| Author |
Message |
Tony Malasadas
Guest
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 Posted:
Sun Oct 09, 2005 7:03 pm Post subject:
Laptop recommendations |
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I would appreciate opinions on which laptop to buy,
that will run Smaart? Budget is limited. I am looking
to purchase this item, as gift for my brother.
TIA
Tony
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Robert McTigue
Guest
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| Posted:
Sun Oct 09, 2005 7:13 pm Post subject:
Re: Laptop recommendations |
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Tony Malasadas wrote:
| Quote: | I would appreciate opinions on which laptop to buy,
that will run Smaart? Budget is limited. I am looking
to purchase this item, as gift for my brother.
TIA
Tony
Check out the "dell depot" site. There "referbs" are good prices. |
http://www.dell.com
look for there dell outlet link |
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Tony Malasadas
Guest
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| Posted:
Sun Oct 09, 2005 7:28 pm Post subject:
Re: Laptop recommendations |
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"Robert McTigue" wrote:
| Quote: | Check out the "dell depot" site. There "referbs" are good prices.
http://www.dell.com
look for there dell outlet link
|
Thanks, but I was actually looking for specific recommendations,
such as make and model. Already dug around through mysimon.com,
and a few others. The main issue is finding a machine with "line ins",
as listed in the requirements on the siasoft website.
So far, I haven't been able to find a website that lists machines with
that type of hardware.
Tony |
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Bob Urz
Guest
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| Posted:
Sun Oct 09, 2005 8:01 pm Post subject:
Re: Laptop recommendations |
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Tony Malasadas wrote:
| Quote: | I would appreciate opinions on which laptop to buy,
that will run Smaart? Budget is limited. I am looking
to purchase this item, as gift for my brother.
TIA
Tony
Its hard to find a laptop that will not run it. |
I have it on a old 700 MHZ celeron and it works.
Two schools of thought, set a budget and buy the most
bang for the buck. Or go after the highest HP unit
you can find and dam the cost.
You need to be looking a I/O too. Some devices still
require RS232 to program. Its hard to find a laptop with
DB9 RS 232 anymore. You can always use dongles if
you have to.
How are you getting mikes into the unit? You need to have
an external USB/Firewire mike preamp with built in Phantom.
I use a US122. Its a economical choice. There are many others
out there depending on your budget and performance level.
Mikes are the same story. You can use the usable sub $100
ECM8000 (?) berringer. Or you can spend a LOT more and get
a earthworks, Audix or such. Again, its cost vs performance.
Set you max budget, then pick the toys to match. And don't
forget the software costs.
Bob
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Starsky
Guest
|
| Posted:
Sun Oct 09, 2005 8:03 pm Post subject:
Re: Laptop recommendations |
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|
Line ins refer to the audio inputs...most laptops have a line in but they
are usually of very low quality and i wouldnt like to be running smaart live
off them as they can introduce lots of noise and other artifacts which could
lead to incorrect readings being displayed.
Consider getting an external usb/usb2 or firewire or even a pcmcia card
input/output box. There are hundreds to choose from depending on budget.
Let us know how much you have to spend and we may be able to recommend one.
Failing that the guys over on rec.audio.pro are a very knowledgable
group...they might be able to point you in the right direction
"Tony Malasadas" <tonybaloney@addyisphoney.net> wrote in message
news:XN92f.2327$Iq3.659@trndny01...
| Quote: | "Robert McTigue" wrote:
Check out the "dell depot" site. There "referbs" are good prices.
http://www.dell.com
look for there dell outlet link
Thanks, but I was actually looking for specific recommendations,
such as make and model. Already dug around through mysimon.com,
and a few others. The main issue is finding a machine with "line ins",
as listed in the requirements on the siasoft website.
So far, I haven't been able to find a website that lists machines with
that type of hardware.
Tony
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Adair Winter
Guest
|
| Posted:
Sun Oct 09, 2005 10:52 pm Post subject:
Re: Laptop recommendations |
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|
"Tony Malasadas" <tonybaloney@addyisphoney.net> wrote in message
| Quote: | I would appreciate opinions on which laptop to buy,
that will run Smaart? Budget is limited. I am looking
to purchase this item, as gift for my brother.
|
I know you said you wanted specific models is what you wanted but let me
give you my take on things.
I've been researching laptop because I'm about to have to advise about 9
people on what to buy and best bang for the buck is what I was going for. I
always recommend that people buy a laptop with the next 2-3yrs in mind. I
don't know what the mininum system requirments for smaart live is but bottom
line is I wouldn't get a laptop with less than 2Ghz processor speed, 512MB
of ram and a 40GB hard drive.
