Selection of hardware for measurement and audio analysis software
Selection of hardware for measurement and audio analysis software
Hello everyone.
Up until now, I've used an old laptop paired with REW and LIMP, an E-mu USB sound card, a power amplifier, and a microphone. I conduct measurements and audio analysis to study the speaker enclosures, generating impedance and SPL response graphs that include THD and harmonics. Gradually, I've converted a small unused room into a straightforward laboratory for my experiments.
It's time to retire my old laptop and upgrade it. Unlike previous setups, the new hardware will stay in the room permanently, so I won't have to purchase another one. I plan to use two sound cards—one for impedance measurement and another for frequency response analysis. This way, I avoid constantly reassembling and disassembling the connection circuit when changing measurement types.
What specifications should I consider before making a purchase?
Here are some useful or essential details:
- At least two native legacy PCI slots in case I need to use internal sound cards like the RME 9632 HDSP. The best option would be a socket chip supporting native 32-bit/33 MHz.
- An external PCIe card with dedicated controllers for each USB port (to minimize latency and enhance processor communication).
- WIN7 compatibility is required.
I require hardware capable of running the audio software and its drivers for the old sound cards without issues. I could go for a fully assembled computer ready to use or opt for a motherboard, CPU, accessories, power supply, RAM, graphics card, and screen. However, I'm unsure which product line to choose.
Could you help me decide?
Bye and thanks.
Welcome to the forums, newcomer! You could look into any platform up to the Haswell era of processors since they had native Windows 7 support and the motherboards(Z87 chipset/Z97 chipset) of that era had PCI slots. Finding a legit installer for the OS is another topic since the OS has long been off the support list courtesy of Microsoft. IMHO, you could invest in something concurrent and run the drivers for your sound cards in compatibility mode; i.e, Right click installer>Properties> Compatibility Tab>Windows X(from down menu), where X refers to the OS you're trying to emulate/install under. You're advised to stylize your thread with info asked of in this thread; *How to Ask for New Build or Upgrade Advice* How to Ask for New Build or Upgrade Advice First off, respect where respect is due - this is an adaptation of the Animal's *How To Ask For New Build Advice* Sticky. I created this because there's a lot of posts nowadays asking for upgrade advice both on here and on the CPU forums, and I feel... forums. and the community can chime in with worthwhile suggestions. Moved thread from Motherboards section to Systems section.
many music production experts are shifting to older Mac workstations or buying used Amiga equipment on eBay. consider Intel Xeon options, as some platforms still support legacy AGP and PCI-MOS. if you're working professionally and have financial backing, be ready to invest. I've seen AMD EPYC systems with 2TB RAM, 80/160 cores, and over 15,000 units available. these are the basic workstations starting around $5,000.
https://www.titancomputers.com/Tita...yg...FFxeVmod9x