Occasional reader, first time poster. This is somewhat of a cross-post to an identical thread I created on the Linus Tech Tips forum within the past hour. I am posting this here as well because this is an audio-centric forum that will no doubt have even more input on this subject. Also, I plan on posting here a lot as I learn more and grow as a producer and artist.
- Location and Unknown Budget
This build will be conducted in the U.S. and will have an unknown budget. I would prefer staying close to best performance per dollar, unless spending a bit more allows more future proofing.
- Aim
I want to build a Intel-based composer's workstation using multiple Mini ITX systems as networked sound modules that are controlled by one (up to EATX) master system using Vienna Ensemble Pro 6 and Cubase Pro.
My maximum number of systems is currently hovering around 3 sound module builds and 1 master for a total of 4 systems, but this could (and probably will) change.
The basic idea here is to load up instances of sample libraries and processor intensive VSTi and spread that across several barebones rigs so that the CPU strain can be offloaded and so that all of those resources are ready and available while producing music.
Junkie XL has a similar setup with 6 sound module PCs and one master system.
- Displays
Main displays: Samsung C34F791 34" Curved Displays (3440 x 1440)
Why: I want an immersive experience with the option to arrange and mix simultaneously. I am open to changing this to one display if it is a 4k model. I would prefer it to be curved, but I don't want to spend thousands on it.
Secondary displays: AOC I1601FWUX 15.6" IPS (1920 x 1080)
Why: I would like to run ShareMouse on these machines so I can make adjustments as needed without using Remote Desktop to keep latency low. This means I will need a small format display for my Mini ITX systems purely for making those occasional adjustments. These, or something better, could be placed on my desk for seamless access to the desktops of the sound module PCs.
- Peripherals
This is a "from the ground up" build, meaning everything is being planned and purchased from a starting point of having nothing.
I still own my prized Logitech G9x and have enjoyed using it for navigating my studio sessions in the past, but I am interested to know if there is a successor to this mouse I should consider; one that is just as dependable but even more customizable, in terms of available buttons.
- Why I Am Upgrading
- I need to arrange and compose music in an uncompromising digital environment.
- I need to have a dependable, powerful, future-forward network of machines that will serve me for the next decade or so and can be upgraded as necessary.
- I need a modern build plan to realize the goal of moving toward music production as a full time passion.
- I need guidance to determine what is a good plan versus what is merely an expensive plan.
- Need More Input
Now we come back to the "less is more" part of it.
Junkie XL, Hans Zimmer, Current Value, and Deadmau5 all use multiple networked computers in their professional workstation setups. A network of slaves tied to one master over LAN is not a niche or esoteric thing to build in this context, but increases in computing power would seem to indicate the number of machines required to achieve the same results will be fewer. This is where I quickly become confused: how many systems, theoretically, should I aim for?
Some things to keep in mind are that I want to connect my main system to a UAD-2 Apollo 8p to offload even more work when using UA plugins, but I won't be using that all the time. I also plan to use Focal Twin6 be as my reference monitors.
I am concerned that using the TRS outputs on the Apollo will be detrimental to a clean sound on the Focals, but from what I understand, balanced TRS cables and XLR/XLR cables are internally the same, meaning a shielded TRS/XLR between the Apollo and the Focals should be just fine. I hope?
I had always heard to use XLR whenever possible, prompting me to ask.
Here is my first thread over on Level1Techs about my initial ideas for this project (if you want more reading).
Also, here is my duplicate of this thread over on Linus Tech Tips.
And here are my two designs for the Mini ITX slave systems on PC Part Picker (yes, I know I don't need to include Optane in the Z370, but who knows I might need legacy drives in a NAS at some point):
- Z370 Build: VE Pro Sound Module PC
- X299 Build: VE Pro X299 Sound Module PC
No AMD
Latency is huge on Ryzen, unfortunately. Because of the NUMA on Threadripper, the per core performance, floating point throughput, and overall Dawbench scores are mighty sad when compared to the 8700K, 7820X, and anything higher from Intel.
My old system that is long since past dead was an AMD 9950 quad and simply moving from that entire PC tower to a Core i7 MacBook a couple of years later was enough to experience a nearly 4x performance boost over what I thought was a powerful option from AMD at the time.
The playing field is much more level now, but in terms of audio that demands low latency, Intel easily still wins.
Preferably X299
I had contemplated building everything using an 8700K, like the Z370 build. This was because per core performance, number of cores, possible overclock, and performance per dollar all seemed to line up within that one chip.
But since the price difference between the two PC Part Picker lists is less than $300 (at current prices), I would opt for the X299 option because, for a nominal added cost, I could get more lifespan out of an LGA-2066 design.
Even if the Z370 option is a better performer due to cost considerations, it is still only preferable at the moment and pursuing it solely on lower cost ignores the maturation of X299 moving forward. At least, that's my rationale for opting to go this route.
UPDATE:
Before publishing this thread, I have received info over at the LTT forum that 8700K still has less latency than X299 as of the timestamp this post was published.
Water Cooling
I am aware that all systems in this network would benefit from or even require water cooling. I welcome this, having never built a water cooled system before and having taken great pride in seeing previous projects through to completion with my own two hands.
What Main System?
I think what I need the most help with aside from how many systems I should build is how to sensibly plan the master system that brings all of this together into one place.
I do not currently see any benefit whatsoever in trying to run something like a 7980XE, especially since that price tag exceeds the entire build of one of the Mini ITX modules. But you can try to convince me.
Thanks for reading!