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I'm curremtly using BIAB on a desktop computer. Running 2012 Everything Pak on Windows XP pro. bit. I also play keys and am thinking about going to a more mobile rig. I know there are many choices for laptops-- over the counter VS pro build as well as pro audio/midi interfaces. My concern presently is what would be a better unit(laptop vs rack 3U space)
I would like a mobile computer for the following:
1. use BIAB and Sonar Home studio and eventually something Like Ivory or other key based software for live performance. Presently using hardware. (Yamaha S90, Kawai MP4, Korg CX3, Gem Piano module and Ketron SD2)
2. Be able to record band sessions (practice). Multiple locations
3. Able to take keyboard to cottage/vacation using software listed above.
4. Low latency for live use
So before I get into what processor,how much ram,what interface,and so on, I'm seeking advice from folks who might be in a similar situation. Laptop VS rackmount
Obviously the laptop is the most portable which is definately what I'm after. Looks like on todays laptops USB is pretty much it. Firewire seems to be going south and the usb2/3 inputs would be limited. Never had a laptop so I'm concerned with how long these PC's last
The 3U rackmount would be another consideration. Still not too heavy to lug around and more choices as far as # of ports, interfaces, etc. Though, still have to factor in a monitor, keyboard and mouse.
Any sugestions from those who use laptops or rack mounts especially for live performance.
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Quote:
....am thinking about going to a more mobile rig.
I would like a mobile computer
The 3U rackmount is not mobile. Seems you have answered your own question.
My laptop suites me well although everyones stage setups are different. Regarding ruggedness and lifetime a $800 laptop will last you as long as you want to use it.
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I'll answer that in a heart beat "cause I know what you want to hear just don't want everyone to think you're foolish.My answer is totally legit and it's were I'm headed.
Rackmount with a Delta 1010 interface & a 16 channel mixer.
At present my system is 2 two way tops with 15 & horn and 2 subs with 2 Crown amps. 2500 watts total.16 channel mixer. I'm happy with the laptop though as well for now.
I also have another small system that is 2 two way tops with 10 & horn with a 100 watt per side amp and a 4 channel mixer with another laptop.
If you've got the $$$$$ do the rack.
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I would temper that opinion with a thought about cooling. If it's going in a rack with an amp below it, it might get warm.
If you've got that covered, I wouldn't mind a recording system in rack. It'll be heavy, but if you can roll it in/out...not so bad.
A 3U rack computer will weigh more than a laptop and may need better cooling.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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As far as the 3u rack,PC would fit in an skb 4u case with room for 1u rack audio interface. Usually play through powered monitors--rack would not include any power amps. I know the 4U rack PCs start at about 40 lbs. Thanks for taking the time to respond. I was only thinking the rack might offer me more choices and options than laptops. I know that a lot of BIAB users are quite happy with ther laptops as well. Was interested in what others are using. Thanks again for your input
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I play live exclusively with a laptop & usb audio interface. Never had a problem whatsoever. I too have different speaker setups depending on the size of the hall I'm playing in. Most laptops can do the job without problems nowadays as long as you have a decent interface (I use this - http://www.focusrite.com/products/audio_interfaces/scarlett_8i6/ ) I can go down to 3ms latency with no problems but for extra security I use 7ms. If its a gig where there is already a PA then all I need is a small suitcase (with wheels on I hasten to add) which contains all cables, laptop, laptop stand, headset microphone etc. Then my guitar & I'm away. I travel to a lot of gigs on train so obviously the laptop suits me better than a rack
Last edited by bupper; 04/21/12 02:42 AM.
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Thanks bupper, That was one of the interfaces I was interested in. Good to hear it works well.
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I do live gigs with just my laptop and the PGMusic USB drive attached to the back of the screen with hook and loop fastener tape.
I use the Earphone Jack as Line Out, with the appropriate Y adaptor cord, direct to the amplification system. Sounds great.
