BillFitzmaurice.info

could anyone give me some advice on SAC?

now ill give some warning, i realy am a noob for this kind of thing, i dont even know what SAC stands for! (hence not being succesfull with internet searches) but i kinda know what it can do and it intrigues me.

what kind of computer would i need?
what software?
what outboard things do i need (ie do i only need the Behringer ADA 8000 to get started?)
will it run all my sound system settings or will i still need my ultradrive?
do i need a digital desk or can i run it souly off a computer?

i was reading up on a post (http://billfitzmaurice.info/forum/viewt ... 28&t=11737) but it started to get way over my head because i dont realy know the basics...

anyway, if anyone has the time/patience to explain some of these things too me i would be very greatfull!

george

Software Audio Console. I wouldn't mind the skinny on it myself so you get to go googling and report back

Hook up with Brent E
and the SAC forum

Syd

Sydney wrote:Hook up with Brent E
and the SAC forum

Syd

Hehe... ok, here we go!

Read The SAC FAQ.

I'd recommend bringing detailed questions to the SAC forum. I'm always happy to chat about it here, but you'll get far more input and experience with that particular product if you post product questions on the forum. The developer frequents the forum, and is very responsive.

To answer your questions specifically:

what kind of computer would i need?
A decent Windows PC, preferably dedicated and purpose built.

what software?
SAC, plus whatever plugins you desire for effects.

what outboard things do i need (ie do i only need the Behringer ADA 8000 to get started
You need an interface (several are documented to work well) and preamps (like the ADA8K).

will it run all my sound system settings or will i still need my ultradrive?
It has the capability to do everything with some things being handled by third party plugsins, although some people choose to run an external processor to save on computer load.

do i need a digital desk or can i run it solely off a computer?
SAC is a digital desk. Everything is on the screen. You can add faderpacks for manual control if you like, but it's not necessary.

cool, since the first post ive read quite alot about sac and checked out to forum!
i think ive had a few too many to comment now, but soon i shall update what i know, and the concepts i still need to grasp.

george

ok. so the forum is great and explains it all. thanks for pointing me in the right direction!

I have problem with this forum. Tried to join, but no response. Also no response from admin email. Don't know why.
I need info on suitable computer, to estimate expenses on going digital with SAC.

yeh, im currently getting a freind to price up how much a suitable computer will be so ill share that information when i hear back from him.

in the mean time, here a is a link to the FAQ page, it tells you everything your computer needs to be...

http://www.sawstudiouser.com/forums/sho ... hp?t=10325

You can very easily DIY a nice i-series rackmount computer through Newegg, including monitor, and most of the goodies for under $1000. Plenty of options there, but stick with intel chipsets, avoid anything VIA. Most of the Intel chipsets will have Realtek audio, which is OK because you won't use it, but avoid the ones with anything else.

RME interface will cost you $600-800 or so depending on what you get, ADAs are street for around $200 (less if you source properly), and then there's various connections and racks, etc. Expect to spend $2500-4000 in hardware for a tricked out 24-32ish channel system, plus the $500 for SAC and the absolutely essential Levelizer plug for $100.

That said, you can do with a lot less. You can get by quite nicely with a $300 computer, use an existing monitor, get a MOTU card for less than the RME ($300-500), etc. Plenty of ways to save. I have about $1500 in my whole system total for 24ch, including software. I used some existing hardware (case, power supply, CD burner, keyboard, mouse, monitor, racks), and picked up an older RME card for a song ($150) on ebay, etc. The downside is that with a lower end processor you can't handle as much upgrading, but that's not an issue for me, as I don't plan on doing so.

It all depends on what your priorities are.

the only thing that is holding me back from going this way is; what if i lend it out to someone, could they work out how to use it? some how i think not.

edit:
that said, if i was to be the only one using it id defiantly go this way. i played with the demo and it looked extremely powerful.

CafSentryGnome wrote:the only thing that is holding me back from going this way is; what if i lend it out to someone, could they work out how to use it? some how i think not.

edit:
that said, if i was to be the only one using it id defiantly go this way. i played with the demo and it looked extremely powerful.

With the exception of two people who have learned to use it, my SAC rig is not a piece of gear I lend out, for exactly that reason. If it goes out, I come with it, period.

It's worth it. Do it.

CafSentryGnome wrote:the only thing that is holding me back from going this way is; what if i lend it out to someone, could they work out how to use it? some how i think not.

edit:
that said, if i was to be the only one using it id defiantly go this way. i played with the demo and it looked extremely powerful.

That's one good reason in my mind to go SAC. Much more intimidating to just lend out the system. Unless I've got someone trained on it, it doesn't go out without me.

Yep -- same here. I've got two employees trained on it. It doesn't go out without one of the three of as part of the package.

I can teach someone to run FOH with it in 15 minutes. But i can't teach them to set it up and troubleshoot problems in that time. So it only goes out with people who I've got up to speed.

That said -- anyone who's ever done hard-disk recording (pro-tools, cakewalk, etc) will be comfortable with it in a few minutes, and given a couple of hours of playing with the various setting will be fine on it.