How much DSP is enough?

spoimala · Post by **spoimala** » Sun Sep 01, 2002 10:55 am

Guys, please tell, me how much DSP power do you need.
I'm just buying my first CW card and I'm not sure whether I need Pulsar II or Pulsar + Luna or maybe two pulsars. Or even a PowerPulsar.
What is one Pulsar capable of handling?

I'm going to use it for multitracking audio (about 14-18 tracks) and mixing.
Or alternatively using a few SoftSynths with one or two audio tracks. And of course, handling all those nice effects.

Is it worth using VST effects at the same time? How much VST a 1.33GHz Athlon Thunderbird can handle?

Thanks.

Mr Arkadin · Post by **Mr Arkadin** » Sun Sep 01, 2002 11:19 am

If you're really going to use your card for the amount of work you state then a Pulsar2 will do the trick. However once you've tried the softsynths (don't forget the plethora of free ones that are v. good like Neutron & Wavelength) you may find yourself, like I did, going from "I just want an I/O card with a few extras" to "Blimey, I can do my whole shebang on this thing, who needs a studio?!" and then you'll wish you had the extra DSP.

I recently got a Scope SRB to expand my DSP and now I can do everything live; I had reached a point where I was pushing my Pulsar2 to the edge, having to record stuff in VST to free up DSP. In fact I use VST as a glorified tape deck now, only using M-Tron & PPG VSTis (only cos I can't get them for Pulsar) as I find the Pulsar sound & environment more professional.

So what am I saying? If you think you might want to do more and more on your card in the future (you will I'm sure) then go max on DSP(PowerPulsar). If you really feel you'll only ever want it for the things you stated then a Pulsar2 will be enough.

Regards,
TonyR

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: TonyR on 2002-09-01 12:20 ]</font>

astroman · Post by **astroman** » Sun Sep 01, 2002 4:54 pm

here come 2 cents from the opposite end of the scale.
On my old Pulsar One with only 4 DSPs I have to split the process you describe into 2 or 3 steps, if those high quality devices (which you'll certainly won't leave out) are involved. I could record 5 drumtracks of Wavelength's VA-drumbox and a bass at stage 1, a qualty lead synth at stage 2 and high-end reverb and effects at stage 3.
But considering price/performance ratio I'm very satisfied with my setup - and it works.
I'm soon gonna get as much additional DSPs as I can afford

That stuff rules.

cheers, Tom

virtualstudio · Post by **virtualstudio** » Sun Sep 01, 2002 5:32 pm

On 2002-09-01 11:55, spoimala wrote:
Guys, please tell, me how much DSP power do you need.
I'm just buying my first CW card and I'm not sure whether I need Pulsar II or Pulsar + Luna or maybe two pulsars. Or even a PowerPulsar.
What is one Pulsar capable of handling?

I'm going to use it for multitracking audio (about 14-18 tracks) and mixing.
Or alternatively using a few SoftSynths with one or two audio tracks. And of course, handling all those nice effects.

Is it worth using VST effects at the same time? How much VST a 1.33GHz Athlon Thunderbird can handle?

Thanks.

virtualstudio · Post by **virtualstudio** » Sun Sep 01, 2002 5:37 pm

sorry for that (above)

I think you never have enough, I have 21 DSP's now but still want more and more!!!!
if you can effort it, go for powerpulsar otherwise you will be upgrading within a few months

good luck !!

RedSun · Post by **RedSun** » Sun Sep 01, 2002 6:29 pm

DSPs are just like money and sex: You probably can get by with what you already have but it'll never be enough!

RedSun .:.

spoimala · Post by **spoimala** » Mon Sep 02, 2002 2:38 am

Yeah. And that makes a VERY big problem; if I buy a PowerPulsar (more DSP) I will definately have less money AND sex

ontik · Post by **ontik** » Mon Sep 02, 2002 3:35 am

I do pretty much what you have described here. Sometimes multitracking/mixing & sometimes software based writing.

I have a Pulsar II & a Luna II and I rarely run out of grunt. And its never something that can't be easily gotten around. I use my fair share of effects and often a couple of synths. I reckon what you buy when you by buy more than say 9 or 12 DSP's is polyphony. 9 or 12 should handle pretty much all mixing and effects need and still give you room for a synth voice or two. Depends how efficient you are with you effects and what synth you chuck in.

I bought them both at the same time learning from a friends experience and I'm glad that I have the Luna as well. I WOULD run out of power far more often without it.

The combination of these two boards should serve you well. However, If theres not much gap in price between the PowerPulsar and the combo, get the PowerPulsar. Then it'd never be a problem. (PP wasn't around when I bought my cards, only Scope).

Post by **garyb** » Mon Sep 02, 2002 11:52 am

i've got 12 and want more.....(that's a good thing)