AET 2050 - DAW Production

3. Computer Systems for DAWs

Objectives:

1. Differentiate between real time and non-real time computer systems.
2. Give basic descriptions of the main operating systems used for DAWs.
3. Define and give examples of the basic computer components.
4. Define the functions and important parameters of hard drives in relation to DAWs.

The Computer Defined

The heart of the Digital Audio Workstation

A system that manipulates data, stores the data, and communicates with peripheral devices to accept commands or give out information.

Executes a given set of instructions (a program), accept inputs, perform processes, output results, and likely store or recall information.

Real-time processing

Communicates with the outside world through interfaces or ports. The speed at which data passes depends on the application:

• For many applications (e.g. text editing, database access), the speed of the operation is not important.
• Applications that are real time (e.g. audio capture and processing) require timely execution of data input and output. Timing is critical - execution must occur at the appropriate time.

Key Components of the Computer System

• Basic computer is not designed with audio as primary objective
• What are the requirements of a desktop audio system?

OS (Operating System)

• Software that runs the computer
• Interface between the user, application, external devices, and the machine
• The toolkit used by applications
• Controls the user interface - (Control Panels, security, etc.)

There are two primary operating systems in use today: Windows and Mac OS. Lesser-used systems include Unix/Linux and BeOs.

Mac OS

• Introduced the Graphical User Interface (GUI) to the mainstream computer user
• System design and graphical interface made it well-suited for applications such as audio, video, and MIDI
• Early choice for most audio and media developers
• Many media applications are still designed and written for Mac first
• OS X - complete rewrite of system. Uses Unix as it's underlying software.

Windows

• Microsoft's OS
• Originally a graphical shell for DOS, Microsoft's original personal computer OS
• Later releases have improved multimedia support, rivaling the Mac OS
• Large user base means wider interest from many vendors
• Different versions (XP, Vista, NT, ME, etc)- software not universal among them

What system to use?

Choosing an OS is an important decision. Points to consider:

• What tasks need to be performed
• Available software/hardware for a given platform
  • Some applications are only available on one platform
  • many apps are cross-platform; however, they often work better on one OS than the other
• Compatibility with existing systems/other users
• Security
• Ease of use - user sanity
• Cost

Staying Current

• OS upgrades are designed to improve a system
• Upgrades do not always bode well for audio systems
• Drivers have to be updated, rewritten
• System software is often intermingled with product software (QuickTime and CoreAudio)
• If upgrading, be sure to keep a "downgrade" path!

Hardware

Hardware Overview

Block diagram of a basic computer system containing the basic functional blocks and the busses that interconnect them:

Computer architecture can be broken into three main categories or functional blocks:

1. the processor (CPU)
2. memory (RAM and ROM)
3. interface to the outside (I/O)

Motherboard

• Interconnection of components
• Bus speed
• 

CPU (Central Processing unit)

• Processor type or model
• Proc speed
• Cache
• Proc design - manufacturer

Expansion slots

• PCI - standard expansion
• Other families
• 

Memory

• Electronic circuitry that holds data for use by the CPU
• Typically comprised of solid-state ICs (integrated circuits) - "SIMMs" for example
• Is directly accessible by the CPU
• Fast access - usually in the order of nanoseconds
• Types of memory
  • "RAM" (Random Access Memory)
  • "ROM" (Read-Only Memory)
  • "Cache" - special type of RAM used by the CPU
  • Virtual Memory
  • 

Hard Drive

• Important tasks for the DAW
• Important parameters
• Interfaces
• 

Video

• Monitor
• Video card
• Additional monitors
• 

I/O and communication ports

• How data is moved into and out of the computer.
• Any interface to a computer is considered I/O.
• Some common types of I/O devices:
• Keyboards, mice
• Video monitors
• Video, audio cards and interfaces
• Hard drives
• Communication ports:
• USB
• Firewire
• serial
• parallel

Digital Signal Processors (DSPs)

• Specialty CPU designed to perform specific math-intensive processes on data.
• Augments the main CPU, freeing it to perform more of the general system functions
• Designed to perform intensive mathematical functions and operations
• Found in specialty systems (such as audio workstations or high-performance video), often on proprietary cards

What is important for DAWs?

Consider the options that are needed (or not needed) for audio processing.

Desktop vs laptop

• Advantages and disadvantages of each

Computer's Components

• CPU
• For audio, more RAM is ALWAYS better
• What expansioin is needed?
• Comm ports?
• Video

Home