popsaka
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I'm tired a'playin' so low...
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Post by popsaka on Aug 9, 2011 11:24:52 GMT -5
Moderately desperate character wishes to jam with semi-enlightened watchamacallits, reformed drug abusers. talented aliens, in-spired re-tired and or naturally cross-wired anybodies (anti-buddies?) in the Los Angeles area. I'm a man of very modest means in my sixties livin' with my kid in Koreatown. Ain't got wheels but also ain't afraid of public transit... I like most anything from punk to avant-garde jazz. Can't sight read but I've been playin' guitar for a long time. Past few years I've gotten into midi plugin type synth stuff. I use Orion and Acid 4.0 ...not into loops though (unless they're my own) My computer is gettin' so old its like tryin' to start an English motorcycle... (sometimes) This is the first time in a long while I've tried to connect but I figured here at the 'nuts' with some really brilliant types around that I could get lucky... Miracles still happen ...don't they?  |
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Post by roadtonever on Aug 9, 2011 11:59:19 GMT -5
Everything is possible here at GN2 it seems! Just a year ago I couldn't tell signal return from ground now at least I'm getting there...
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Post by thetragichero on Aug 9, 2011 19:40:15 GMT -5
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popsaka
Meter Reader 1st Class
I'm tired a'playin' so low...
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Post by popsaka on Aug 10, 2011 17:59:16 GMT -5
...one looping tool, mastered |
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Post by cynical1 on Aug 10, 2011 19:52:59 GMT -5
One thing I realized about digital recording is that you don't need to get a second mortgage to record. Working with other musicians on-line can be a new challenge for an old analog warhorse.
It isn't the same as jamming together, but as the hair grays or goes stray it's certainly better then a drum machine...
We've completed one song in the board's Potluck Jam...and have good intentions on another one, so it's possible to make music with other musicians in different cities, states and countries.
Places like SoundClick, SoundCloud and many others will allow you to hook up with musicians looking for other musicians to jam with.
Just tossing that out, as I know most of the guys I used to play with have all become respectable...
Happy Trails
Cynical One
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popsaka
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I'm tired a'playin' so low...
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Post by popsaka on Aug 13, 2011 21:20:02 GMT -5
...thanx so much for the reply, C1 ...unfortunately this mini-laptop I'm online with cannot seem to record even the shortest of phrases with-out stutter -hic- ing... and me trusty 2003 AMD 1.9 ghz which fulfills all digital recording tasks, I am unable to port over (for several reasons) ...If I ever get old faithful back online, well -you get the picture :-(
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Post by cynical1 on Aug 14, 2011 22:40:38 GMT -5
Actually, a P4 2.8 GHZ machine with 3Gb of RAM can run Reaper and more then a few VSTs, which there are a plethora available for free on-line. A run of the mill Soundblaster card works for an input and the mic boost and a decent mic with a few adapters is enough to get a signal recorded into Audacity.
A DI is nice, but if you can score one with a mic input and some phantom power you can get your tone out of the amp, versus trying to fix it with vst plugins after the fact.
Granted, this is a gross oversimplification, but the idea is that you don't need to spend buku dollars to record digitally.
Best of luck getting up and running.
Happy Trails
Cynical One
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popsaka
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I'm tired a'playin' so low...
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Post by popsaka on Aug 18, 2011 9:53:31 GMT -5
... hey C-1 and everyone, please forgive my AMD 1.9 not being online. I'm coming to you VIA a 3/4 size Atom powered laptop with no disk drive that hiccups when I've tried to record with it. Yes, I must have hundreds of wonderful VSTi's and effects that I use via an old (and priceless to me) freeware version of Orion which was included on a Computer Music magazine's cd many years ago. When I need a live instrument or vocal I use Acid 4.0 and bring over the 48k 16bit waves from Orion. I have an Audigy II sound card which can do 24bit (and higher) when need be, and though I've no 48v phantom rig, my old 1.5 volt condenser is quite clear and has a lot more detail than the odd Shure dynamics (though I believe they've come a long way in recent years) Also (and this I fear is critical) I've been loathe to abandon win98se though the time approaches where I'll finally succumb to XP (LOL)
-come back
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Post by asmith on Aug 18, 2011 10:15:27 GMT -5
Also (and this I fear is critical) I've been loathe to abandon win98se though the time approaches where I'll finally succumb to XP (LOL) . |
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Post by cynical1 on Aug 18, 2011 11:36:28 GMT -5
So, what sequencer\vst host do you run in Linux?
