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Post by Deleted on Nov 30, 2011 23:20:36 GMT
Christian, thanks for finding the correct links.
I'll see if I can find some time to give that a go.
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elysion
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Post by elysion on Dec 1, 2011 1:33:35 GMT
A few additional points:
- The Atom 230 is 64-bit ready. In theory, you can install any 64-bit Linux. I do exactly this with my faster AsRock ION330 systems (which have an Atom 330 running overclocked at 2.0GHz and 4GB RAM). This has the advantage that the processor can use much more registers in 64-bit mode. Your system is different here. You have only 2GB of memory and 64-bit would be total overkill regarding the memory usage. Of course, 64-bit works but you won't get a real advantage out of it. My AsRock ION330's feel a bit faster running in 64-bit mode, but I agree that these systems also don't get much benefit out of 64-bit mode. In your case: Take the 32-bit versions.
- I've noticed that my Xonar Essence STX soundcard is comparatively CPU hungry. It's not a problem on my system which has a i5-2500K CPU and 16GB RAM. With the Atom 230, performance could be an issue under certain cirumstances. If you've been able to run the Xonar ST without problems with WinXP, then don't worry. It won't be worse with Linux. But if you've had already performance problems with WinXP, then it could be also an issue with Linux. My personal guess is that it should work, although CPU load could get quiet high. There's only one way to find that out: Try it.
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Will
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Post by Will on Dec 1, 2011 12:57:10 GMT
What flavour of Linux did you use, Will? And on what hardware have you intended to install it? If you take the right Linux distribution for a specific computer, almost nothing can go wrong. The many flavours of the Ubuntu series, including LinuxMint, are very user friendly. But the newest releases don't support very old hardware. There are other distributions, which DO support almost every kind of hardware (OpenSUSE supports more hardware even with the newest releases). If your harddrive was inaccessible, then it could be a hardware problem (Windows would have the same problems here) or you have probably managed to alter someting so that the system didn't boot properly. In that case the issue could be solved. Perhaps I can help you a bit, if you like to give it another try. Hi Christian, I think it was Ubuntu I tried (7.10 gutsy gibbon, which I had on a dual boot with Windows. I got it up and running, and had been using it for a month or so. One day it worked, the next it had a major strop, and prevented access to the disk via the boot-manager. Fortunately, I was able to repair the that, and at least regain access to windows. This was on a dual athlon 4000, Asus motherboard. If you were to do a 'how to do music with Linux' I think that it would be very interesting.
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elysion
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Post by elysion on Dec 1, 2011 20:28:18 GMT
I'll try. But I also hope other guys on the forum that have Linux knowledge will help me (Lark and Frans for example).
To be honest, I'm not a Linux expert, but setting up a PC with Linux for audio purposes isn't too complicated. I've decided to migrate to Linux (slowly) in the next few years. I'll have still at least one Mac in a couple of years, also but not only because I need Macs for my job. My plan is to increase my Linux knowledge in the next few years. Hopefully, I'll be independent from commercial software somewhen in the future.
You've mentioned that you had a dual boot Linux/Windows configuration. IMO that's always a bit tricky. For really rock-solid systems, I'd suggest to go for a single operating system solution. Of course, not everyone has a PC that can be used only for Linux.
The base of every good computer is hardware that works without problems. The main problem here is that this is VERY individual. Each PC has to have fully working hardware before it is a good base for an operating system. This is also true for Windows and other operating systems.
The next step is choosing the right Linux distribution (or other kind of operating system) for that hardware.
If the hardware itself works and an appropriate OS is choosed, all further steps will be much easier.
It's not a big problem to set up a computer that is on the desk in front of me. But it can be quite time consuming and complicated to do this "blind" by guiding someone through internet conversation. I guess it can only be a help, but not a perfect "plug&play" solution. Chris has the advantage that he has a motherboard which I also have (I had two and have sent him one of them).
The major advantage of Linux and other open-source operating systems is openness, they are perfect for DIY projects.
I'm quite suprised how well a broad range of soundcards and other audio hardware is supported in Linux. The Xonar soundcards are state-of-the-art for audio playback (but not so for audio production) and the Linux ALSA driver does a damn good job. That's not self-evident. A lof of good guys have done a lot of work to make this effort possible.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 17, 2012 18:27:18 GMT
The Music PC is finally boxed up and producing music. I'm currently slumming with an old CRT because the 2nd hand LCD packed up. (probably caps in psu, need to investigate). Still only Win XP but running very nicely. ---------------------------------- EDITUnlike the laptop this one is quite happy to run DS on the Asus Xonar DS card.Ooops! Scratch that, it was KS that didn't work and doesn't on this setup either -------------------------------------
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XTRProf
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Pssst ! Got any spare capacitors ?
