1 Topic by cylens (edited by cylens 2021-01-02 15:03:37)

  • Registered: 2021-01-02
  • Posts: 2

Topic: Any advice on new desktop pc config with HDSPe RayDAT?

Hi everyone,

I've been a happy RME user for... quite some time now (2002, I think).
I'm planning on building a new PC (I've been using mine since 2011, and would be happy to upgrade). My desktop PC is my work machine, all software is legit, no gaming, nothing fancy, 10% recording, 30% mixing, 60% mastering. I  don't use a lot of plugins (mainly outboard for mastering).

As I start planning things, I just want to check FIRST if there are things I should know/avoid regarding compatibility with the HDSPe RayDAT.

I don't have budget limitations but don't like spending money for nothing. I think a Ryzen 3600 CPU/B450 chipset motherboard with 32 GB of RAM will be fine/enough (I currently use a core i5 2300-based system with 20 GB RAM) , I will look for a nice (understand silent) case and PSU.

Thanks in advance for your help

2 Reply by ramses (edited by ramses 2021-01-02 16:49:20)

  • ramses
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  • Registered: 2012-10-14
  • Posts: 13,391

Re: Any advice on new desktop pc config with HDSPe RayDAT?

> I don't use a lot of plugins (mainly outboard for mastering)

Then you do not require a lot of CPU power, but still I would pick something from the new Zen3 CPUs.

> I think a Ryzen 3600 CPU/B450

I would spend a little more money to get a Zen3 based CPU with higher single thread performance and more cores.

In this passmark (mixed benchmark) diagram you can choose the CPU with the best "Price Performance (CPU Mark / $Price)".
https://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu_value_available.html

For best performance and performance/price I personally would choose:
https://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php?cp … mp;id=3870

Alternatively
https://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php?cp … mp;id=3869
or
https://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php?cp … mp;id=3859

The new mainboards with B550 chipset do not even require a chipset blower anymore compared to those with X570 chipset.

The one and only X570 board without chipset blower from Gigabyte I would not buy, because I do not trust this company enough in terms of mainboards quality and overall service. From what I read Asus is still better and also in terms of service.


> ... I should know/avoid regarding compatibility with the HDSPe RayDAT.

Simply a PCIe slot, thats it.
Its a very nice digital card, but you will need an external device with analog I/O and phones ports.

A very nice combination would be e.g.:
- RayDAT
- ADI-2 Pro FS R BE (for connecting main monitors/phones)
- ADI-8 DS MK III via ADAT (single or double speed)
- optional: ARC USB

Alternative I:
- UFX II (as the analog ports are built-in support up to 192 kHz if that should be needed)
- optional: ADI-2 Pro FS R BE via AES (for connecting main monitors/phones)
- optional: ARC USB

Alternative II:
- UFX+ (USB3 + TB) (as the analog ports are built-in support up to 192 kHz if that should be needed)
   - more flexibility for connecting the recording interface (USB3, USB2 (without MADI), Thunderbolt (=external PCIe))
   - MADI is more flexible for any potential future enhancements / extensions   
- optional: ADI-2 Pro FS R BE via AES (for connecting main monitors/phones)
- optional: ARC USB

Some useful information also here in terms of the combination of ADI-2 Pro FS and RME recording interface:
https://www.tonstudio-forum.de/blog/ind … our-Setup/
https://www.tonstudio-forum.de/blog/ind … ort-DE-EN/

Flexibility of TM FX in regards to connecting outboard equipment from another thread: https://forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.ph … 90#p163290

https://www.dropbox.com/s/mxkolbbi60pd1n1/TM%20FX%20Audio%20Stream%20Separation%20via%20SW%20Playback%20Channels.jpg?dl=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/heyqmpg42c5i4me/TM%20FX%20Routing%20External%20HW.jpg?dl=1

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub14
  • Registered: 2021-01-02
  • Posts: 2

Re: Any advice on new desktop pc config with HDSPe RayDAT?

Thanks a lot for your input, Ramses.

I will definitely follow your advice regarding Zen3/B550 config, season sales are scheduled for January 20th in France, I'll be ready to shoot by then!

I already own the HDSPe Raydat (and a Digiface USB for mobile recording + ARC USB) and have all converter channels needed (preamps/converters from Audient, Lynx, API, DIY 500 modules, etc. etc.) and a monitoring controller from Crookwood. So I really only "need" to upgrade my PC smile that's why it won't be a problem to spend a little bit more on it.

Once again, thank you!