I could use some advice

[zedhed]

Originally Posted by thescarecrow

Your computer can't affect the sound quality. It can either run protools or it can't. Only the algorithms in protools (and plugins) and your audio interface have have an effect on sound quality. If your computer can't keep up with protools you will get error messages, choppy playback and stuff like that, but not a crappy sounding mix, that's just not possible.

That's true, but you need a computer that will integrate properly with whatever interface & software you are using. Any system is only as good as it's weakest link, whether it be the software, interface or computer (not too mention other peripherals such as cables, monitors etc).

[JMS40]

It does appear that Mr. Tebbes may have come to the mistaken conclusion that a new computer will improve his sound...

[Top Jimmy]

Originally Posted by thescarecrow

Your computer can't affect the sound quality. It can either run protools or it can't. Only the algorithms in protools (and plugins) and your audio interface have have an effect on sound quality.

That's complete BS. I've had Pro Tools sessions that ran without throwing an error yet something was off bad in the mix. Simply restarting PT or rebooting the PC would not resolve the issue.

Just last week I had a high track count session with lots of regions edited to the grid. Just playing through would go okay, but fast stops/starts would cause PT to throw an error. In all this, I could tell there was something audibly wrong. I went through all the steps of changing buffer and cache without improving things. I wracked my brain on things that could possibly have an affect and I eventually wondered what the effect was on having dozens of regions all starting at the same point on the grid at numerous points throughout the song. I went through and staggered all of the region starts so that they were no longer concurrent and it solved the problem I was hearing.

I do have a supported system, Pro Tools was not set to ignore errors, the badness I heard was not just centered around the region starts, and I could hear the difference when the badness went away.

Ultimately, was the problem with PT or my PC? I don't know nor do I care. I just know that there are instances when supposedly neutral issues do have a deleterious effect.

[pianosound]

Originally Posted by Top Jimmy

That's complete BS. I've had Pro Tools sessions that ran without throwing an error yet something was off bad in the mix. Simply restarting PT or rebooting the PC would not resolve the issue.

Just last week I had a high track count session with lots of regions edited to the grid. Just playing through would go okay, but fast stops/starts would cause PT to throw an error. In all this, I could tell there was something audibly wrong. I went through all the steps of changing buffer and cache without improving things. I wracked my brain on things that could possibly have an affect and I eventually wondered what the effect was on having dozens of regions all starting at the same point on the grid at numerous points throughout the song. I went through and staggered all of the region starts so that they were no longer concurrent and it solved the problem I was hearing.

I do have a supported system, Pro Tools was not set to ignore errors, the badness I heard was not just centered around the region starts, and I could hear the difference when the badness went away.

Ultimately, was the problem with PT or my PC? I don't know nor do I care. I just know that there are instances when supposedly neutral issues do have a deleterious effect.

But still,,,,?? I'm not sure its a good idea to think that a new PC will change the output 'sound' of a song? Back in 'the day', when the 1st 001 came out. I read a lot on the DUC before my 1st PC build for PT's. And there were things (rumors) mentioned, like,,, 'a guy I know has the same PC build as mine, and the sound is a little different'. It was discussed a little and then I have'nt seen anything written about it since? But as mentioned above, there are sooo many variables from the room, mic, pre's, etc. to the CD, and yet the code created on PT's I would think is not gonna be that different!!??
I myself am not smart enough to suggest one way or the other!!! I would just be careful before spending money, and finding out,,,, there just isn't any change in the end results!

Best of luck,,,, and please let us know what you find, Mike