No compromise Windows choice for Xite-1

[w_ellis]

Hi all,

I know this question has been asked a thousand times here, but I've been searching and searching and can't find a definitive answer to it. What would you recommend as the latest Windows OS version where I can get the maximum value from Scope v7 and Xite-1? Criteria:

- Compatibility with regular SSD, with fast boot time being a priority
- As many plugins/features of Scope are working without bugs or workarounds
- No need for any other software, I will be piping the output of the Xite-1 back via ADAT to a MOTU Ultralite mk5 on a Macbook Pro M3
- No need to be connected to the internet, I can transfer software onto it
- No need for large amounts of RAM, I'll be using it mainly for modular + synths - happy to be on 32bit
- Good support for remote desktop control from the laptop

My guess would be one of Win7, 8 or 10 and 32bit. Which one makes most sense?

N.B. The machine has an Asus Sabertooth X58 motherboard and Core i7 950 processor. Definitely not suitable for Windows 11.

I appreciate any and all advice.

Thanks,
Will

[Rafe]

Hey Will,
There'll be a more definite answer than this one for sure.

I don't remember any differences in going from Win7 32bit to Win10 32bit with Xite-1

As you're using Scope v7, I think it's more tailored to Win10

Good to see you have the time to be back with Scope again. BC Modular will always be a formidible addition to Scope.

I hope you get a better answer than this!

[valis]

Scope7 is required for Win10 unless you like reinstalling the driver. Win10 requires a signed driver.

[w_ellis]

But Scope 7 can run on earlier OS's right? I have Scope 7, just looking for the right choice of Windows

[w_ellis]

What are you using, Valis, since you have a similar setup, no? Separate Scope machine?

[astroman]

No XIte here, but Scope 7 (3xPulsar2) on Win7/32.
For all 64bit Plugins a MacMini M1 is connected via Adat IO (Motu 828 MKII, USB) using Plugue Bidule as an audio/Midi router.
Probably the most stable Scope I‘ve experienced.
(the Motu seems restricted to MacOS Monterey in „reduced security level“, the only quirk of the setup, for I can‘t afford a more recent soundcard atm, but I can get along with this)

[w_ellis]

A bit off topic, but why Bidule vs. something like MIDI-OX and the built-in MOTU routing options?

[astroman]

Because Bidule can route individually per plugin/channel and even mix destinations.
(multiple outputs into 1 source, very convenient when just trying some other device)
Atm I have a Z-DSP euro rack fx unit in an analog pair on the Motu (usually receiving from AU/VST).
A Scope synth to the same Z-DSP just needs an Adat pair into the very same destination as the AU/VST.
(plus switching midi in case only 1 source is intended)
Adat out goes to VDAT in Scope, but Bidule has quick tracking capabilities, too... very affordable considering it‘s versatility.

It‘s performance can be nice (I used a 64 buffer successfully), but it‘s considered a DAW in Motu‘s terminology, hence bypassing the latency free Motu monitor mixer.
The Motu was cheap (and repaired in a stupid way, as I found out later), re-capping will hopefully bring it back to specs.
(tbh I’d prefer an RME Digiface ... but budget is tight, all my reverbs are on the MacMini M1 btw)

[w_ellis]

I guess I'll be learning all of this when I get my MOTU interface!

[valis]

What are you using, Valis, since you have a similar setup, no? Separate Scope machine?

Both my PCI system and Xite system are 2015 era quadcore e5 Xeons. I documented the builds elsewhere, but they run great with zero issues. The PCI system is still Win10, the Xite is Win11, both are 64bit with 64bit versions of Scope.

I use a specific version of Bidule (also documented elsewhere but I can repeat if needed) and a specific version of portaudio.dll as newer builds do not work with Scope. This build is stable and still seems to work with the plugins I've tried (vst3/vst2). Newer Bidule supports CLAP, so that's the only thing lacking in the version I use with Scope.

I also have 3 other machines, each with RME Multiface II attached to HDSPe cards, so there are more than enough options in here that I am ok with Scope being dedicated to each PC (with Bidule for light hosting).