Hey Gang,
G.A.S. strikes! I took the plunge and ordered the 18i20 interface, and it came yesterday :whoohoo!:
Now to get it set up and running, and let's see what we can get out of it. Hopefully soon, I'll be able to post some clips from it.
Harley 8)
Hey Harley, cool, they certainly look the goods :thumb-up: and IIRC come with a cut back version of protools ?
Hey Richard,
Yes it does, but it's a bare-bones version of Pro Tools, the same with the version of Ableton you get with it. You have to buy your own DAW. It's alright, because down the road, I may just buy a complete version of Pro Tools to learn how to use it. In the meantime, I'm going to try to get the Cubase DAW going after I get this thing properly configured.
I ran into a bit of a snag yesterday when I was downloading the drivers. It seems it was trying to install a USB driver that isn't for Windows, but for a Mac, and that won't work in here. I plan to go to the support page and see what kind of help that will be this morning.
I'll keep updating this as I go along.
Harley 8)
Nice purchase, Harley! I've got two of them and I know you're going to love it!
Quote from: GuitarBuilder on February 27, 2017, 06:51:25 AM
Nice purchase, Harley! I've got two of them and I know you're going to love it!
Hey GB,
Two of them??? Wow, I thought this would be more than enough to get started, with maybe an OctoPre later if I need more.
Are you using Windows to run yours?
Harley 8)
So Harley, did you get it up and running?
@GB what daw do you use?
Not yet MJMP,
I took the day off since I was tired from work last night. I've been working 7 day work weeks for the last 3 weeks to pick up the overtime while it's available.
Plus, I need to order a pair of 1/4" to XLR balanced cables to connect my monitors to the Focusrite. I'm probably going to get a pair of monitor headphones as well. I'm looking at a pair of Audio Technica ATH-M50X.
Quote from: Harley Hexxe on February 27, 2017, 07:21:43 AM
Quote from: GuitarBuilder on February 27, 2017, 06:51:25 AM
Nice purchase, Harley! I've got two of them and I know you're going to love it!
Hey GB,
Two of them??? Wow, I thought this would be more than enough to get started, with maybe an OctoPre later if I need more.
Are you using Windows to run yours?
Harley 8)
No, I'm a Mac Pro guy.
Quote from: MarshallJMP on February 27, 2017, 10:53:35 AM
So Harley, did you get it up and running?
@GB what daw do you use?
I use Studio One Pro 3 on OS X Yosemite.
Quote from: Harley Hexxe on February 27, 2017, 04:40:28 PM
Not yet MJMP,
I took the day off since I was tired from work last night. I've been working 7 day work weeks for the last 3 weeks to pick up the overtime while it's available.
Plus, I need to order a pair of 1/4" to XLR balanced cables to connect my monitors to the Focusrite. I'm probably going to get a pair of monitor headphones as well. I'm looking at a pair of Audio Technica ATH-M50X.
Those are very nice headphones; I'd recommend the AKG K710s as well for mixing.
Update:
I've got the drivers downloaded and installed, and everything seems to be cool with it. I had to order a pair of TRS cable to connect to my studio monitors. Audio test shows everything is connected and working the way it should, (pretty easy in fact)! Now to download and install Cubase which I'll do tomorrow. I've also ordered a backlit keyboard for the Cubase/Nuendo DAW, and that should be here in the next day or two.
Hey GB,
I couldn't find 710's, but I did find 701's and 712's. A bit pricey, but looks good for when I need to get into some critical monitoring. I may go with a pair of those down the road as I add more equipment to this recording setup. There are a variety of mics I'm looking at as well as, mic pre's, tube compressors, and passive EQ's. That's when I'll need more accurate monitoring.
Harley 8)
Hey Harley, don't forget to download the free focusrite stuff they give to focusrite owners !!!
Say may I ask what cubase keyboard you ordered? I interested in a backlit one but I can't find them over here.
Is it the one from editors keys?
Hey MJMP,
So far, most of the stuff Focusrite has been offering has been 3rd party apps and such, is that what you mean?
The keyboard I ordered is the Logickeyboard Astra, for Cubase/Nuendo. It does have the editors keys. It's pretty nice, just came today. There are 8 dealers in Belgium for these. I'll list them for you.
