rackmount servers for a DAW ??

[high tek]

it seems it would be logical to use the rackmountable servers as DAWs.

i was curious if theres anyone out there that has done this in the past or present, or if there is any reason not to use something like this as a DAW:

http://www.digicor.com.au/products/redi ... SPC-GX28U4

[Mr. Dipity]

it seems it would be logical to use the rackmountable servers as DAWs.

i was curious if theres anyone out there that has done this in the past or present, or if there is any reason not to use something like this as a DAW:

http://www.digicor.com.au/products/redi ... SPC-GX28U4

I just bought a couple of flat desktops and stuck them in the bottom of a 16 space rack, with a shelf on the top to brace them down. This rig travels all over the place, though I wouldn't send it anywhere where I wasn't pushing it - such as on a plane.

Rackmount cases are overpriced, and usually poorly design in regards to airflow. Furthermore, if you do go this route, make sure you don't get a case with a powersupply included. It won't be quiet.

[Family Hoof]

A reason I can think of regarding the computer linked above is that almost no software on the pro audio market takes advantage of 64-bit CPUs, forcing such proicessors to run in emulation modes (i.e. 32 bit) where they become very sluggish. This includes the major operating systems. Wait a year or two before going 64 bit. Servers can be very noisy. That is a huge factor! Also, many of them require special versions of an OS to take advantage of the multiple processors and the systems in use by most DAW software does not support such technology. Perhaps someone more informed will prove me wrong, but this is what I've heard.

[spankenstein]

The Opteron and Athlon64 take no hit when running 32 bit code. The AMD64 spec is truly additions to the X86 instruction set.

As to whether the software will work... depends on the software. Windows 2003 for 64 bit is nearing release (or maybe it's released I never work with Windows except on my P4 at home) so that's it for "special" operating systems.

[splitpoint]

One thing to watch on rackmount computers is the depth of the case. Most are too deep to fit in your typical case/equipment rack.

Good luck.

The other Al

[thecongostudio]

A reason I can think of regarding the computer linked above is that almost no software on the pro audio market takes advantage of 64-bit CPUs, forcing such proicessors to run in emulation modes (i.e. 32 bit) where they become very sluggish. This includes the major operating systems. Wait a year or two before going 64 bit. Servers can be very noisy. That is a huge factor! Also, many of them require special versions of an OS to take advantage of the multiple processors and the systems in use by most DAW software does not support such technology. Perhaps someone more informed will prove me wrong, but this is what I've heard.

Logic 7 is pretty much able to operate multiple processors and G5 processing power to its fullest extent. It has gotten alot better since 6.3.3 where is was a pain to setup multiple processors to work well with each other.

Okay, rackmount servers. You can take Apple servers and put single user versions of OSX on them. I know a few people who use older Apple Servers as their DAW. The only issue is that unless you feel like retrofitting an older rack for different kinds of inputs, the older ones are kind of useless. However, the new Xserves have mutliple ports (like firewire 800-400, and USB 2.0, I'm not sure about PCI support though) and are relatively quiet...........buuuuut they cost a crapton.

I know I sound like an Apple ad. But I really love their products for pro audio.

[hammertime]

I have one of these cases, and I definitely wouldn't recommend them. Get a small desktop and put it at the bottom of your rack or something.

One thing to watch on rackmount computers is the depth of the case. Most are too deep to fit in your typical case/equipment rack.

Good luck.

The other Al

[phill2796]

Rackmount cases are overpriced, and usually poorly design in regards to airflow

No and No
I got a 4u rack for 90.00 450 watt PS fans for the HD and 3 case fans.
I have the back of the rack sticking into the equip room so it is not to loud . Server cases are setup for better air flow than most cases. Lots of room and easy to upgrade and work on. I take it out on location recording also.
Phill
AudioGram Pro
Nashville Tn

[ctmsound]

http://www.newegg.com/app/SearchProduct ... =Go&DEPA=0

I just bought a rackmount case by I-Star and replaced the fans with these and it's quiet!!!

http://www.vantecusa.com/product-cooling.html

I also put some of these: http://www.newegg.com/app/SearchProduct ... =Go&DEPA=0

and it's even quieter.

You CAN make a rackmount server quiet if you put the right accessories in it.