Dedicated Virtual Instrument computer, need suggestions please

[EKAIMR]

I'm in the process of moving all of my recording stuff from pc to mac. I'm using Cubase 4. In trying to install all of my virtual instruments on the mac, I have found that some are not compatible with Leopard yet and some will never be compatible.

So... I thought maybe I could just keep my XP PC as a dedicated virtual instrument computer in my studio. Can anyone give me some input on the pros and conns of this, and procedures. I know one nice thing about having it all on one computer is that Cubase will save all VI presets and settings within the project. I think I may loose this if I use all of my virtual instruments on another computer, but I will conserve CPU power.

I'm using Native Instruments Kompact, EastWest Bosendorfer290, DFH2, Native Instruments Xpress Keyboards, and EastWest Silver Orchestra. Also line6 tone port.

What I'm planning to do is... (very roughly)

midi interfaces on both mac and pc...
use virtual instruments on PC as stand alone players and trigger them on midi tracks in Cubase from the mac through midi...
hook up audio outs of PC to audio in on mac...

Thanks for the comments.

[richiebee]

For a set up like yours, I wouldn't dream of using a slave. People who use slaves have libraries much larger than those you have (like East West Platinum Orchestra). They often use something like MIDIOverLAN to connect the MIDI side, and lightpipe to connect the audio side. Using MIDI connections is likely to result in unworkable latency.

If I were you, I'd try and run everything on one machine - buy a Windows XP license and install on your Mac. It'll do you until everything you need is compatible with Leopard.

[brandondrury]

Yeah, I don't think I would be bothering with some kind of Hans Zimmer type of rig either unless I was getting $3 million a film. (I have no idea what he makes).

I think that switching over from one OS to another is a big mistake unless you want to start from scratch. Personally, I prefer making / recording music over dealing with computer bullshit. Your actions indicate that you have a higher tolerance for the latter.

I seldom run out of power on my PC with samples / synths and I'm using a fairly old computer by modern standards. (Althon 64 2800). I assume that a Pentium Quad would be hard to overload. In other words, I can't think of a reason to leave PC. Maybe you can.

Brandon