Redcorp SA
Rue Emile Féronstraat 168
1060 Bruxelles
Belgium
Web www.redcorp.com
Phone +32 2 558 30 00
Vianto
Weggestraat 13
2170 Merksem/Antwerpen
Belgium
Web www.vianto.be
Phone +32 3 641 63 33
Easy M
Fraikinstraat 12
2200 Herentals
Belgium
Web www.easy-m.be
Phone +32 1 428 66 66
Double Precision
Muinkkai 73
9000 Gent
Belgium
Web www.doubleprecision.be
Phone +32 9 233 51 59
Diginet
Aarschotsestraat 87A
1801 Peutie
Belgium
Web www.diginet.be
Phone
+32 2 257 01 82
ES Broadcast Media
Technologielaan 3
3001 Heverlee
Belgium
Web www.broadcast-media.eu
Phone
+32 1 640 40 20
Integra
Naamsesteenweg 386
3001 Heverlee
Belgium
Web www.integra-belgium.be
Phone
+32 16 38 72 70
Optivoks
Jean Roelantsstraat 20
1830 Machelen
Belgium
Web www.optivoks.com
Phone
+32 2 252 13 53
I hope one of these are close to you. You should be able to check out everything they do at one of these sites.
The keyboard comes with two USB plugs, one black, and one grey. The black is just the standard plug in for the keyboard, the grey is where you get the backlit feature. It also comes with a transparent rubber keyboard cover to cover all the keys, and keep any dust and other junk from getting into your keyboard.
I'm glad I ordered this. It makes it much easier to use the laptop, and I prefer my trackball mouse which is a lot better than the little pad on the laptop.
Harley 8)
Yeah that what I mean.
BTW none of those dealers carry either something for pc or cubase.
Quote from: MarshallJMP on March 10, 2017, 04:00:19 AM
Yeah that what I mean.
BTW none of those dealers carry either something for pc or cubase.
That's bizarre, Logickeyboard lists them as dealers for their products. :dunno:
Yeah that's Belgium.That's why I never order anything over here, I usually order my stuff in the Netherlands or Germany.
That would be frustrating as hell.
UPDATE:
Okay, I have everything installed and hooked up, and I tried a preliminary recording run through with one of my rigs and did a few tracks to see how it sounds. For a first run at it, not too bad!
I have to experiment with mic placement with my SM-57, but I'm getting the feeling that I might also need to invest in a Royer 121.
Overall, I think I made the right choice with the Focusrite 18i20. The British certainly know a thing or two about recording equipment! It's a great little unit with a lot of potential. Very Neutral in it's recording quality, so what you put in is what you get out. It's got me thinking about adding a bit more to it like Mic Pre-amps, Passive EQ's, and a vactrol Compressor, and above all, better microphones! There's a lot of potential here that I didn't think I would have with a PC based recording setup. (It's a hard transition from old school recording to the new way of recording when you know the fidelity of the old school ways)!
Next on the agenda: combining live mic placement with direct recording to get the truest recording of the actual sounds I'm hearing in the open room. I also think a bit of room treatment is in order here, so I'll keep you updated.
Harley 8)
Hey Harley, I was given a pair of Rode NT 5s a while ago, they are a very nice (and small) condenser, sounded very good on the cab (and also very versatile). I also bought a Chinese EV RE320 ($280 AUD ish), it's a cheaper version of the EV RE20 (arguably the best dynamic mic ever) and has a nice bass drum switch (which is what I typically use it for, but it would work really well on cabs). Anyway as you know there are lots of mics to pick from...
Oh yeah Richard,
There are a ga-ZILLION mics out there these days, and it would be impossible to name them all. I don't know about the NT 5's but one that I am looking at is the NTK, that seems to be a good mic at an attractive price. Some other mics I have my eye on are these:
Sennheiser MD 441 U --- a mic I've used in studios in the past and it's awesome!
Telefunken CU-29
Telefunken M80
Shure SM-52
AKG C414
Neumann TLM 103
Royer R-121
Lauten Audio LA-320
There are a few more 'must have' mics that I'll probably get next like three more SM-57's. They are hard to beat.
Absolutely Harley, and as you say, hard to go past the old reliable 57 (which is still my favourite snare mic).
The ones I've use from your list:
The Senni MD 421 is also worth looking out for (very hi SPL handling), and there are more of them around than the 441 (which is basically a weather proof version of the 421 :dunno: ), word of warning with both of these though, (you may have come across already ??) is they often break where the clip slots into the mic (nice idea, not very robust :facepalm: ) ahh gaph tape is your friend (again lol).
The AKG C414 is also a mic I'm familiar with, very nice mic IMHO.
