engrssc wrote:The other choice is a very compact PC with 32 GB of RAM, a 500 GB SSD and a 1 TB HDD. To feed the MOTU 24 Ao, I can use a MOTU Ultralite MK3 AVB box which can be connected to the PC via USB 2.0. .I may upgrade to a Mk 4, but presently have a Mk 3 AVB available. The 24 Ao is configured as an audio interface.
Hey Ed:
I actually assisted Thomas from Organtechnology on a HW church install with this same setup using a PC based solution. From the short time I was involved with several stops, starts, reboots, and a reconfig, the system was very reliable.
The setup is in a relatively small sanctuary. The console sits in the back of the sanctuary with the chamber in front, high above the altar that speaks out to the congregation and organist. The chamber contains the MOTU 24Ao, 8 active studio monitors, and 1 active subwoofer. The console has the MOTU Ultralite AVB which has a modification to power up whenever AC is supplied. This was needed since it has spring loaded power switch that requires manual intervention.
To reduce any HW start up sync issues, the Ultralite AVB remains powered up all the time. The AVB connection between the 2 MOTU units is by a single CAT5 cable (10' foot patch cable from console to an Ethernet wall plate that terminates with the same in the chamber).
The startup is a two step process: power button on the console to start computer, console lights, and other components; a light switch in a utility room turns on the power switch for the chamber. This setup allows the organist to practice with headphones when the speakers (and MOTU 24Ao) are powered down. When ready for sound, by the time she walks back to the console after turning on the chamber power switch, the AVB 'handshake' between the 2 units has already happened.
Danny B.