The exception to the rule would be the new "M" type processors (1.4Ghz and
up) I don't like wide screens ('m not watching movies) so anything with a
15" screen should be more than enough.
That said HP has the best bang for your buck when it comes to what I quoted
above for around a grand. (actually I think what I've been pricing have had
more memory and bigger hard drives...don't remember)
So you have a choice buy something that's going to last for a good long
while and allow the user to do more things with it later or just buy a
slower new or used one and let it be used for that application only.
You'll need the Smaart Live software, a USB pre amp (firewire or PCMCIA
would work also) mic, cable and stand.
Depending on how much of this you are actually going to purchase I would
state a budget and price out each piece of gear and add them up. If you go
over budget try to find something cheaper that will (hopfully) be of like
quality.
Adair |
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Ralph Staub
Guest
|
| Posted:
Sun Oct 09, 2005 10:54 pm Post subject:
Re: Laptop recommendations |
|
|
Starsky wrote:
| Quote: | Line ins refer to the audio inputs...most laptops have a line in
|
I'm not so sure that's true any more. They seem to be harder to find
these days, though I haven't bought for several years and the may have
come back in style by now.
| Quote: | but they
are usually of very low quality and i wouldnt like to be running smaart live
off them as they can introduce lots of noise and other artifacts which could
lead to incorrect readings being displayed.
|
Both times I met with Sam Berkow, the original author of Smaart, he was
using a mackie 1402 as a mic pre with the XLR outs feeding the stereo
mini line in on his laptop. That was back when most laptops had them.
| Quote: |
Consider getting an external usb/usb2 or firewire or even a pcmcia card
input/output box. There are hundreds to choose from depending on budget.
Let us know how much you have to spend and we may be able to recommend one.
|
Personally, my HP does not have line inputs, so I purchased a Griffin
iMic (line level stereo I/O USB device) on line for 30 bucks and use my
mixer for the mic pre. The audio quality required for analysis just
isn't that high and can be handled by nearly any standard line in
(That's what Sam told me, and IME it's proven to be correct).
The thing to look out for when buying a laptop for audio uses is that a
considerable number of Dell models (30-40% IME) have issues with noise
when interfaced with sound systems, even when using external usb
devices. Running them off batteries is the only cure that seems to work
(transformers, DI's, or ground lifts don't fix it either). They're a
great computer otherwise.
| Quote: |
Failing that the guys over on rec.audio.pro are a very knowledgable
group...they might be able to point you in the right direction
|
Ralph |
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Starsky
Guest
|
| Posted:
Sun Oct 09, 2005 11:22 pm Post subject:
Re: Laptop recommendations |
|
|
"Ralph Staub" <ralph@espsound.com> wrote in message
news:tPc2f.16555$3w.5817@trnddc07...
| Quote: | Starsky wrote:
Line ins refer to the audio inputs...most laptops have a line in
I'm not so sure that's true any more. They seem to be harder to find
these days, though I haven't bought for several years and the may have
come back in style by now.
|
Ive had several laptops over the last few years, when i was shopping for
them i dont recall seeing any without line in.
| Quote: |
but they
are usually of very low quality and i wouldnt like to be running smaart
live
off them as they can introduce lots of noise and other artifacts which
could
lead to incorrect readings being displayed.
Both times I met with Sam Berkow, the original author of Smaart, he was
using a mackie 1402 as a mic pre with the XLR outs feeding the stereo
mini line in on his laptop. That was back when most laptops had them.
|
Think about it.......the accuracy of your readings will depend on the
transparency of your signal chain, each stage introduces a certain amount of
noise...the line i/ps have an enormous noise floor and whilst you can creat
an offset to deal with it, it is constantly changing and therefore youll
never be able to completly get rid of it, it would colour the measurement.
You wouldnt use a radio shack 'realistic' mic to measure with would you?
(please say no)
My point was that he would IMO be better off using some kind of external
ADDA as a good quality box can be bought for peanuts these days.
I have used the line ins with a pre-amp and i have used various usb &
firewire kit. I found the use of a good quality external sound card much
easier, more accurate and less off a headache to use.
Ok if you just want to see your mean SPL and pretty green graph then use the
line ins, but if you want accurate measurements on EACH frequency band use a
half decent I/O card and give yourself a fighting chance.
oh and a Mackie??....im guessing this was a few years ago and we all know ab
out the quality of the pre's dont we?
| Quote: |
Consider getting an external usb/usb2 or firewire or even a pcmcia card
input/output box. There are hundreds to choose from depending on
budget.
