Building Computer for Music Professional

[owensdj]

I might be building a new computer for someone who is a music professional. They'll be using the computer to compose and mix their music. Could I get some recommendations about what they'll need, such as a professional quality audio card?

 

[Algere]

What's the price range?

 

[owensdj]

Algere, I haven't been given a price range, yet. I would assume anything under $2000 would be OK. It probably depends on what I think he needs to do the job.

 

[bluegreenturtle]

owensdj,

I'm a music professional, and unfortunately, there are so many variables dependant on what it's being used for, that it's hard to say without more info. It also depends on their preferences and comforts. If they just want to record on their pc and mix it down, something like a Soundblaster with a platinum breakout box (Audigy 2 platinum) will actually do just fine even though it's consumer grade. If they are going to be using ProTools (standard in the industry and the film industry too for audio only applications) then there are considerations there, too. I assume they need MIDI hookups but that is easy to come by and is probably included with soundblaster products. A lot of it is software choices - things like Finale for scoring, and many different available programs for mixing.

You're going to have to talk to them some more and get what they want to do with it.