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Post by XTRProf on Oct 17, 2012 21:26:31 GMT
So how's the sound with Foobar? Happy?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 17, 2012 21:46:37 GMT
Chris, the DS drivers are ASIO compatible. I'd suggest you try the latest Unixonar stable 1.54 divers or even the beta 1.63 (they are rock solid with my ST). If you prefer Asus ones for XP you could use the .1794 from their site. You'll need to download and install (as per the guide) the 2.1.2 ASIO plugin for Foobar. BTW, ASIO is much, much better than KS.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 17, 2012 21:46:38 GMT
Hi Chris But can it do cPlay or jPlay without clicks? I had a problem a few days ago , and although Foobar continued to work normally using it's Asio, cPlay using Asus Xonar Asio had major problems due to a continuous 50% CPU usage caused by a problem.I had to live with Foobar until I sorted the problem out, but it sounded well below the SQ available from cPlay.I would use jPlay if I could afford it,as cPlay although excellent SQ isn't very user friendly. Alex
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Post by Deleted on Oct 17, 2012 21:49:43 GMT
Chong, It's all running very nicely, I've yet to try the s/pdif out into a DAC but even the old banger did very well there although this one if far less cobbled than that. I was wondering, as this would be a good time to sling Win7 onto this PC, would there be any problems with running it on these older machines. Music PC[/u Atom 230 @ 1.60GHz Core Duo (supposedly 64bit ready) 1.60 GHz, 1.99 GB RAM (maxed out)
Laptop Intel T2400 @ 1.83GHz (64 bit ready?) 1.83GHz, 1.99GHz (also maxed out)
On the music PC I could obviously strip the OS down to make things easier on the PC but the Laptop would need full function. Would I run into any problems with Aero or any other facet on this well stuffed lappy?
If all is OK I could buy a "family 3 Upgrade Home Premium" and sort MPC, lappy and wifey PC in one hit. If not then a single licence, but better (esp. XP mode) Professional
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 17, 2012 21:53:10 GMT
Chris, the DS drivers are ASIO compatible. I'd suggest you try the latest Unixonar stable 1.54 divers or even the beta 1.63 (they are rock solid with my ST). If you prefer Asus ones for XP you could use the .1794 from their site. You'll need to download and install (as per the guide) the 2.1.2 ASIO plugin for Foobar. BTW, ASIO is much, much better than KS. At the mo." ASIO : Xonar DS ASIO" is one channel only (left). That is with version .1794.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 17, 2012 22:33:48 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 17, 2012 22:46:39 GMT
Yeah can't be can it, you saying that made me check for problems. Weird coincidence from a dodgy HP lead, stereo one moment, only left the other, just timed for good on DS and not ASIO. All OK now with different cans. I may give those othe rdrivers a shot too. Thanks
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 17, 2012 23:07:29 GMT
Hi Chris
I run Win7 Professional on my "Zotac ION-ITX-C 1.6GHz Fanless Atom N230 Mini-ITX DC Motherboard" music PC. 32 Bit though.
It runs with no problem.
I had to get Professional to run it from a remote PC. Now started using a Xoom 10" tablet instead which is great.
Syd
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 18, 2012 14:07:07 GMT
Thanks Syd. I did assume that a music PC would be OK but was more concerned for the laptop and its many applications coping
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Post by Deleted on Oct 18, 2012 21:57:03 GMT
Hi Chris, great stuff on the music PC only needs that big white box moving. Your cased AK Mods SC/HA/Pre looks the business too just the matching 15watt and you'll be in audio nirvana. With regard to the 15Watt I'll PM you shortly. I had in mind to go down your route and fix up a small format PC that I was given, for dedicated music play and I still might do that. (though it'd have to be out of sight and mind for MGLW's sake.... and mine more so) However "OLD GOLDEN EAR" keeps banging on about cPlay so much so that I had to try it out tonight.............I note that you didn't rise to the bait. I'm so impressed with it (cPlay) I think the main PC workhorse will suffice for music and all else from now on. Regards, Alan
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Post by Deleted on Oct 18, 2012 22:12:00 GMT
Hi Allan Another one I would like to try, IF Peter St. ever settles on a final version,(even a semi-final version) is XXHE.Peter offered me a free copy quite a while back, but I didn't take him up on the offer because there were far too many User settings, and it was being continually updated. Kind Regards Alex P.S. Don't forget to try ripping and converting in Safe Mode too To my ears,(and JeffC's ears) EAC sounds better than dBpoweramp too, although dBpoweramp has all those great features. The latest version of EAC has album art etc.too if you really need that. P.P.S. Cheap programs such as Ashampoo WinOptimiser will let you manually start or stop non essential Start Up programs etc. I am off shortly to another listening session.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 18, 2012 22:54:17 GMT
Hi Alex, I'm glad I tried cPlay as it's certainly to my old "dumdum" ears a better bet than Foobar. I had a glitch with it at the start it didn't like Asio out of the Xonar DS said it was only 16 bit perhaps you can answer that one for me. I then downloaded Asio4all and it accepted that and away we sailed. I've only upped the buffer a bit all else is as default and it sounds and works great. Normally with Foobar when I open Photoshop the sound stutters for no more than a second probably less, generally though I've no problems with sound glitches. With cPlay running for about the last four hours it's never missed a beat not even when opening and working with Photoshop and other software. I like the minimalist approach and cue files suit my style of play so I'll run with it for a while and see what transpires. Can't see the value of Album Cover art work.....won't even keep your ears warm. I'm listening to Best of Bread..............sounds good to my ears and that's all that matters. Regards, Alan
