Mobile workplace

PsySamurai · Post by **PsySamurai** » Sat Oct 27, 2007 8:06 am

Hello all.
I've currently purchased a new laptop (intel core 2 duo @ 2x 2Ghz 2MB L1 Cache,2 GB RAM 160 HDD) to become my mobile workplace, and I'm wondering what's the best audio interface to go with it.
I'm mainly running Reason 4 rewired into Live, so low latency is requiered, but some external audio input and midi interface would be a plus. Any suggestions?

EDIT: Perhaps I should elaborate further. I have been considering the scope platform, the reason why I posted here was to know if any of the scope users works on a laptop, maybe with some pci adapter, using the scope cards, and to know if it's a good or bad idea to go that way when working on a laptop, also having in mind it's an ageing platform and that pci laptop adapters are a solution for whom already owns such card, while it may or may not be the best idea for someone starting a mobile setup, thought I have no idea what the prices on these pci adapters are.

I would like to hear some solid points about weither or not to choose the platform in such scenario other then just, "this is a scope forum so I must say scope" or gearlust derived inputs.

No offense meant.

Mr Arkadin · Post by **Mr Arkadin** » Sat Oct 27, 2007 8:33 am

Well as this is a Scope discussion forum i'm going to suggest a Scope card. Unfortunately it won't fit inside a laptop. You'll probably need to go a more 'generic' website for your answers, maybe KvR.

dawman · Post by **dawman** » Sat Oct 27, 2007 11:00 am

Ladies And Gentlemen,...................Mr.Arkadin........ankyu......ankyuvarymush.

astroman · Post by **astroman** » Sat Oct 27, 2007 5:01 pm

the NOAH EX is a pretty good idea, as it's extremely affordable 2nd hand

replace Reason by this and you have excellent sound sources without any CPU load at all and no latency either - connect by an RME cardbus card via Adat.

cheers, Tom

Tau · Post by **Tau** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 9:18 am

Hi!

Mobile scope: that's something I like to hear...

First - does your laptop run XP? Scope doesn't work in Vista, and there are quite a few new laptops that don't do well with XP

Second - Magma boxes wth PCMCIA interfaces usually mean quite a drop in PCI bandwidth - usable for synths, but not so good for samplers, delays and reverbs (which are RAM intensive). I never heard of Magma IEEE interfaces, but I have been experimenting with the Express-card interface and my MacBook. It works, but not as well as expected, because it seems the older DEC chips are incompatible with the Apple (no idea how it is with other computers). Newer Magma boxes have new chipsets ("Pericom"), and I am waiting for the parts to do an upgrade on my unit and finally see what it's worth... In a week or so I will be posting the result on this.

The NOAH has the downside of not being able to load normal scope devices, and so there's only a limited amount of instruments and effects you can get - excellent ones, but not nearly as expandable as a scope system. But bear in mind that scope cards + Magma rack can be quite expensive, and only the 1 and 2 slot models can be called "portable", having also the option to get a 12v model (or swap the PSU for a 12 v PSU). The 4-slot and over are heavier, need more power and are more meant to be racked instead of lugged around...

And finally, RME cards are top quality - I have been using a PCI / PCMCIA Hammerfall Multiface for 6 years without one single problem. Rock solid and extremely versatile. I've been thinking of replacing it with the FIreface 400, so I could use it also on the Mac, but it's doing such a great job now as it is, I don't want to risk taking it out...

Hope this helps!

T

PsySamurai · Post by **PsySamurai** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 5:11 pm

Hi, and thanks for your feedback.

My laptop packs vista, but I already have been collecting the necessary tools to install a xp pro in it.

I also looked up on the Noah and realized it can indeed only run a few selected pluggins. Would be a low cpu load though, it's kind of feels a bit limited.

I have checked the magma prices and they are indeed overpriced imho.
On the other side, the RME cards look very interesting, thought I'm yet not sure of their capabilities. From my readings they seem like a fancy mixer.

Post by **garyb** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 10:39 pm

fancy mixer? hardly, but good cards.

PsySamurai · Post by **PsySamurai** » Wed Oct 31, 2007 11:43 am

Well, they do seem to have many options, but they aren't cheap. I checked a few, but I don't think I need that many input options, since I'm mainly going software atm without any outboard gear. Perhaps just 1-2 decent I/0 's would be suficient for me. I don't have pcmcia, only the new xpress slots, usb or firewire. Are there any viable low cost options, or only $$$ ones?

astroman · Post by **astroman** » Wed Oct 31, 2007 2:14 pm

I don't have any hands-on experiences with RME (yet) - but if their re-clocking capabilities work as advertised the cards are a true bargain as they can replace a high-quality dedicated clock in many 'small' studio setups.
Afaik RME is the only manucaturer to provide tools for checking integrity of your digital signals - dedicated devices would be fairly expensive.
Their driver implementation is probably the fastest and most reliable on the market - claiming Asio with no CPU load at all.

