hi guys
First post so go easy.
I haven't searched - sorry.
I am about to buy a HD system for my 8 core Mac Pro.
I am considering new PCie or used PCi systems.

Question 1 - what is the minimum size system I need to achieve a track count of 192 at 96k?
On the Avid website it says that a HD3 system can only achieve 96 track count at 96k.
They list the same specs for a HD2 system
Would a HD4 system achieve what I need to achieve? (ie. 192 tracks at 96k)

Question 2 - To install a HD4 or bigger system an external Chassis of some sort is required, right?
What is the best way to go about this?
If I buy a used HD4, 5, 6, etc in a PCi Chassis can I get a PCie interface to connect to my Mac Pro?

Any help would be appreciated.

[crizdee]

Originally Posted by anguswoodhead

Hi guys
First post so go easy.
I haven't searched - sorry.
I am about to buy a HD system for my 8 core Mac Pro.
I am considering new PCie or used PCi systems.

Question 1 - what is the minimum size system I need to achieve a track count of 192 at 96k?
On the Avid website it says that a HD3 system can only achieve 96 track count at 96k.
They list the same specs for a HD2 system
Would a HD4 system achieve what I need to achieve? (ie. 192 tracks at 96k)

Question 2 - To install a HD4 or bigger system an external Chassis of some sort is required, right?
What is the best way to go about this?
If I buy a used HD4, 5, 6, etc in a PCi Chassis can I get a PCie interface to connect to my Mac Pro?

Any help would be appreciated.

Hi,

1: maximum track count / voices @96k is 96

2: The ultimate chassis for using PCI cards with a PCIe MacPro is the Magma PE6R4! Some other chassis do work but this is the only zero latency chassis that will house 6 cards


Chris

[anguswoodhead]

Originally Posted by crizdee

Hi,

1: maximum track count / voices @96k is 96

2: The ultimate chassis for using PCI cards with a PCIe MacPro is the Magma PE6R4! Some other chassis do work but this is the only zero latency chassis that will house 6 cards


Chris

Thanks Chris.
Re the track count... what size system would I have to get to have 192 tracks at 96k? (HD4?)
I had heard that Magma was the way to go for Chassis's.

[crizdee]

Originally Posted by anguswoodhead

Thanks Chris.
Re the track count... what size system would I have to get to have 192 tracks at 96k? (HD4?)
I had heard that Magma was the way to go for Chassis's.

Hi,

No the maximum track count @96k is 96 regardless of how many cards you have!!

Its all down to available voices: 192 voices @ 48k / 96 voices @ 96k and i believe its just 36 voices @ 192k

But depending on how you set your session up and how you arrange your RTAS plugins etc! 96 voices doesn't mean 96 tracks if you use RTAS plugs after TDM and on AUX channels etc.


Chris

[holden]

As a supplement to Chris' good advice you might also learn something about voice sharing. If a number of tracks have signals that do not overlap in time, then they can all use the same voice. This can expand your track count, but it is dependent on the program material.

[anguswoodhead]

Very disapointed to hear this - but thanks for the info.
I can't believe in 2010 that Pro Tools HD (the world's premier DAW) can't really achieve more that 96 tracks at 96k.
What do guys doing movie scores do - aren't some of there projects massive.....
Gee I hope I'm doing the right thing here.

[soundasleep]

The "movie guys" are using multiple PTs systems simultaneously, and they are using VCAs & stems, so the track count is manageable. Get the PE6R4 chassis, fill it up with 6 cards, and make sure you have 12-16gig of ram. If you have to have more than 96 tracks, you'll need two systems, and you have a lot of work to do. I regularly do 12-76 track sessions, for commercial post, and when it gets above 50, I am busy.
Each mono track requires a voice, each stereo track requires 2 voices, and RTAS plugs use voice-power.

[anguswoodhead]

Thanks for your replies guys.
I feel I am heading towards a larger HD system (HD4 +) with a Magma at this stage.
The used PCi systems are good value for sure.
Just trying to get my head around the differences between Core, Accel & Process cards.

[crizdee]

Originally Posted by anguswoodhead

Just trying to get my head around the differences between Core, Accel & Process cards.

Hi,

Core card: every system needs one to run! the first card in the system!

Process card: adds more power and another interface connection to your system.

Accel card: adds almost twice the power of a process card and ads another interface connection.

core cards and accel cards: available as PCI and PCIe versions
Process cards: available only as PCI. most of these are now 5-6 years old!!

Chris

[anguswoodhead]

Great - thanks Chris.
All questions now answered..... except the big one.
When's the new PT system going to land - LOL.