HTC1
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Post by asmith on Aug 18, 2011 11:40:55 GMT -5
Rosegarden for synths, Hydrogen for drum loops. Here's a good run down of what comes with Ubuntu Studio, an OS less updated but supposedly more 'geared' towards media production farting about. Also, if you install Ubuntu, open Software Centre, and type "sequencer," it comes up with plenty of different program results, some of which are rated, most of which are free. |
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popsaka
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I'm tired a'playin' so low...
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Post by popsaka on Aug 19, 2011 8:29:28 GMT -5
...ain't never tried no LINUX -tho' it seems to be outliving my win98se o.s. I do all my VST'ing in Orion ...which, BTW, I've come to love the drum synth that was built in -in 2003(?) ...I don't care for the newer Orion drum synth -though similar, just doesn't quite seem to be as intuitive -tho' I'm prolly just used to mine.
...okay, I'm off to check out 'You be unto you' and I never promised you a -Rosegarden -and as Gen. McCartright said:''I will rerun'' ;ç)=)
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popsaka
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I'm tired a'playin' so low...
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Post by popsaka on Aug 19, 2011 8:49:11 GMT -5
...A HA I see (said the blind librarian) -Rosegarden is strictly LINUX -not so Ubuntu, tho'
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Post by cynical1 on Aug 19, 2011 8:58:07 GMT -5
Yeah, the whole Windows 98SE really has to go. It was a pretty good OS in its time, but Clinton is out of office and it's time to upgrade.
Linux can be more resource friendly then Windows operating systems, but if you find you need to run emulators (the software that fools Linux into running Windows in spite of itself) to make your sequencers and vst hots function any of that benefit will be quickly eaten up.
Linux can also be a bit more involved to set up and operate, which accounts for the non-user friendly rep it usually gets.
If you want to stick with Windows, XP will be around for a while longer, so if you find a used machine with XP you will at least have an OS from this century on it.
Stay away from Vista machines. Windows 7 does offer a 32 and 64 bit version, so it is functional on machines that may have a few years on them.
There's also the MAC route. These machines can be pricey, even when purchased used. They have a rabid user following and some pretty decent sound sequencing\recording apps ported to them.
The best advice I can give you is to look around at some of the smaller shops with a good reputation and see what they can offer you on a used machine. Craig's List and the classifieds can work, but make sure you know what you're looking at, or take someone along who does.
Happy Trails
Cynical One
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popsaka
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Post by popsaka on Aug 19, 2011 16:19:30 GMT -5
...A HA I see (said the blind librarian) -Rosegarden is strictly LINUX -not so Ubuntu, tho' ...my mistook -Ubuntu is LINUX all the way ...onward -my son found an Emachines EL1210-01e with no hard drive in the Los Angeles garbage (LOL) w/2 gigs ram dvdwriter and Nvidia 8200 built in graphics. Then, one of my guitar students gave me a new serial hd (which is what it uses) Then, () I've got a good copy of xp but I'm not sure if it'll install... oh BTW the processer is AMD Athlon 2650e... What, me? Procrastinate? |
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Post by cynical1 on Aug 19, 2011 17:01:31 GMT -5
...What, me? Procrastinate? Results are highly over rated... And that machine should get you up and running. Of course, you may also discover why it was in the garbage in the first place... Fingers crossed... HTC1 |
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popsaka
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Post by popsaka on Aug 25, 2011 5:42:41 GMT -5