cheers, Tom

braincell · Post by **braincell** » Wed Oct 31, 2007 4:10 pm

If you want an external device Firewire is best but for something less bulky:

http://www.echoaudio.com/Products/CardB ... /index.php

sonolive · Post by **sonolive** » Thu Nov 01, 2007 3:06 am

hi
have a look here

http://www.planetz.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=23507

cheers
olive

lagoausente · Post by **lagoausente** » Thu Nov 01, 2007 1:06 pm

It all depends about what you need. I use a Magma 2 slot in a nice flight case. Iwould prefer the 1 slot because is much more portable, but still the 2 slot is no bad since I put the laptop above it, and carry in the case a AD and a nice preamp.
You´ll have more limited bandwith than with a desktop, and forget reverbs is the best idea. Although, using sampling is ok, and I use STS often.
At first I had some problems with bandwith limit message. Needed to configure ok the laptop, disabling some extra video card functions, using a tool to put a lower latency for the video card, and put the centrino speed to "low", solved the problem.
I´m very satisfied with my setup, because I like a lot not having extra latency, using sampling without latency and drop problems, and nice sofware like dynatube makes the system a very nice portable setup. Although you have to be patiente to configure it ok.
I have also disabled "pci bus power management" and "cpu power management" on advanced settings, on energy options on the control panel.
I have 15 o so Asio channels open to the sequencer, and can send individually the STS outputs of a drum machine instrument.

astroman · Post by **astroman** » Thu Nov 01, 2007 4:36 pm

sorry, can't help it but (most of) todays's notebooks are for sissies

the very beginning looked promising, tho
and they still make some solid ones like this and that

otherwise a 3 unit rack (1 drawer for TFT/keyboard, 2 for the PC case) is as transportable as the whimpy Magma/book combo, but more powerful and reliable

cheers, Tom
(no offence intended)

Post by **garyb** » Thu Nov 01, 2007 7:13 pm

yes.
rack a desktop.

lagoausente · Post by **lagoausente** » Fri Nov 02, 2007 9:09 am

garyb wrote:yes.
rack a desktop.

You´ll need to have a AC source near you.
If you want battery powered, can use the 1 magma slot, or put a PICO PSU to any other magma chassis. With this miniature psu, you can supply with 12V the Magma. I do that.
There is another version now that accept a variable input voltage, ideal for battery powering, 7-15V or so.

astroman · Post by **astroman** » Fri Nov 02, 2007 2:15 pm

is there any gig on which there is no AC power source ?

or are you going to take it to the beach ?
nice environment for a NB btw

cheers, Tom
btw I have a 120 Watt PICO thingy, but it didn't even start my PIII from a 60 Watt source

lagoausente · Post by **lagoausente** » Sun Nov 04, 2007 7:02 am

astroman wrote:or are you going to take it to the beach ?
nice environment for a NB btw

cheers, Tom
btw I have a 120 Watt PICO thingy, but it didn't even start my PIII from a 60 Watt source

Why not? The beach or any other place. If you use if for recording and playing alone, the DC battery powered allows to change from the kitchen to the bedroom without have to restart all the system.

astroman · Post by **astroman** » Sun Nov 04, 2007 7:26 am

you will not rely on battery power anyway, as batteries always fail in crucial situations - and you wouldn't want to miss that magic moment...

imho the 'freedom of movement' argument is a complete hype which is applicable to any reasonable situation in at best 4% - once you start thinking about it more thoroughly.
If I would want to change rooms for recording, the power source would be my least concern. There are 2 pedalboards, preamp, 2 basses and a guitar to be moved...

dunno if to laugh or cry at the sight of advertisements wher young guys 'n gals are pictured hanging over their notebooks on the floor.
Bowed spine and neck make me wonder if it's sponsored by the orthopedic society...

cheers, Tom

Post by **hubird** » Sun Nov 04, 2007 7:37 am

same thoughts here...

PsySamurai · Post by **PsySamurai** » Mon Nov 05, 2007 4:48 pm

Well, I do agree with the crappy lappy statment, mine doesn't even have line in anymore, just an onboard cam&mic and mic&phones jack, tho Vista shows a dB level adjustment starting from 0dB = 1x Gain = same as line in.
I choosed it for the specs, and nowdays there aren't many options on low budget systems.

As for the soundcards, and mobility issue, the lap is a desktop replacement in my case, tho it's handy to carry around with a small midi keyboard in a bag, and in order to keep that, the soundcard can't be too bulky imho, or the racked desktop will probably be a better replacement.

The battery part isn't likely to be the issue, more like and extra if ever needed on occasional usage in a mobility context i.e traveling, or @ cafe or@ beach

That 1x I/O seemed interesting, providing a DSP (for FX?) and compact usage, although it's cardbus II and my laptop only has xpress card slot.