The Rode mics are made in Australia, Swiss guy came here years ago.... they sell more overseas than domestically (well there's only 22 mil people in Australia). Great mics at very reasonable prices (particularly for how good they are). I also have a Rode NT1, kind of Neumann U87 equivalent (but better IMHO and allot cheaper..), it's great for lots of things but particularly vocals.
Anyway, as you say, there are a gazillion to pick from...
Hi Richard,
Yes I know about that issue with the 441-U, but since I would only want it for studio use, it should be fine. I've used those a lot in the past.
I know Rode mics are made in your neck of the woods. I looked into the NT1, and it's a Solid State mic. Very reasonably priced too. But I'm looking for tube dynamics and warmth, so that's what has me looking at the NTK. That should come a bit closer to the U 87, and since $3600.00 is out of my price range, that's why I'm looking into these alternatives.
The CU-29 can get one aspect of the Telefunken U 47, but for a fraction of the price. I could always pick up a NT1 later on just to give it a go.
There are a lot of mics out there but some I wouldn't use if you paid me. Blue mics are one of them. The sales guy I'm dealing with at Sweetwater has one, and he told me he only uses it if he has nothing left. And, I wouldn't waste my time with any of the USB mics, especially the condensers.
Harley 8)
I have a Rode NT2a very happy with it, very good mic.Also have audix mics for drums, a few D2,D4,D6,i5 and ADX51 condensers.The i5 works very well together with the SM57.
Who makes the i5?
Audix http://www.audixusa.com/index-15.shtml
That's a very interesting mic. I looked at a few other Audix mics, but not that one.
That's why I was looking at the Royer Labs R-121. It's a large ribbon mic that works well with the SM-57 when mic'ing guitar cabs.
Rather than start a new thread, I'm reviving this one.
Where to start...Focusrite + Windows = Headache.
It seems like the Focusrite constantly wants to disconnect itself from the desktop as far as the DAW is concerned. I don't know it it's Cubase, or Windows, or just the stupid Dell Desktop I have.
So, I'm looking into replacing ALL of it!
Starting with the PC. I've been looking at a Macbook Pro to start with. A bit pricey at $2500 USD, but I imagine it will be better for networking and maybe even the DAW. I may try the Focusrite in that before I commit to a Presonus. I'd like to salvage what I have before spending all that cash on completely rebuilding the entire set up.
Has anyone here with a Mac tried any of the Focusrite hardware, and if so, can you offer any suggestions/advice?
I'm just sick of trying to record tracks and it looks like I'm doing it, but the end result has no sound.
Hey Harley, I feel your pain my friend :facepalm: .
Like you, I just wanted to get recording again. Some of this I've posted before but here's the journey for me (not quite over but it's all working very well so far).
So I bought a Focusrite 8 in/out. It was a hassle and intermittent with my (now retired) Win7 laptop. So I quickly swapped it for the PreSonus 18/24, basically much the same 8 in/out (slightly better controls BTW). The PreSonus has a Universal Control app/driver which worked fine, connected easily and is very stable and consistent, moreover it sounded a bit more musical, warmer and less stark/clinical. It also comes with Studio One software for free which works fine "out of the box" with all I needed for now.
So I needed a new PC so I went for a MSI Creator Z17HXStusio A13VGT fully loaded with 64GB RAM, and 2 TB SSHD, latest Intel chipset. It's a gaming/creative lap top so also has high end nvida card which can share processing. Screen is photo quality17" touch which also works well (my thought good for mixing). So this cost around $3k USD ($4.6k AUD) but is the equivalent of the most expensive MAC book Pro (~$6 to $7k AUD). It comes with Win11 Pro. After getting rid of the gaming stuff (what I could easily), it's been the best computer I've ever had. Everything connects and works seamlessly (2 x USB C/thunderbolt4 lightening, USB A (3.0), HDMI, SD Card reader, and it doesn't even raise a slight sweat when recoding/mixing etc.
As a long time Windows user, I struggle to "dumb down" to use a Mac. There's no delete key (have to go to the right and backspace :crazy: ), no srcolly mouse wheel, no right mouse button or menus, to burn a CD you have to drag the file onto the CD icon and then have no control of the settings (took me ~15 frustrating mins to work that out). I'm sure once you are used to them they are ok(ish) but then you are locked into the Mac ecosphere (proprietary and expensive). No (or very limited) I/O connections, it's mostly all wireless or bluetooth. I don't think they have USB C, just thunderbolt proprietary (if at all). They don't have a USB A connector, you have to use an Apple iPad Camera Connection kit to connect to whichever I/O you use/choose.