Let us know how much you have to spend and we may be able to recommend
one.
Personally, my HP does not have line inputs, so I purchased a Griffin
iMic (line level stereo I/O USB device) on line for 30 bucks and use my
mixer for the mic pre. The audio quality required for analysis just
isn't that high and can be handled by nearly any standard line in
(That's what Sam told me, and IME it's proven to be correct).
The thing to look out for when buying a laptop for audio uses is that a
considerable number of Dell models (30-40% IME) have issues with noise
when interfaced with sound systems, even when using external usb
devices. Running them off batteries is the only cure that seems to work
(transformers, DI's, or ground lifts don't fix it either). They're a
great computer otherwise.
Failing that the guys over on rec.audio.pro are a very knowledgable
group...they might be able to point you in the right direction
Ralph |
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Mike
Guest
|
| Posted:
Sun Oct 09, 2005 11:26 pm Post subject:
Re: Laptop recommendations |
|
|
| Quote: | I would appreciate opinions on which laptop to buy,
that will run Smaart? Budget is limited. I am looking
to purchase this item, as gift for my brother.
|
Smaart in itself doesn't need a lot of power. I've seen it run (slowly)
on a 500Mhz machine. Faster machines will update the display more often and
allow you to multitask.... In my case, I have a Dell Inspiron 8200 running
a 2GHz P4, 1GB of ram, 80GB hard drive and a Sound Devices USBpre amp. I
can run Smaart while recording 2 track with Cooledit with no issues.
As to your purchase I'd say get the most you can afford... Spend the
$$$ for extra ram as that improve performance more than a faster CPU with
less memory. A larger hard drive is useful too as more guys are loading up
their laptops with music (I've got 40GB worth on mine). Make sure the
laptop has a LINE input jack or you'll need an external device. Also, if
you can find it, a 9-pin RS232 connector is useful for connecting to a lot
of digital audio gear.
Mike Borkhuis |
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Phildo
Guest
|
| Posted:
Mon Oct 10, 2005 12:58 am Post subject:
Re: Laptop recommendations |
|
|
"Tony Malasadas" <tonybaloney@addyisphoney.net> wrote in message
news:XN92f.2327$Iq3.659@trndny01...
| Quote: | "Robert McTigue" wrote:
Check out the "dell depot" site. There "referbs" are good prices.
http://www.dell.com
look for there dell outlet link
Thanks, but I was actually looking for specific recommendations,
such as make and model. Already dug around through mysimon.com,
and a few others. The main issue is finding a machine with "line ins",
as listed in the requirements on the siasoft website.
So far, I haven't been able to find a website that lists machines with
that type of hardware.
You get an external mic preamp/AD converter and make sure it has phantom |
power.
Phildo |
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| Back to top |
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Tim Scott
Guest
|
| Posted:
Mon Oct 10, 2005 1:13 am Post subject:
Re: Laptop recommendations |
|
|
"Ralph Staub" <ralph@espsound.com> wrote in message
news:tPc2f.16555$3w.5817@trnddc07...
| Quote: | Starsky wrote:
Line ins refer to the audio inputs...most laptops have a line in
I'm not so sure that's true any more. They seem to be harder to find these
days, though I haven't bought for several years and the may have come back
in style by now.
but they
are usually of very low quality and i wouldnt like to be running smaart
live
off them as they can introduce lots of noise and other artifacts which
could
lead to incorrect readings being displayed.
Both times I met with Sam Berkow, the original author of Smaart, he was
using a mackie 1402 as a mic pre with the XLR outs feeding the stereo mini
line in on his laptop. That was back when most laptops had them.
Consider getting an external usb/usb2 or firewire or even a pcmcia card
input/output box. There are hundreds to choose from depending on budget.
Let us know how much you have to spend and we may be able to recommend
one.
Personally, my HP does not have line inputs, so I purchased a Griffin iMic
(line level stereo I/O USB device) on line for 30 bucks and use my mixer
for the mic pre. The audio quality required for analysis just isn't that
high and can be handled by nearly any standard line in (That's what Sam
told me, and IME it's proven to be correct).
The thing to look out for when buying a laptop for audio uses is that a
considerable number of Dell models (30-40% IME) have issues with noise
when interfaced with sound systems, even when using external usb devices.