...Hey C-1 and co -et all etc ...update: Okay here's the sitch: Machine okay BUT I'm determined to run XP and have a copy of 'same' which does not have SATA drivers and said machine ain't got no floppy-(tic-tic-tic) AND XP won't setup on the new unformatted disk -so I'm hoping to create a bootable memory stick since the bios alludes to this -and the machine has a multi-reader, and run partition/format utilities (AND port in the drivers) w/ stick..... ''...as he pulls his chewed and mangled thumb from his mouth he gazes off into the distance and wonders to himself: here's another nice mess -duh uh I mean, I wonder if it could really work... gee'' |
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Post by cynical1 on Aug 25, 2011 6:51:20 GMT -5
Since I have no idea on the maker of the motherboard, or the installed BIOS, a few questions first. Grab a piece of paper and a pencil and write down the BIOS information that pops up when the machine first boots. It'll look something like this:  Pretty much any machine put out in the last 4-5 years supports SATA. It may not like it on the OS install, and it may require an additional package after the OS is on the hard drive, but a switch for ENABLE or DISABLE is generally buried somewhere in the BIOS. Both Lenovo (used to be IBM) and HP (which will "used to be HP" soon) initially required you to disable SATA in the BIOS prior to imaging or OS installation. HP actually had a separate .exe you ran after the first reboot to enable SATA support. I don't know what they call it, specifically, in your BIOS, but I'd hazard a guess that it's in there somewhere. So, if you feel lucky, try and disable SATA support in the BIOS and see if the box boots to the Windows XP CD. The drive will still spin up and partition and format with SATA support turned off, you just lose the speed advantage. And yes, you can install an operating system from a flash drive, provided your BIOS supports it. I would use this as a last resort, but it is possible. And any information you can provide on the computer brand, or motherboard would also help in getting you up and running. Happy Trails Cynical One |
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popsaka
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I'm tired a'playin' so low...
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Post by popsaka on Aug 25, 2011 16:38:31 GMT -5
...Bless you 'thir (trembling cartoon voice)... ya gives me a ray of hope. -In the midst of a power outage at the moment which effectuously slows things/progress a bit, but- (with corncob pipe and hand in shirt Napoleon style) ''I shall rerun...'' it appears to be an Award bios tho' the initial screen only shows ''del=setup, F12=boot menu'' (or sumpin like that) down at the bottom of the screen ...power still out --later |
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Post by cynical1 on Aug 25, 2011 17:29:08 GMT -5
Well, without the exact BIOS version I can't tell you for certain one way or the other if it will detect your SATA drives. There should be something in there regarding drive configurations. It may state either SATA, PATA or Compatibility mode.
If you find it then set for compatibility mode. This should dummy the drive bus down to where it will partition, format and finally accept the OS install from the CD.
After the OS install you may be able to set it directly to SATA and be fine, it may require a BIOS update, either run from DOS or inside the OS depending on your board manufacturer...or you may just be screwed with an IDE ATA 100 speed.
Either way, if the OS installs then at least you're up and running.
Again, the more specific you can be on either who makes the board and its model number, or who makes the computer, which could help narrowing down your options, the more specific I can be in trying to walk you through this.
Keep in mind that while computers all run essentially the same way, there is very little standardization, and what each board can do could be all over the place.
Most BIOS updates or firmware updates come from the actual computer manufacturer. While you may be able to go to Award's site, they will probably redirect you to the actual manufacturer's site for your updates. These things are all tweaked primarily due to the actual chipsets used on the motherboards.
Probably more information then you wanted to know...
Good luck, Luke...
