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  4. Re: Laptop to run VI

  • Re: Laptop to run VI

    T
    T

    Hi

    I am a newbie when it comes to VI. Currently, I have a desktop computer which I use to run Gigastudio 3. From the posts that I read on this forum, this computer is tweaked to run Gisgastudio using Memory Optimizer program and is  not suitable to run VI. I plan to buy a Laptop( 2 Gig of RAM),an external fast hard disc and a audiophile grade Laptop soundcard. I plan to use the MIDI keyboard connected to this laptop to play live VI strings for a choir and to use my desktop computer to run the Sequencer and connect it to the computer running the Gigastudio.

    Your recommendation regarding the best Laptop,specification, soundcard and hard disc is greatly appreciated

    Tim

  • G
    G
    Hey, I also play a VI instrument live! I'm surprised there aren't more of us out there. I have the Harp library installed on an Intel Core Duo, 2 GHz MacBook, 2 GB RAM. If needed, I can load the entire Level 2 preset into the standalone and play without any pops or drops outs. I should say, they disappear entirely after a minute or so. Just thought I'd throw that in. :-) Your setup sounds hugely complicated. Good luck!
  • T
    T
    Hi Gangsu Thanks for your reply. I only plan to use the Laptop to play VI live. When it is not used to play live, I plan to connect it to the Gigastudio computer and use the Laptop to run the Sonar 6 so that I can free the Desktop to play the Gigastudio and the Gigapulse. I do not understand what you mean by "they disappear entirely after a minute or so" Also Do you install Vienna Ensemble adn VI in one Laptop? Thien
  • G
    G
    Hi Thien, the harp is the only Vienna Instrument I own, so I have no use for the Ensemble Player at this time. By "disappearing completely", I meant that after a minute of playing chromatic scales etc. to "warm up", all strange clicks and pops disappear. The harp performs beautifully. Cheers! Sue
  • D
    D

    You don't need to worry about the pops and clicks unless you buy a Mac. This is caused by the different way of memory handling on OSX.

    DG
  • J
    J
    How about with one of the newer MacBook Pros (or iMac) with 4GB memory? Would this be sufficient to run, say, the full Special Edition with Ensemble, without clicks and pops?
  • cmC
    VSL Team
    cmC

    the new macBook Pros with the core2duo proc are fantastic, however there are two things to consider:

    - the internal notebook harddrives are always a little bit *slow* (in the sense of *sluggish*) and there will always also the operating system, the pagefile and the applications on it ... that's why we recommend a seperate fast harddrive always beyond a certain demand.

    - your definition of a *full special edition* might refer to the full content or an arrangement with the full library loaded, the latter will not be possible of course, but this should not either be neccessary.

     

    keep an eye on details though, eg. do not connect harddisks and an audio interface both via firewire.

    christian

    and remember: only a CRAY can run an endless loop in just three seconds.
  • D
    D

    If you are intending to use Sonar, then all this talk about Macs is irrelevant, unless you intend to Bootcamp it. Then you don't have to worry about the memory handling of OSX at all.

    DG
  • G
    G
    Hello again DG. I'm talking on average 4(four) pops per session. Not exactly a "worry", particularly when the problem can be eliminated hours before a performance. My only reason for contributing to this thread was to encourage Thien to go live with VI, not to wave the Mac flag. Sorry if that wasn't clear. Sue
  • J
    J
    Hello - I own a MacBook Pro 2.16Ghz with 2 gigs of RAM, and am able to run at least 10 instances of Vienna Instruments, and several of Altiverb before I have any problems. I have my libraries on a Newer Technology hard drive
  • T
    T
    Thank you all for the wealth of information. Looks like I am going to buy the MacBook Pro with 4 gigs of RAM, running MAc OSX Leopard (which will include Bootcamp) and external hard drive. I like to use VI live especially for string and I also love the Harp sound. My last question is the soundcard. What audiophile soundcard do you guys use for Mac as I am PC man and if I use external Mac Hard drive and soundcard, is there a slot on the MacBook pro for soundcard eg ExpressCard/34 slot? as CM suggests not to connect both the Hard drive and soundcard via firewire ? Thien
  • G
    G
    I do not use an audiophile soundcard, I use a PreSonus Inspire. It's powered by firewire, and my library is installed on the laptop itself. My midi interface is the usual M-Audio Uno cable. I run everything through a Radial PROAV1 to sum the stereo signal and send a balanced line to a Bose L1 system. I have an Apogee Duet on trial at the moment, and while there's no question of it's sonic superiority [in a critical listening environment], I can't say that this translates onstage. I would look into RME, Apogee, and Metric Halo if price is not an issue. I'd also recommend seeking advice from a mac-centric forum like bigbluelounge. Cheers, Thien! :-)
  • T
    T
    Thanks a lot for your help and encouragement, Sue
  • G
    G
    Not at all, Tim! The wonderful thing is that the instruments are here, ready to be played. The battle is already won. :-) Deciding on the most efficient way to get them under your fingers is a challenge, but I'm sure there are many ways to go about it. Continued luck in your venture.