Using an old PC to extend your PCI slots

[breitner]

This is a question really

Is it possible to use an 'old' PC to host all your creamware cards, but have the software run on a new one? I have read some stories about extension boxes and interfaces, and am wondering if these interface cards can be purchased separately and if so, can be use to this effect.

Should be much cheaper than using extension boxes

[kaju]

Would this work?:
I have two PCs.
I put my sequencer program and all my VSTi's into the first PC.
I put all my Creamware stuff and the same VSTi's into the other.
The PC 1 and 2 are connected with FxTeleport for the VSTi's, and with ADAT+MIDI from/to the Scope cards (PC2) and a cheap audiocard (PC1); (e.g.EMU 1212 that has ADAT).

Now, could I use the PC1 alone for less demanding work and add the PC2 when I want to have more quality and power, and have more processing overhead in my system?
Could the latencies be compensated in the audio sequencer (Cubase)?

[kaju]

Thanks stardust

I think i don't want to mess with XTC. My idea was to use Creamware synths separately thru MIDI and ADAT. I have not yet a slightest idea how to do it, and that's why I'm making stupid questions here. I mean, how to combine FxTeleported VSTi's and MIDIed+ADATed Creamware synths.

[erminardi]

You can use Midiovelan for send midi protocol trough LAN.
Normal Midi connection features a little delay, Midioverlan is almost realtime!
The problem with FXTeleport is that U must operate in XTC mode, a bit limited compared to OS 4.x routing.
So my suggestion is 2 PC linked via Gigalan+Midioverlan for Midi protocol and ADAT lightpipe for digital audio protocol,

[kaju]

Thanks erminardi and stardust.
I'll study the FxTeleport and Midioverlan options. I think I can live without XTC.
IMO the question of tolerable delay depends much on what is your goal, what is the style of the music you're making etc.
In my case it's not the deciding factor. Most of my music has been for real players, groups and orchestras (even symphony orchestras). So I'm used to delays in music Also I have worked with MIDI since the year one. And for tight timing I think I have enough precise and interesting sounding VSTi's.
Anyways, it's good to know there are several options available.

Just in case you guys have any more ideas, my set up is:

PC1: DP35DP+E8400, Antec Titan650 (650W)
PC2: DP965LT+E6600, Antec 1088AMG (480W)
Both have Xp Home Sp2
Both have onboard Gigalan
Creamware cards are a ProPlus and a Luna2, and I have the simple little Luna II 2496 box.
Sequencer is Cubase SX3
N.I. Komplete 4 and Kore2 and some Steinberg stuff.

More options available if "needed": Cubase VST 5.2; MoBos Intel D865PERL and MSI-712S; CPUs Pentium4 and AMD X2 3800+; etc.

[erminardi]

Yes, but the delay is a pity when U make the bounce from the "host" PC from a midi track to an audio track in the same PC, passing trought the second PC linked (just as an external hardware synth).
I've noticed more delay (obviously) from a standard midi connection instead a Midioverlan connection (that is almost realtime )
Yes, you can solve this after the bounce, sliding the track a little

[kaju]

Thanks erminardi . I know what you're talking about. Thanks.

[kaju]

I've heard/read before about MidiOverLAN but never thought thoroughly what it really is.
Now what I just learned is more than interesting, it's really stimulating! And it obviously works. Or what, erminardi?

On their homepage they tell you that:
"Standard / Platinum edition (depends on license kind) - provides up to 16 / 64 "MolCp3Port" (both IN/OUT) devices to transfer MIDI streams between several MIDI/Audio oriented applications (sequencers, samplers, softsynths) installed on several computers connected to the same LAN. Each "MolCp3Port" provides 16 MIDI channels."

And even this:
"Create local MIDI Pipe devices (PC version only) supporting fast MIDI events transfer from MIDI OUT port to MIDI IN port i.e. it allows to direct MIDI OUT stream from one MIDI sequencer to MIDI IN port of another one."

This is a find
I happen to have two PCs with a Cubase sequencer in both - a Cubase SX3 and a Cubase VST 5.2.
This gives me new and exciting ideas.

Thanx a lot, erminardi! You introduced me really something

[erminardi]

[kaju]

One question still:
FxTeleport and MidiOverLAN are alternatives when using LAN? Or can they both be used together, in the same time?

[erminardi]

Both together (better if with Gigalan!)
Midioverlan is very light in resources requirements

[kaju]

Thanks erminardi .
I have Gigalan on both PCs.