Happy Trails -
Cynical One
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Post by sumgai on Aug 26, 2011 1:31:54 GMT -5
pops, Let me shortcut this discussion.... Simply google for "winxp sata ahci" (without the quotes), and follow whichever result most appeals to you - they're all helpful, but most of them are Intel-centric.... if you have an AMD unit, you may need to delve down a page or two. Stated simply, don't try monkeying with the BIOS first, leave it in Compatibility Mode, or it might be called IDE Mode, whichever, so long as it's not in AHCI Mode - that's the one that supports all the neat stuff for maximum SATA performance. You need to be in what c1 calls "dummy" mode, at least for the start of the process. Now, be aware that several of those posters state that the observed difference in performance was not worth the effort. I also use WinXP*, and I can corroborate those assertions - I did the upgrade method (not the 'build a slipstreamed Install Disk' method), and after all that, there was literally no difference that I could detect. Trust me, I know how to stress a system, so I think that when all is said and done, all that you're gonna have is bragging rights. But at least you'll be bragging about h4x0ring a mature OS, which isn't necessarily a bad thing in its own right.  HTH sumgai * Did you know that today is XP's 10th birthday?! That's right, it was released to manufacturing just 3 weeks before 9-11-01 - look it up, if'n yer innerested. And for the record, yes, XP on my machine played Highway Star as loud as it could, but I wouldn't let it drink any beer - I've learned the hard way that when it gets drunk it gets way outta line, and starts acting defiant and stuff..... |
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Post by cynical1 on Aug 26, 2011 6:51:56 GMT -5
* Did you know that today is XP's 10th birthday?! That's right, it was released to manufacturing just 3 weeks before 9-11-01 - look it up, if'n yer innerested. Why, yes I did. IMHO, XP was probably the best thing Microsoft ever put out. I liked Windows 2000...but only because it heralded the death of NT... And it looks like XP will still be hanging on for a while. While mainstream support ended on April 14, 2009, Microsoft will still offer extended support for commercial customers until April 8, 2014. Guess that whole 64 bit migration thing didn't fire people up as much as they thought it would... HTC1 |
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Post by sumgai on Aug 26, 2011 10:36:12 GMT -5
And it looks like XP will still be hanging on for a while. While mainstream support ended on April 14, 2009, Microsoft will still offer extended support for commercial customers until April 8, 2014. Providing they're on SP3. SP2 users (myownself being among them) are outta luck. I think it got down to ROI in terms of raw productivity gains... but I could be wrong. BTW, I've got an original 64-bit Itanium disk, straight outta the RTM stack. I tried it.... but I never inhaled!  sumgai |
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Post by cynical1 on Aug 26, 2011 12:44:52 GMT -5
And it looks like XP will still be hanging on for a while. While mainstream support ended on April 14, 2009, Microsoft will still offer extended support for commercial customers until April 8, 2014. Providing they're on SP3. SP2 users (myownself being among them) are outta luck. Come over to the dark side..SP3 is just fine... Honestly, if SP2 didn't break it then SP3 probably won't hurt it either... Yeah, 10,000+ licenses for 32 bit apps tends to keep you in a 32 bit OS...and Microsoft's subscription service is worse then trying to figure out the contract on a time share... I'll be kicking around in XP for a while. Everything runs in it, the OS is stable and until I find apps that can actually utilize RAM over 3GB I really don't see the point. One day I'll have to figure out Linux, but not today or tomorrow... I did my command line duty in UNIX...no desire to go back there any time soon... HTC1 |
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Post by roadtonever on Aug 27, 2011 4:51:49 GMT -5
Just one suggestion; Spend any spare money on RAM. Up to 4GB comes in handy more often than you think. More than that and you have to use a 64-bit OS. For audio more RAM reduces drop-outs as the virtual memory Windows sets up on the hard-drive is accessed less frequently.
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Post by cynical1 on Aug 28, 2011 15:14:14 GMT -5
Actually, 32 bit operating systems can't see or use more then 3GB of RAM. Odds are that if you do have 3GB or 4GB installed and you check your Windows System Properties in your 32 bit OS you'll notice that it doesn't see all 3GB anyway.
And true, if you want to use excessive amounts of RAM in a Windows box you've got to go 64 bit on the OS. The problem is, most of your apps will never utilize this. The only advantage in vast amounts of RAM is when you intend to run multiple processes.
And for what we're doing with home recording 3GB of RAM should more then cover you.
Another problem with some of the .vsts you'll use in your new computer can have issues with multiple core processors. Probably not a big deal in this instance, but something to research before you go out and by the latest Lightspeed Whiplash multi-core CPU PC with Windows 7/64 on it.
HTC1
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popsaka
Meter Reader 1st Class
I'm tired a'playin' so low...
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Post by popsaka on Aug 30, 2011 16:00:49 GMT -5
...hi kids, Okay, I have a microdrive (flash stick) which the new machine thinks is a floppy (thanx to ''ntfs4dos'') and allows it to install sata scsi raid et all drivers BUT, no help. ''PTDD Super Fdisk'' enabled me to partition and format the 160g serial drive (FAT32 for now) so I can get a 'c' prompt in 'freedos'... -So, anyway, I've got this SP2/recovery disc that gets as far as firing up XP for the 1st time but then shuts the system to ?protect' it and suggests checking for viruses loose cables, etc. At present I'm running a 'surface test' just to be sure and because I'm out of ideas. lol (also see next reply)
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popsaka
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I'm tired a'playin' so low...