My 2 cents worth, bight the bullet and buy the same or similar MSI that I bought with Win11. Swap the Focusrite for the PreSonus. My gut feeling is when you install Cubase on that system, it will all work fine, but if it doesn't, just use Studio One.
Or the cheaper starting point maybe swap out the Focusrite for the PreSonus, with it's Universal Control app/driver you'll probably get everything to work with your Dell (IIRC Win 10?). Add as much RAM as you can (it's really cheap these days).
Hey Richard,
First, let me say this. The desktop PC I'm using is a Dell. At best, Dell are flimsy these days compared to what they used to be. I'm running windows 10 on it and it's a pain in the a$$. It glitches and hangs up when it has plenty of RAM to spare and it shouldn't. So it might be the PC that is causing the disconnect or the missing pathways to the audio interface. For all I know, the Focusrite might work flawlessly with the Mac. Speaking of which, the most expensive Macbook Pro here is around $6k. A it out of my price range. The one I was looking at has 1 TB disk space and 64 Gig of RAM.
There are outboard adapters for the Mac to use USB C and other connections, and they aren't that expensive. If by dumbing down you mean simplifying the process, then why should I keep doing things the hard way? I'm not a Catholic, so I don't see a problem there.
Just like the ADA that gives me all the amp tones I could want in and easy to use package with fairly simple controls to get my sounds, I want the recording process to be just as simple. Hit the record button and GO!
IF I can't get that from a computer, then I do still have my 8-track and mastering reel-to-reels, and a mixing desk. If it comes down to it, I'll record on them and mix down the final product to a PC and save it as a wave file.
I'm just looking for a system that is as plug and play as possible. I don't want to spend my time learning how to rewrite codes and software just to get a simple task like this done. With windows that seems like all I'm doing is re-writing pathways and installing this driver and that, then trying to trim out all the garbage that comes along with all those things that I don't need, then trying to reconnect what shouldn't have become disconnected in the first place. Yeah, as you can tell, I'm ready to kick windows to the curb. :pull-hair-out:
Hey Harley, I hear you, like me you just want it to work. I have no problem with making things more simple, but I stand by what I said about MACs approach. I like a scroll wheel and right mouse menus, that doesn't exist in MAC land (it can, MAC is based on BSD Unix but they don't.. :crazy: ). That aside, I just posted what I've done recently and it works :woohoo2: which is where you are wanting to get to. All easy and now I'm functional. I don't know if the Focusrite works with a MAC? I do know (because I tried one) that the PreSonus is better (sounds better, better controls (e.g. level knob for each of the 8 inputs), and connects way better..). Hey allot of this stuff was developed for MAC in the early days e.g. Cubase was originally written for Ataris running the Motorola 6800 chips set, same as early MACs. MACs now run an Intel chip set BTW. I'm sure you can get a MAC to work fine, but that direction is typically more expensive. You made a comment about MACs being easy to network, not sure what you are basing that on but the opposite is the reality.
From my perspective, I'd just like to see you get a good system up and running, whatever you choose.
I will give a plug for Win11 though. It's better in lots of ways to Win10.
When I fire up my system now, everything works. I have a hub thingy that drives 2 monitors (it can do 4) with lots of additional USB connections (type C and A) which connects to my MSI laptop via a USB C Thunderbolt 4, PreSonus connects to the hub, everything happy... just saying.
Richard,
Not easier for networking, but better. None of the virus' or trojans or worms affect Macs. They use a different system. Plus, I don't like the idea of installing anti-virus programs. Those things are running in the background constantly, and they eat up processing power in windows PCs. Nothing is more frustrating than being in the middle of a hot recording and nailing it, then all of a sudden your PC freezes. There was too much going on at the same time and it choked. I've lost count how many times that's happened.
Yes, a Mac is a more costly investment. I can't argue that, but I will point out another fact. Just about every artist who is anybody, is using Mac. Is that just a coincidence? I think not. Anyway, after 30 some years fussing with win-blows and all the stupid additional software that you have to buy in a lot of cases, I'm ready for a switch to something different.
I'll start with a laptop and see how it does with what I've got. I've already paid a lot of money for Cubase, and a few other software add-ons for it. I'd like to produce something out of it after all that.
Oh yes, as a foot note, I was checking into a HP with windows 11 and what I needed for it to do, and it's right there at the same price as the Mac. Either way, it's going to cost me a chunk of change. No way around it.