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Post by Deleted on Oct 19, 2012 8:43:44 GMT
Quote: I had a glitch with it at the start it didn't like Asio out of the Xonar DSsaid it was only 16 bit perhaps you can answer that one for me. Hi Allan Don't give up on it,as Asus Asio is way better than Asio4all. I had similar problems a few days ago, and when I took a Corsair Voyager to a friend's place today, although already using cPlay too, he got the same problem.A friend and fellow RG member who works in I.T. and was there, managed to get it back again to Asio 2 32bit 10mS. Let's see if he or Javier can suggest an answer to your problem. Regards Alex P.S. Your Asio info should look something like the attached. What software revision is your Asus card using ? Attachments:
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Post by Deleted on Oct 19, 2012 12:44:43 GMT
Hi Alex, that great mine of computer info we're lucky to have here at RG...........Javier pointed me in the right direction this morning. Now I'd already looked for the Asio control panel and no amount of right mouse clicking brought it up. So I thought I'd go back to............... brainbit.wordpress.com/previous-release-notes/and found this gem............... So to recap.......... when installing driver UNi Xonar v1.63 tick box for C Media panel and not standard Asus Panel. Then right clicking on the C media Icon will show the Asio panel wich lets you alter bit rate. Voila..........we have cPlay with Asus Asio @ 32. Regards, Alan
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Post by Deleted on Oct 19, 2012 19:44:15 GMT
Hi Allan Do you now hear a further improvement over using Asio4all ? It's a shame that we sometomes need to resort to 3rd party drivers to make something work the way it's supposed to, although we have been eventually able to make the Asus Asio software and the cPlay software work correctly together ( don't ask how ) Many thanks to Javier for helping you to get it going. Kind Regards Alex
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Post by Deleted on Oct 19, 2012 21:18:01 GMT
Hi Alex, honest answer, my brass lugs ;D can only discern that everything I've played so far is a notch or two up SQ wise on what I was listening to before changing to cPlay....with both Asio4all and now Asus Asio.
Whether or not Asus Asio is producing an improved SQ over Asio4all I really can't make a positive comment and say unequivocally.............Wow! that's so much better than Asio4all. I would need to reinstall Asio4all listen to the CD playing now then swap back to Asus Asio to make a proper assessment. I'm perfectly willing to accept as Javier and your good self have pointed out, that true Asio will give better results than A4all. What I can say is that the CD I'm listening to at this moment has a clean clear bell like quality I've not noticed before................a true improvement since moving to cPlay and Asus Asio at bit depth - 32 and latency10ms. Regards, Alan
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Post by Deleted on Oct 19, 2012 21:56:08 GMT
Hi Allan Good to hear that you find cPlay a bit better than average. Like you, I don't feel the need for artwork etc. although I save it if available, in case I want to make say, a DVD-A from some high res files. I just hope that cPlay doesn't do that annoying bit again this morning at our listening session with Allan, Greg and E.E. "owdeo" from DIYAudio present at david2vk's place in an hour or so. Regards Alex
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Post by freddypipsqueek on Oct 20, 2012 0:03:40 GMT
Alan.
Cplay with a good ASIO driver was enough to convert me from CD (and even SD card players) to USB. I understand ASIO4all is a 'wrapper' and not a true ASIO driver and thus only of use if your card or device) does not have native ASIO support.
Its a pain but it is worthwhile stripping down the windows install to get the best from CPlay. Oddly (I understand) it was setup to run in Windows XP. Also using CMP2 and making sure AWE works are real steps up in performance.
Adrian.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 21, 2012 22:07:43 GMT
Hi Adrian, since my computer has to be every-man's workhorse not much chance of me stripping it down into a lean mean music playing machine. Certainly if I refurbish the spare small format PC I have at some time in the future purely to play music then I'll make it so. Meanwhile I'm more than satisfied with what I'm presently listening to via my main and only PC. It's reasonably Specc'yd and handles all I require of it with ease whilst playing great sounding music, no drop-outs or glitches. Moving to cPlay was the icing on the cake but then perhaps my "Brass Lugs" require little icing. Not sure if I want AWE to grab all the RAM it can for cPLAY as I do work on large files in Photoshop whilst listening. I've 4GB, don't see any use for more at present. Regards, Alan
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Post by Deleted on Oct 29, 2012 20:19:21 GMT
I have to give a public HUUUUUGE thank you to Javier. I kid you not, he spent two days sorting out my musicPC which had all manner of problems including the user! It is now pumping out everthing without any glitches. Absolutely brilliant and what a great fella.
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