Audio PC60 Product

The MUSIC STORE Audio PCs

MUSIC STORE Professional offers fast and powerful computers that have been specially configured for audio applications. Not everyone is tech-savvy and wants to deal with long technical specifications of various computer parts, so these audio PCs are the solution. Whether composer, hobby musician, producer or mixing engineer: the pre-configured systems convince with fast SSD hard drives, noise-reducing housings, modern processors and enough connections that are required in the world of audio.

Drive Storage

The hard disk capacity of a computer represents the total usable storage space of your system. This must be large, especially if many virtual instruments and sound libraries are to be used. Since they can sometimes be over 200GB per library (e.g. Hollywood Strings by EastWest), it makes sense, especially for composers/producers, to consider a TB (terabyte) instead of GB storage medium. Conveniently, hard disks can also be added and thus the total storage capacity can be expanded. But which storage media come into question here? HDD? SSD?

HDD (Hard Disk Drive):
Every conventional hard disk works using mechanical read-write heads that write the data magnetically to rotating disks. This offers advantages but also disadvantages:

PRO:

• optimal for storing files (old projects, photos, videos etc)
• can theoretically be written to an infinite number of times
• comparatively affordable
• long durability

CONTRA:

• longer access time due to mechanical read/write heads and rotating disk
• slows down when the hard disk contains a lot of data
• makes noise
• sensitive to shocks

SSD (Solid State Drive):
SSDs are a purely electronic medium whose information is located in memory cells of digital components. Here, too, there are many advantages, but also disadvantages.

PRO:

• very fast access time
• programmes/applications/operating system boot up much faster
• much more compact and lighter
• does not slow down when fully "loaded
• noiseless

CONTRA:

• comparatively expensive
• memory cell wear and tear and thus less durability
• data recovery in case of failure not always easy

Our tip: It's all in the mix! Both types of storage media have their place and should be used simultaneously. While SSDs are perfect for system and programme start-up and for working with sample libraries due to their speed, HDDs can be used for hoarding files such as old projects, videos, photos, backups etc.

Memory (RAM)

Memory is a short-term storage medium that temporarily stores all running processes and programmes. In this way, the computer's performance is focused on the respective active programmes and enables smoother processing. Take a virtual sound library with orchestral sounds as an example. These are briefly loaded into RAM during your project and can be played smoothly (e.g. via MIDI keyboard). When you close the project, the RAM is emptied again and is thus available for other tasks.

In general, a RAM size of 8-16 GB is sufficient for mixing and mastering applications. However, if you work with many virtual instruments and/or plug-ins at the same time, you should plan for at least 16, but better still 32 GB or more. Thanks to state-of-the-art components, our MUSIC STORE audio PCs can also be upgraded in many ways.

Graphic Card

The graphics card plays a rather minor role in audio PCs. In most cases, the onboard graphics of the CPU are sufficient. Our audio PCs provide common DisplayPort and HDMI ports so that you are equipped for simple 2-monitor setups. If you opt for the Pro variant, the integrated Thunderbolt 3 interface provides further options for both monitors and other devices.

Connections

Since the world of technology is constantly changing, it is easy to lose track of new connections. However, USB, SATA and PCIe slots are the most important ones, as they are used to connect most external sound cards/audio interfaces, hard drives and devices such as mice/keyboards/dongles, etc. USB 3 and higher and Thunderbolt connections are becoming more common these days, so compatibility issues with various external devices are becoming less and less common. Thanks to the backwards compatibility of many interfaces and the almost unlimited number of adapter options, laymen do not have to worry too much.

Our audio PCs also come with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth cards, card readers, DVD burners and more to round off an already powerful package.

Desktop, mini or 19 inch computer??

Whether you want to work in the bedroom, on the couch, in the recording studio or on the road - nowadays there is a solution for pretty much everything! If you're setting up a studio and planning to use racks, you'll be delighted with our MUSIC STORE Audio PC Pro 20/21 RACK PC in 19" format, which can be easily installed and has its own fixed place. Would you rather visit your friends in the rehearsal room and make spontaneous recordings? Then the MUSIC STORE Audio PC Mini is certainly the perfect choice: extremely compact dimensions with great performance.

Otherwise, the classic MUSIC STORE Audio PC delivers everything your heart desires. Whether you choose the "HOME", "PRO" or "PRO Plus" variant: You are very well positioned for audio production with these computers!

Which PC do I need?

To make your choice easier, here is an overview of the possible applications. Naturally, the affordable models can also be used for more professional applications, but they will reach their limits sooner.

MUSIC STORE Audio PC Mini
Suitable for users who travel a lot, have little space and need only a few connections. The large hard drive provides space for many recordings, while the processor is suitable for mixing/mastering tasks. (to the product Audio PC Mini)

MUSIC STORE Audio PC HOME
Ideal for beginners who want to create and mix recordings. The motherboard allows RAM and hard disk space to be upgraded, as well as the installation of a Thunderbolt 3 interface. (to the product Audio PC HOME)

MUSIC STORE Audio PC PRO
Professional system for recording, mixing and mastering including Thunderbolt 3 interface for modern hardware. Large 4 TB hard drive for large project files and enough RAM for modern mixing/mastering plug-ins. (to the product Audio PC PRO)

MUSIC STORE Audio PC PRO Plus
Professional system for recording, mixing, mastering, composition & sound design including Thunderbolt 3 interface for modern hardware. Large SSD memory and high RAM volume are suitable for working with virtual instruments. (to the product Audio PC PRO Plus)

MUSIC STORE Audio PC PRO 19”
Professional 19" system for recording, mixing and mastering including Thunderbolt 3 interface for modern hardware. Large 4 TB hard drive for large project files and enough RAM for modern mixing/mastering plug-ins. Ideally suited for rack use in the studio. (to the product Audio PC PRO 19”)

MUSIC STORE Audio PC PRO PLUS 19”
Professional system for recording, mixing, mastering, composition & sound design including Thunderbolt 3 interface for modern hardware. Large SSD memory and high RAM volume are suitable for working with virtual instruments. Optimally suited for rack use in the studio. (to the product Audio PC PRO PLUS 19”)