Running them off batteries is the only cure that seems to work
(transformers, DI's, or ground lifts don't fix it either). They're a great
computer otherwise.
|
Not my Dell is representive of every Dell (as that would be a stupid claim)
but certainly don't have any noise problems using it (Inspiron 8600C) with
my external sound card (Edirol UA-5) |
|
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|
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Adair Winter
Guest
|
| Posted:
Mon Oct 10, 2005 2:44 am Post subject:
Re: Laptop recommendations |
|
|
"Mike" <no_mail@no_spam.com> wrote in message
| Quote: | As to your purchase I'd say get the most you can afford... Spend the
$$$ for extra ram as that improve performance more than a faster CPU with
less memory. A larger hard drive is useful too as more guys are loading
up their laptops with music (I've got 40GB worth on mine). Make sure the
laptop has a LINE input jack or you'll need an external device. Also, if
you can find it, a 9-pin RS232 connector is useful for connecting to a lot
of digital audio gear.
|
I'll second this, I'll always add ram way before I add a processor. If
you'll notice the trend now days it's to run a slower processor and speed up
everything else.(more ram faster busses and hard drives, etc)
Adair |
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Ralph Staub
Guest
|
| Posted:
Mon Oct 10, 2005 4:42 am Post subject:
Re: Laptop recommendations |
|
|
Tim Scott wrote:
| Quote: | Not my Dell is representive of every Dell (as that would be a stupid claim)
but certainly don't have any noise problems using it (Inspiron 8600C) with
my external sound card (Edirol UA-5)
|
I don't know if it's a specific computer or perhaps one model of power
supply. What I do know is that the noise is digital in nature and no
amount of isolating or lifting will fix it. It is clean as a whistle
direct to headphones, but any other interconnection renders the signal
unusable. Pulling the power supply out is the only method that works.
It's darn weird, and darn annoying.
Ralph |
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shannon
Guest
|
| Posted:
Mon Oct 10, 2005 1:58 pm Post subject:
Re: Laptop recommendations |
|
|
Starsky wrote:
| Quote: | "Ralph Staub" <ralph@espsound.com> wrote in message
news:tPc2f.16555$3w.5817@trnddc07...
Starsky wrote:
Line ins refer to the audio inputs...most laptops have a line in
I'm not so sure that's true any more. They seem to be harder to find
these days, though I haven't bought for several years and the may have
come back in style by now.
Ive had several laptops over the last few years, when i was shopping for
them i dont recall seeing any without line in.
but they
are usually of very low quality and i wouldnt like to be running smaart
live
off them as they can introduce lots of noise and other artifacts which
could
lead to incorrect readings being displayed.
Both times I met with Sam Berkow, the original author of Smaart, he was
using a mackie 1402 as a mic pre with the XLR outs feeding the stereo
mini line in on his laptop. That was back when most laptops had them.
Think about it.......the accuracy of your readings will depend on the
transparency of your signal chain, each stage introduces a certain amount of
noise...the line i/ps have an enormous noise floor and whilst you can creat
an offset to deal with it, it is constantly changing and therefore youll
never be able to completly get rid of it, it would colour the measurement.
You wouldnt use a radio shack 'realistic' mic to measure with would you?
(please say no)
My point was that he would IMO be better off using some kind of external
ADDA as a good quality box can be bought for peanuts these days.
I have used the line ins with a pre-amp and i have used various usb &
firewire kit. I found the use of a good quality external sound card much
easier, more accurate and less off a headache to use.
Ok if you just want to see your mean SPL and pretty green graph then use the
line ins, but if you want accurate measurements on EACH frequency band use a
half decent I/O card and give yourself a fighting chance.
oh and a Mackie??....im guessing this was a few years ago and we all know ab
out the quality of the pre's dont we?
|
Its not such a big deal for measurement as for recording strangely
enough, especially if you are looking at the transfer function of a live
pa system.
The noise floor doesn't matter, it doesn't figure in the measurements.
SMAART is computer instrumentation to assist your judgement. |
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Tim Scott
Guest
|
| Posted:
Mon Oct 10, 2005 4:34 pm Post subject:
Re: Laptop recommendations |
|
|
"Ralph Staub" <ralph@espsound.com> wrote in message
news:ybk2f.17282$3w.8137@trnddc07...
| Quote: | Tim Scott wrote:
Not my Dell is representive of every Dell (as that would be a stupid
claim) but certainly don't have any noise problems using it (Inspiron
8600C) with my external sound card (Edirol UA-5)
I don't know if it's a specific computer or perhaps one model of power
supply. What I do know is that the noise is digital in nature and no
amount of isolating or lifting will fix it. It is clean as a whistle
direct to headphones, but any other interconnection renders the signal
unusable. Pulling the power supply out is the only method that works. It's
darn weird, and darn annoying.
|
Is wierd if it also is a problem when using external USB type soundcards. |
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