For playback purposes at the live gig, today's laptops have very good audio quality using the built in sound device. Just make sure to turn the software mixer playback faders up all the way and adjust volume using the physical knob on the PA or other amplification system and you should enjoy great live sound that way.
As for rackmount: I find that it is best to K.I.S.S.
We have enough weight to carry already, we have enough things to keep track of on the gig, the modern laptop represents a great all-in-one solution, no extra monitor, keyboard, mouse and whatever else to worry about, plus the things were not really designed for constant connect/unconnect etc. And you'll save $$.
--Mac
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I agree with just about everything stated so far except Dan's point about an $800 laptop working as long as you want to use it.
That SHOULD be true, but in about 2007 or early 2008, I bought a 1000$+ Lenovo ThinkPad, thinking that the statement should be true.
Caps failed on MOBO, started about a year ago. Price to replace MOBO is more than a much more powerfully equipped modern lappy. The lappy is quite powerful, but not with a crapped out MOBO. Now it's a paperweight.
The lesson I learned: Think of the laptop as somewhat disposable - make backups, be ready to switch to another in a few years. With prices where they are, it really isn't that expensive of a proposition for the utility. Make backups (oh I said that already but it's true), learn how to swap contents of 2.5" drives - drive swaps on laptops using EASUS software to make copies, is ridiculously easy.
Be ready for the equipment to fail - bottom line.
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Yes, KISS works everywhere. I acknowledge everyones stage step up can be unique depending on the venue and level of investment. From carrying an acostic on stage to coming three hours early to run cable, it all depends on what you intend to deliver. I long ago had to decide if I wanted to be a musician or a technician when it comes to gear. In my case no roadies availabel to carry the load and no soundmen to handle the PA and mixers. My set up is simple and has been optimized to focus on what I can provide musically. So the decision is yours. How much gear does your show really need? That is the quetion you need to answer. 
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Quote:
I agree with just about everything stated so far except Dan's point about an $800 laptop working as long as you want to use it.
That SHOULD be true, but in about 2007 or early 2008, I bought a 1000$+ Lenovo ThinkPad, thinking that the statement should be true.
Caps failed on MOBO, started about a year ago. Price to replace MOBO is more than a much more powerfully equipped modern lappy. The lappy is quite powerful, but not with a crapped out MOBO. Now it's a paperweight.
Sorry to hear that, point well taken. 
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I think rack mounts are cool for a home studio, they allow yo to have a couple really big hard drives, and a ton of power. my current system is similar, not a true rack mount, but a horizontal case, that is lodged in the bottom of my rolling rack, i have my Yamaha mixer and a TC Helicon voiceworks
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
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If you just want the simplest way to provide backing tracks, and you don't need to send MIDI messages to any external devices, you could mix all your songs down to audio files and get a rack mount CD player (old school) or put them on inexpensive MP3 players.
Just send the output from the MP3 player to the PA. A $50 MP3 player will hold wayy more than enough songs for a gig... and they're cheap enough to carry a backup in case something goes wrong (not that anything would ever go wrong on a gig.... just sayin')
Another nice thing about MP3 players (besides price and convenience) is the built-in ability to queue up a set of songs or play one on the fly for a request
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I've used nothing but ThinkPad laptops on the gig - and I do one-nighters for a living so they get treated roughly.
Average life span on stage between 7 and 8 years.
That's my recommendation.
Bob "Notes" Norton  Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
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Quote:
I've used nothing but ThinkPad laptops on the gig - and I do one-nighters for a living so they get treated roughly.
Average life span on stage between 7 and 8 years.
That's my recommendation.
Ditto to this plus what Mac said above and I do 85-100 gigs per year. In fact I just purchased a new Thinkpad but still keep the old one as a spare (just in case) and it has been around and working for the past 6-7 years.
Later,
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Quote:
...Caps failed on MOBO, started about a year ago...
Its worth pointing out that the electrolytic capacitor failure problem has been long solved and should not be of concern to anyone purchasing new consumer electronics today.
--Mac
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