Prospect Pulsar User

Man-Machine · Post by **Man-Machine** » Thu Dec 23, 2004 12:39 pm

I'm don't know much how the Scope Platform works and I was wondering if someone could answer a couple of my questions before I buy the Scope Project Card.

First of all, I'm only buying this card for the analog synth emulations alone (well, at least initially...) I'm planning to use it in Cubase SX along my other VSTis synths. I was wondering how easy is it to use this synths like VSTis.

The Scope Project card has I/O but I'm not planning to use those, so can I use this card just like the Pulsar XTC that doesn't have I/O?

Do I have to run any software on the side along with Cubase SX?

I know there's a learning curve to use it but I don't have too much time to mess with it for the project I'm working right now. Can I easily use this synths right out of the box without too much fuss like any other VSTis?

Thank you

Post by **garyb** » Thu Dec 23, 2004 1:02 pm

yes, you can use it like an xtc card, but to not use the io is a pity because the io and routing are almost certainly better than what you've got. if, you can operate hardware, you will be able to operate scope, it'll be the easiest peice of software you'll deal with. no additional software is required to use it with cubase. to truly use the card like an xtc card, you must remove the io plate and insert a plug(available from cw i believe) over the connector. otherwise, the scope io must be used.

also, using the scope io means that you can sell your current card and help finance your purchase. you also will have fewer devices running, fewer irqs to keep track of, an easier setup and more stable computer(if you take the time to set things up properly from the beginning), ultimately having a more productive work environment(im my opinion).

[ This Message was edited by: garyb on 2004-12-23 13:09 ]

Post by **hubird** » Thu Dec 23, 2004 6:41 pm

also, speaking about learning curves, the whole concept is identical to the real studio world, specially the mixers and routing part.
If you ever worked in or built a studio, you'll feel home immediately

Scope is lonely at the top, tho the audio world doesn't realizes this enough, due to global conservatism and the limited promotion resources of the small company that Creamware Audio is.

The physical In/Outs, a big plus compared to other DSP (effects) cards, take care for almost zero latency, you only have to deal with (ULLI variable) ASIO latency, which is unevitable.

You'll grow into it

edit: don't know about XTC use, as it's not implemented for mac...
Some folks were/are having problems with XTC use, I assume it needs carefull installing and pc tweaking.
There's lotsa info in this forum at least

[ This Message was edited by: hubird on 2004-12-23 18:47 ]

Man-Machine · Post by **Man-Machine** » Fri Dec 24, 2004 3:42 am

Thanks for the replies! I went ahead and just ordered a Scope Project card with a few synth plugins. The main reason which I think I want to use it just as XTC card is because I want to dedicate all DSP power available to the synths. I'm assuming if I have to run a mixer or even basic routings they'll eat some of the DSP, right??? At the same time, I have to finish a project I'm getting paid and I don't have too much time to fiddle other than with the synths but I'll give it a try when I'm done with it...

Anyway, thanks for all the tips and Merry X-mas!!!

[ This Message was edited by: Man-Machine on 2004-12-24 03:43 ]

next to nothing · Post by **next to nothing** » Fri Dec 24, 2004 8:35 pm

just a little tip: if you want to use the Scope synths in your paid project, and the project is due shortly, please install the Scope card in a seperate machine.
This is not a warning due to the Scope card, but i would avoid installing new hardware/software to my main machine during an on-going project. Just a general warning.
Oh, and remember, the seperate machine can a be quite shitty one, since your stuff will run from DSP anyways. this wont enable you to run XTC mode (if you dont have a sequencer in that seperate machine that is), but that shouldnt be a prob.

Heard too many stories of projects getting fuxxed by new installations.

Anyway, you gonna diiig your new card! good luck, have fun, go mad!

akisd28 · Post by **akisd28** » Sat Dec 25, 2004 1:21 pm

If you want to finish the paid project on time and want to operate your Pulsar w/out its I/O on it, unfortunately, you're most probably just dreaming... Actually, even if you just want to operate your Pulsar with another brand I/O, I'm sorry, but I don't think you'll be able to do it and have it work as it should. I bought a Pulsar XTC and sold it in less than a month, 'cause even the Creamware support guys couldn't help me make it work just as a DSP card - though my 2 UADs and 1 Powercore work perfectly in my system.

Man-Machine · Post by **Man-Machine** » Mon Jan 03, 2005 3:05 pm

Thank you all for the input. I just got my card and I love the synths! Too bad I only have 6 DSPs and I can't run all them live how I do it with VSTis

I decided to just use Pulsar as my soundcard and keep things simpler. I created a start up project so that I can use some other studio applications on the side so it seems to be working. Right now I'm just planning to get the XTC mode working because I'm only interested in the synths and perhaps some effects. Also, I like the one environment idea, I'm more eficient that way. I spend WAY too much time being an engineer and not enough being a musician. I only have a couple of quirks in XTC mode to take care and everything should be fine...I hope!