Hey Harley, unfortunately the idea MACs aren't affected by virus' or trojans or worms is a myth. My day job includes researching vulnerabilities and attacks and MACs are right up there these days :facepalm: . The myth comes from a time when the bad guys went for the biggest footprint, which is Windows. Now everything gets attacked. Moreover, worms were first developed for Unix systems, and the MAC OS is based on BSD flavour Unix.
The first thing I did when I got the MSI was uninstall Noton AV (seems to come on everything these days). The anti virus anti malware built into Windows (defender? the name keeps changing) works fine, gets regular signature updates and doesn't get in the way at all.
One thing to be aware of if you go MAC, and hey they are great PCs, is the base models don't support multiple monitors, you have to go to the M3 Pro for 2 monitors or the M3 Max for up to 4. Either MAC or Windows you'll need a hub/dock thingy. I went with this one (https://satechi.net/products/thunderbolt-4-multimedia-pro-dock (https://satechi.net/products/thunderbolt-4-multimedia-pro-dock)) which works great. So it seems the biggest MAC display is 16", my MSI is 17" and it's too small for what we want to do. So I have it in the middle with a 24" monitor either side connected via Display port which is a little better than HDMI albeit the hub/dock supports either.
Anyway, don't skimp on the MAC, it will cost more but go high end i.e. M3 Max 16" with as much RAM as it can take (min 64GB). Hopefully Cubase will be happier on a MAC? that's where they came from way back when (as did Pro Tools). And more so the 18i20, it says it works for MacOS.
As you say, it's going to cost a chunk of change, as it has for me. In the end I'm glad I spent the money as I now have an up to date system which works really well (little bit of future proofing LoL).
I've been using Macs forever. You can easily mirror your display or use the HDMI port to run a TV for a monitor, I have a 48" monitor (LED TV) hooked up to a 2015 MacBook Pro.
PCs are disposable, you rarely keep them more than a few years, then get another one. My Macs last me 10 years....easily. Why drive a VW when you could drive a Mercedes?
More expensive? Sure. Worth it? Absolutely
Garageband will get you VERY far to record your ideas. If you want to 'master' your tracks further, you can open Garageband files with Logic. Cubase is not all that different and you'd probably have a relatively easy time using Garageband.
FYI: I haven't seen a virus since the 90s, maybe it's happening in the background and I don't see it :dunno:
@ Richard,
I'm not too concerned with running multiple monitors since I'm only looking at a laptop. I don't do that with them anyway.
Since the price point is pretty close on both, and I'm just sick of win-blows, I think it's time to try something different and see how that works out.
I know that Focusrite claims the 18i20 will work on Mac as well, but the real question is will it work the same way it's working now? I've always dealt with issues using software that needs a lot of processing power with Micro-shaft PCs, even when I built my own using the best processors, motherboards, etc., and still had these kinds of issues.
I'm going to go with a good laptop to start with and install my interface with it and see what I get when everything is installed. Then I'll have a better idea if it's the interface or the pc. One thing I can tell you for certain, I'll never get another Dell for as long as I live. We got new computers at my job just two years ago, and they are total garbage. We are constantly calling I.T. to help resolve issues with these damned things. Yep, you guessed it, they're all Dells.
@ Dante,
I know you've been using Macs for a long time, and you swear by them. I don't know how many other members here use Macs so it's a singular point of reference, but you seem to not have issues like I've had.
I've never used GarageBand or Logic. I've heard other people heap praise on Logic, but not too many talk about Garageband. I also remember you not having issues with viruses and other stupid things that Micro-shaft users have to watch out for.
Anyway, as I told Richard, I'm only looking at a laptop right now to see if it's going to work out. What I'll be looking for is: how well I can navigate my way around the Mac OS, how well I can connect my audio hardware and install my software in it, and how it will handle it. I'm not really looking to use the laptop as a full blown DAW, but at the most maybe as a portable studio recording device with a smaller interface. If it holds up with what I've got now and doesn't drop its connections with the hardware or glitch the software, then I might consider upgrading to a more powerful desktop.
If you have any suggestions or recommendations about what I should be looking for in a Mac, (like Richard has), I'm open to it. This is all uncharted territory for me.
I should mention that when I do get the laptop, I mainly want to use it for networking and maybe shooting some video content on it. I can't do that with any of my pcs because they won't even hold together just trying to make audio recordings.
