Hollywood Collection - Current PC enough?

[JFH]

Hi, I'm thinking about getting the Gold versions of the Hollywood Collection, now that the woodwinds are on the way, and I was wondering if my current setup was enough to run the whole thing. I'm prepared to use only the Lite patches if I have to, and my style of writing doesn't actually require much of my computer's resources at the moment. I'd be using Hollywood Strings, Brass and Winds (all Gold), EWQLSO Gold, Gypsy and Goliath, alongside with an Harp (Kontakt) and a Choir (VI). As I said, on my current setup I feel my computer could take a lot more, since I tend to write intimate music (and I already use "real legato" strings and woodwinds from other companies, I just want to replace them).

Single PC, Cubase 6 as a host:
Intel i5 760 (Quad) @2.8 Ghz
8GB RAM (DDR3-1333)
7200 rpm HD for samples
Edirol FA-66 audio interface

First thing I'd get is more RAM (my Mobo can take up to 16GB).

So, from there, would it be feasible to think about running the Hollywood Collection (Gold) on my "single" i5 computer? If not, would the addition of an SSD suffice? Or should I buy an i7 with 24GB of RAM with an SSD to replace my current computer? I'm trying to avoid using a "slave" as much as possible.

Any thoughts would be appreciated !

JF

[JijGaat]

If you just load patches you want to work with and not build big templates, then your pc should be good with 16 gigs of RAM in my opinion. I know there are lots out there who would think otherwise, but I think you can't go wrong by just trying.

[JFH]

Originally Posted by JijGaat

If you just load patches you want to work with and not build big templates, then your pc should be good with 16 gigs of RAM in my opinion. I know there are lots out there who would think otherwise, but I think you can't go wrong by just trying.

Thanks Hugo ! This is exactly what I wanted to hear

JF

[aptmusic9]

What Jij said. Probably at least 16GB. Once you try it out you will discover your working style. Some people are perfectly content with 16GB and others need more. 8GB is going to be a little restrictive i think unless you are OK with bouncing and freezing a lot.

[JFH]

Originally Posted by aptmusic9

What Jij said. Probably at least 16GB. Once you try it out you will discover your working style. Some people are perfectly content with 16GB and others need more. 8GB is going to be a little restrictive i think unless you are OK with bouncing and freezing a lot.

For sure I'm getting 16GB (max amount my mobo supports). I want to avoid freezing as I constantly polish things up while adding to the orchestration.

Thanks

JF

[jspencer]

I faced a similar dillema, and decided to go full out with an i7 2700, SSD, and 32GB RAM. I figured since I had invested in the libraries, I shouldn't skimp on the computer. And believe me, it has paid off in spades!

JFH: I assume you're running Win 7 64bit?

[JFH]

Originally Posted by jspencer

I faced a similar dillema, and decided to go full out with an i7 2700, SSD, and 32GB RAM. I figured since I had invested in the libraries, I shouldn't skimp on the computer. And believe me, it has paid off in spades!

JFH: I assume you're running Win 7 64bit?

Yep, I'm on Win7 64bit. And I agree that getting a new PC would be a good idea. My current one's already two years old... I've been meaning to get a better one soon anyway, so this would be a good time.. I mean.. Shawn Murphy mixing my stuff !!

Thanks fot the input !

JF

[Khaled Hamdy]

Originally Posted by JFH

Yep, I'm on Win7 64bit. And I agree that getting a new PC would be a good idea. My current one's already two years old... I've been meaning to get a better one soon anyway, so this would be a good time.. I mean.. Shawn Murphy mixing my stuff !!

Thanks fot the input !

JF

Hey JFH,

I'd recommend get a 32GB RAM, the more you load in a template the better options you have also SSD is a great solution so u can load from disk rather than exhausting your RAM capacity; it's really easier to use what already there than to stop the creativity flow for loading patches or trying new ones.

An easier way to do it is to have a template with an instance per instrument and to have them all disabled.. all you need to do is to enable the instance/instrument you wanna try and if you like it keep it... if not then disable it again, it'll save you hours of checking out the library and being confused which sound to use and this way you'll be able to utilize the 8Gb Ram you currently have.

Let me know if that works fine for you.

Good luck making great music.

[tayloran9]

Originally Posted by jspencer

I faced a similar dillema, and decided to go full out with an i7 2700, SSD, and 32GB RAM. I figured since I had invested in the libraries, I shouldn't skimp on the computer. And believe me, it has paid off in spades!

Jspencer, can I ask if you have the gold or diamond editions and whether you are running multiple mic positions? Your post may have given me some optimism that I'll be able to run decent templates of the entire Hollywood series with my PC. What SSD do you have and do you still get any drop-outs or distortions at all when everything is playing back together?

Thanks.

[JFH]

Originally Posted by Khaled Hamdy

Hey JFH,

I'd recommend get a 32GB RAM, the more you load in a template the better options you have also SSD is a great solution so u can load from disk rather than exhausting your RAM capacity; it's really easier to use what already there than to stop the creativity flow for loading patches or trying new ones.

An easier way to do it is to have a template with an instance per instrument and to have them all disabled.. all you need to do is to enable the instance/instrument you wanna try and if you like it keep it... if not then disable it again, it'll save you hours of checking out the library and being confused which sound to use and this way you'll be able to utilize the 8Gb Ram you currently have.

Let me know if that works fine for you.

Good luck making great music.

Thanks for the tips, Khaled ! I'll keep that in mind when I'll look for a new PC.

JF