Audio Workstation Buyers Guide - 3XS Systems | Scan UK
Audio Workstation Buyers Guide
Audio workstations provide a high performance and stable platform for artists, musicians and studio engineers using digital audio workstation (DAW) applications. As audio workstations are available in a huge variety of configurations, the choices can seem overwhelming. This guide walks you through the main considerations when choosing an audio workstation, so you can make the best choice for your studio.
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What Makes 3XS Audio Workstations Special?
Our in-house team of experts, 3XS Systems, has been building workstations for more than 30 years. We know which components are the fastest and most reliable, and how to fine-tune and combine them for the best application performance. Here’s what you need to know.
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Workstation Applications
Before examining each option in detail, it is important to think about the types of applications your workstation will run. This is critical, as Audio Stream Input/Output (ASIO) software may have different configuration requirements, so be sure to check the system specifications prior to purchase.
You can browse our range of DAW software, or alternatively carry on reading this guide for high-level guidance on workstations that will be used for a mixture of applications, or if you are not sure what applications you will be running.
Host Processor
The processor or CPU is the most important component in an audio workstation as it plays a key role in creating on-the-fly sounds and effects. Our audio workstations feature either AMD Ryzen or Intel Core Ultra processors, but consideration should be given to the number of cores, frequency and cache size.
Specific things to look out for include high core counts, as DAW tools process data sequentially and this will help to avoid latency spikes during mixing, plus large caches for real-time processing, high track counts, complex mastering chains, orchestral templates or heavy plug-in workflows.
The tabs below give more detail on the two main brands of processor, Intel and AMD, and the different models each brand makes.
Intel CPUs
We recommend Intel Core Ultra CPUs in our audio workstations, each suitable for a variety of different workloads, as shown in the table below.
| Feature | Core Ultra 9 | Core Ultra 7 | Core Ultra 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
| Recording | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Mixing | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ |
| Mastering | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ |
| Real-Time Audio | ✔ | ✖ | ✖ |
| P-Cores / Threads | 8 / 8 | 8 / 8 | 6 / 6 |
| E-Cores / Threads | 16 / 16 | 16 / 16 | 12 / 12 |
✔ Recommended | ✖ Not recommended for primary use case
For more information on CPU specifications, read our Intel Desktop CPU Buyers Guide.
It is also worth mentioning that most ASIO software packages use a memory buffer that acts as a bridge between your CPU and your audio interface, determining exactly how much audio data is grouped together and processed at a time. A smaller buffer (64–128 samples) will provide almost instantaneous, real-time sound, which is essential when recording vocals or playing virtual instruments. However, it forces your CPU to work in rapid, heavy bursts, which can lead to audio dropouts, clicks or pops if the processor is overloaded. Using a larger buffer (512–1024 samples) allows the CPU more time to process the audio, resulting in more stable, glitch-free performance; however, it may create noticeable latency between when you perform an action and when you hear the sound.
Memory
Application performance will be crippled without adequate system memory or RAM. We use Corsair Vengeance system memory in our 3XS workstations, chosen for its high performance and reliability.
Entry-level systems start at 32GB of memory; however, 64GB or 128GB is recommended for scoring with large sound libraries, often including composition work with music for film and TV.
You can learn more about RAM by reading our Memory Buyers Guide.
Noise Levels
A key concern for any studio system is the level of noise it produces. Audio work is demanding on any computer, and systems with aggressively loud cooling are a deal-breaker when recording or even mixing within earshot of the workstation.
With all of our audio systems, we aim to keep noise levels low through carefully selected components such as fans, coolers and power supplies.
Additional Features
3XS audio workstations can be configured with a range of storage, power, connectivity and operating system options.
Storage
We use the latest high-performance NVMe SSDs in our 3XS workstations, cutting loading times for projects. For guidance on additional storage, read our SSD Buyers Guide, HDD Buyers Guide, NAS Buyers Guide and External Storage Buyers Guide.
Power Supply
Our audio workstations are supplied as standard with high-quality 80PLUS Gold power supplies, ensuring a reliable and efficient power source for the system.
Connectivity
Our workstations are equipped with best-in-class connectivity, including ultra-fast USB-C ports, high-speed network ports and plenty of DisplayPort outputs for connecting multiple monitors.
Operating System
Our systems are preinstalled with Microsoft Windows 11 Home.
Accessories
Our 3XS audio workstations can be complemented by a range of accessories to suit every workflow.
Monitor
The monitor plays a pivotal role in your experience, so it is worth investing in the best specification that your budget allows.
Learn more by reading our Monitors Buyers Guide.
Editing Keyboard
Professional audio workloads will be accelerated by the use of dedicated DAW editing keyboards offering many simple shortcuts.
Browse our range of editing keyboards.
Mouse
Mice are available in a huge variety of shapes, sizes and weights, with extra features such as adjustable DPI and polling rates.
Learn more by reading our Mouse Buyers Guide.
Audio Interface
At the heart of the digital audio world lies arguably the most important part of the system: the analogue-to-digital and digital-to-analogue converters.
Learn more by reading our Audio Interfaces Buyers Guide.
Studio Monitors
Studio monitors are loudspeakers that are designed specifically for professional audio production applications.
Learn more by reading our Studio Monitors Buyers Guide.
Chair
The designers of these chairs have thought about how users sit, how they move and what they need most from their chair.
Learn more by reading our Chair Buyers Guide.
Desk
Desks are purpose-designed for PCs, with useful features such as flexible monitor arms so you can position your screen at the perfect height and angle.
Learn more by reading our Desk Buyers Guide.
Headphones
Studio headphones are used for two main tasks in the studio: tracking, or listening whilst recording, and mixing.
Learn more by reading our Studio Headphones Buyers Guide.
Ready to Buy?
Click the links below to view the range of 3XS Systems audio workstations.
If you still have questions about selecting the perfect system, contact one of our friendly advisors on 01204 474747 or at [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about audio workstations, specifications, customisation, gaming, pricing and rental options.
A digital audio workstation (DAW) is a high-performance desktop computer optimised for demanding professional audio production workloads such as recording, mixing, mastering and real-time audio processing.
This is largely down to semantics, although typically a workstation is a computer optimised for demanding applications, whereas a PC is a more general-purpose computer.
We recommend looking at what mix of applications you are going to use, as different software has varying hardware requirements. See the Workstation Applications section of this page for detailed guidance for the most popular professional audio applications.
Yes. Alongside our extensive range of pre-configured audio workstations, you can use our online configurator to customise every aspect of your workstation. For bespoke, one-off custom builds, visit the 3XS Custom Shop.
We recommend a minimum of 32GB of RAM for an audio workstation, but you should choose the quantity of RAM depending on your applications. Read the Memory section of this guide for more information.
As the specifications are similar to a PC, audio workstations can be used for general work applications.
Although an audio workstation lacks a dedicated GPU that many modern games rely on, it may be possible to play less-demanding games using the integrated graphics capabilities of Intel Core Ultra and AMD Ryzen CPUs.
An audio workstation equipped with a suitable processor and other components will start at around £1,250, or as little as £35 per month if paying in instalments. Beware of workstations significantly cheaper than this; they are likely to use previous-generation or underpowered components that will struggle with modern digital audio applications.