Hey Harley, if you go for a high end Macbook Pro it should do everything you want and work fine as a "DAW" and also for video. You shouldn't need a new desk top as the latest Laptops are as good and often better. And if you need a couple of extra monitors, as Dante says you can use the HDMI out to connect one. I suggested the hub/dock thing as it gives you lots of additional connections to plug in a mouse, keyboard, monitors etc. (network port as well if you need it, which the Macbook Pro don't have, they use wireless). I'm really happy with my hi end MSI laptop, I usually run it with the dock and additional monitors but can take it with me and use it stand alone. Big upside with the Mac laptops is much better battery life between charges. That's the one down side of my MSI, it's good for 3 to 4 hours only. The M3 Max I suggested is 22hours, impressive.
Edit: Had a look at a friends Macbook Pro tonight, great news, the mouse has left and right click and scrolls in the middle, even better, it has no cable to connect to the Laptop, you just have to charge it up from time to time. Even better apart from being really sleek, the top is continuous, no cracks for dust to get. Very elegant design. I don't know how easy it is to add RAM to a Macbook, some laptops are easy and some are a pain. Mine (MSI) allegedly is a pain so I ordered it all loaded up with 64GB so I didn't have to think about it later.
Laptop RAM memory is not that hard to upgrade, I've done that to all my laptops. I guess it's quite a challenge on some older iMacs, but that's another topic....I don't use the display on my laptop at all, just the bigass TV.
The TV was handy when my eyes were bad, now that they're fixed, it's way better. I have tons of real estate
Yes, the current Mac Magic Mouse is sleek on top and has all the clicks and a (hidden) scroll wheel....HOWEVER, the charging cable port is on the BOTTOM of the mouse. You cannot use the mouse when charging. That is a design flaw
As for advice on buying a Mac, I've always gotten refurbished machines that were 2 or 3 years old. Half the price, still reliable as hell and usually come with Apple care (from a reputable dealer). Sure, they may use a chip that's been improved, but I don't need the latest greatest CPU...
Richard,
I'll keep that in mind, but I will still go with a desktop even if I have a laptop. I don't like to use the desktop for networking, which is why I choose to use a laptop for that.
I intended to get a hub for the laptop anyway since the USB connections are limited on those.
As far as external monitors, these two I have now can work with HDMI, and they are connected with adapters.
Dante,
I'll look for refurbished Macs and see what's out here. The place I went to was the Apple Store, so I think all they had was new machines. I'll look around though.
Thanks for the tip, I didn't even think of that until you mentioned it.
Hey Dante, the newer thinner laptops can be a bit harder to get at the RAM as obviously the space inside is at a premium. When I read that about the MSI I was buying, which is as thin as a Macbook Pro, you have to dismantle it a bit to get at the RAM, so not as straight forward as it was/is with thicker older units. Hence I decided stuff that and just bought it loaded up. I went new and high end, the last laptop I have I bought over 15 years ago and I wanted to future proof myself a bit. Also the MSI is a gaming/creative model, and gaming machines are always really high spec. These are the people (gamers) who have liquid cooling systems for the CPU (like a car radiator).
@Harley, when you said networking, I miss understood you I think. To me that means running on a corporate network etc. which Macs are not particularly easy to incorporate. But if you just mean connecting to your wireless router/modem thingy and accessing the internet, I don't think of that as networking, although I spose strictly it is in a way. The monitor limitation came up when I was buying the Satechi dock. At that time Macs only supported 2 external monitors. When I looked the other day I noticed the M3 Max has addressed that and it can now support 4 (in that model) as does Win11. Of course you also need a decent graphics card. But I'm good with 2 which gives me 3 screens which I find handy for recording, well mostly mixing as the FX and bus windows etc. can be on other screens. While buying refurbished Macs may be cost effective now, I wouldn't (given what you want and are doing). Mac OSs get deprecated faster that Windows. There's lots of people who can't apply security patches (and Dante, they come thick and fast these days, I see them every other day in my job) to their Apple things. Not that this doesn't also happen in Windows, it's just Window is supported much longer due partly to it's huge footprint in enterprise organisations.
Anyway Harley, I just decided to bight the bullet, spend the money and upgrade everything, coz, like you, I was over it and just wanted everything to work. And I'm glad I did, now I'm good for another 10 years (I hope LoL).
Hey Richard,
Yeah, I should have been a bit more specific regarding the networking. You see, I have a room in my basement that I've set up for recording, and that's where the desktop is going to be. I use the laptop when I'm upstairs to get on the internet. I still want to transfer files from the desktop to the laptop though, so the machines need to connect seamlessly. This way, I don't need to be in my basement when I get online to post finished recordings.