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Post by popsaka on Aug 30, 2011 16:21:15 GMT -5
specs: Emachines EL1210-01e with sata 160gig hard drive w/2 gigs ram dvdwriter and Nvidia 8200 built in graphics. processer is AMD Athlon 2650e. The DVDRW is a serial type Hitachi which may be a problem(?)
'' DAO78L BOXER (/) 07160-1 (/) 48 . 3V001 . 011 (/) MADE IN CHINA '' (in a text box on the motherboard with'(/)' indicating a new line) The bios screen only shows up when she decides to load serious media but then the 1st page (POST) goes by so fast ''I never had a chance...'' -Know any tricks for 'pausing' an Award 'power on self test'? ...'a course the particulars are prolly listed in 'setup' somewhere...
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Post by cynical1 on Aug 30, 2011 18:31:15 GMT -5
My, you are taking the convoluted route on this one. For reference, your life would be significantly easier using BartPE. With a 4GB thumb drive you can boot, format to to NTFS, not fat32, and run your install routine. The easiest way to go is to work from an image for your machine, but that's probably not going to happen. The SP2 Recovery Disc that you have, does it ask for a Recovery floppy or file prior to executing? If it's not the right Recovery disc for your machine, as some of these can be machine or vendor specific, that might explain your system shutting down on install. Let me go out and feed everyone and take a closer look at you last two posts. Happy Trails Cynical One |
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Post by cynical1 on Aug 30, 2011 21:33:01 GMT -5
...hi kids, Okay, I have a microdrive (flash stick) which the new machine thinks is a floppy (thanx to ''ntfs4dos'') and allows it to install sata scsi raid et all drivers BUT, no help. OK, this makes sense, to a point. Getting the machine to boot up to accept the install is one thing, but the "drivers" you allude to are not a prelude to the OS install. During the XP install it will ask for SCSI drivers, but you don't have those. SATA is, at this point, a BIOS consideration. If you only have one hard drive then a RAID configuration is the sound of one hand clapping. Again, try BartPE. Again, what exactly happens when you put your install disc in the machine and try to boot to the install? No offense, but that was a waste of your time. XP is designed to run in NTFS. FAT32 will create more issues for you then it will solve. Sure, you can always wank it later with the "convert c: /fs:ntfs" command, but it's best to allow Windows to partition and format the drive from the XP install routine. OK, this sounds like you've got the wrong recovery disc for this machine. These things can be quite specific in regards to chipsets, device drivers, etc. Just dropping in a random recovery disc is not the way to go for a clean install. Probably explains the slight embolism on startup. Good exersize... If you can get it to accept the install, this machine should do the job for basic home recording. This is a standard Chinese motherboard. eMachines and Acer used this one quite a bit. There is no BIOS update posted for this computer, but you can find all the other drivers and manuals here: [a href=" support.gateway.com/us/en/emac/product/default.aspx?tab=1&modelId=1255"] support.gateway.com/us/en/emac/product/default.aspx?tab=1&modelId=1255[/a] You can disable the quick boot option in the BIOS. That may give you a few quick seconds to jot down the particulars. Regarding the POST, is there a series of beeps on startup? If so, what are they? If not, nevermind... I guess the burning question here is are you using a Windows XP install disc, or just an SP2 Recovery disc? This is really something I'd have to see to get it running, but anytime you try and cheat or kluge an install it will inevitably lead to trouble down the road. If you're doing it to retrieve files from a machine, then it's no big deal. If you plan on using it as your main machine you could be setting yourself up for failure. You can score a copy of XP for around $50.00 these days. You can waste more time then that's worth trying to hammer the square peg into the round hole. And you can score copies of Linux for free. As long as you're fighting the good fight you may as well try and do it with a successful ending in sight. Just my 2 cents. Happy Trails Cynical One |
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