Computer-Based Recording System Buyer's Guide

Since 1998, at Sonic Sense, we have been assisting client's in developing computer-based recording systems. At this point we would like to offering the following insights to help you identify the necessary components and how to best obtain them. This is a first writing and will be expanded as appropriate.

For those seeking the highly recommended feedback of others, we suggest reading the Laptop-Tapers mailing list. If you are not already a member, this is a free group that welcomes everyone interested.

We divide the system up into the following components:

The Computer

The Software

The Interface

The outboard components

The Computer

When the great continued increase in computing power, it is just about difficult to find a laptop computer made in the last year that will not be more than adequate for recording at least two tracks of high-resolution audio.

As a foundation, we suggest the following minimum specifications:
Processor Speed: 600MGHz minimum
RAM: 128 Minimum
Hard Drive: 30 Gigabyte
Battery Power: The biggest obstacle to overcome for extended field recording is battery power. We have found that most battery power specifications are only accurate under light use. Make sure your laptop has a battery rating that is three times greater than the longest duration for which you intend to record. If the specifications. indicate that the battery is good for up to 20 hours, expect to get about 6.5 hours of recording time. If there is no such battery available for the machine you wish to purchase, make sure it has a second battery port and that you can hot swap the batteries to keep the machine running without interuption.

Beyond these recommendations, one should consider what screen size is desirable for the other applications for which the computer will be used. Remember, most machines have VGA adapters for connecting a large monitor and USB ports which can be connected to hubs for a mouse and keyboard. The screen is among the greatest sources of battery draw. Make sure the computer will continue to operate with the screen off and closed. Most PC's allow the user to determine what will happen with the monitor closed. Some Mac users may find this more difficult.

The Software

While there are numerous software packages that can be used successfully, the user should select what functions are most desirable. Popular two-track packages include Sound Forge, Wavelab, and Samplitude Master. Details of each of these are listed on our website at www.sonicsense.com/software.htm as well as on each of the manufacturer's websites. Thorough study of these features and discussions with others who are using them will certainly assist in this decision.

If multi-track recording is desirable, SONAR 2.0, Nuendo, and Samplitude Studio are all great options. One advantage that these packages have over two channel mastering software is that they can be set up to record individual channels to independent .wav files. As opposed to a stereo .wav file, even a 2-channel digital input can be assigned to a individual left and individual right track. This helps overcome the limited time for which a user can record without interuption due to the 2 gigabyte file size limit of .wav.

Since 24-bit/96kHz files are 1 Gigabyte per channel per hour, it is possible to record up to 2 full hours of uninterupted material if the channels are each assinged to their own .wav files. If using a standard stereo software, this limit is only one hour and will require starting a new file before the end of this time period, thus interupting the recording, if the material exceeds this limit.

The Interface

For the purposes of this document, we will define the interface as the device that connects directly to the computer and is essential for getting audio in and out. We have some of the most popular options identified on or website at www.sonicsense.com/nterface.htm. Studying these devices closely will greatly assist in the enjoyment you derive from your decision.

Some units are inclusive pre-amps/phantom power with analog-to-digital conversion while others may lack the pre-amp stage and others still may serve only as a digital connection to be used with outboard microphone pre-amps and analog-to-digital converters. Please note while studying each of these that some have onboard support for word length reduction for those interested in recording at under 24-bit and others will only play back files at 16-bit.

At this time, the most widely used options are USB and PCMCIA connections. USB devices work well for test and measurement applications but the audio quality of some of the boxes leaves a lot to be desired. The Sound Devices USBPre is an exeption to this for all but the most demanding listeners. For those, Apogee's Mini Me is well worth considering.

Higher resolution, and conserquently still better sound quality can be achieved through the use of the PCMCIA type cards. The Digigram VX Pocket is excellent if used as a coaxial digital interface although the analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog stages suffer as the card lives inside the high noise environment of the computer. To date, the most versatile interface we have used is the RME Multiface (a.k.a Nuendo Multiset) as it readily supports 24-bit/96kHz and has numerous inputs and outputs. While it may be excessive to some and it is certainly more bulky than the simple card approach, it maintains some great performance specifications that many will enjoy.

To determine what interface is best for the intended application, we recommend identifying recording needs and budget, as well as discussing them with other users.

The Outboard Components

For those seeking the best possible sound quality, it has typically been necessary to utilize separate microphone pre-amps and analog-to-digital converters. Lately, however, we have seen a proliferation of combined pre-amps with AD Converters being made by highly reputable manufacturers. The Apogee Mini Me is one such device, like the Sound Devices USB Pre that contains the pre-amp, ADC, and computer connection all in one box. Another similar component is the forthcoming Grace Design LunaTec V3. Although it lacks the direct computer interface, it contains the legendary LunaTec V2 pre-amp and is incorporating a high-quality Burr-Brown 24-bit/192kHz ADC. For those seeking the separate components approach, the Benchmark AD2K is a great device offering features that many of the other units still do not offer.

Again, close study of each of these units, along with discussions with other users, will lead to the best possible decision for your intended application.

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