Rain has released the Element 64, a 64-bit workstation featuring an Intel Pentium D Dual-Core Processor with an option for the Intel Pentium Extreme Edition, which offers dual-core processing with Hyper-Threading™ technology to achieve the performance of four processors.
The Element 64 ships with 2GB of RAM, which is currently expandable to 8 GB. The Element 64’s architecture is capable of addressing one terabyte (1024 GB) of RAM, which will be realized as larger RAM chips become available, allowing even the largest of sample libraries to run on a single computer. Native 64-bit functionality allows RAM drive partitioning, enabling audio recording to and from static RAM, nearly instant file opening and saving, high performance when working with loop-based audio and reduced latency when playing virtual instruments and monitoring a recording.
The Element 64 features a 250GB ultra 150 SATA system drive with an 8MB buffer. For audio file storage, 8 SATA ports allow the option of up to 3.2 terabytes of hard drive storage in dual sets of Raid 0. This represents a four-fold increase in hard drive space and a two-fold increase in hard drive throughput compared with the 32-bit Element. There are 8 USB 2.0 ports and 6 FireWire ports. The FireWire ports are divided between two separate chipsets, and two of the ports are convertible between 400 and 800 megabits for compatibility with virtually any FireWire device available.
The Element 64 features a lightweight aluminum chassis with exceptional cooling properties for extremely quiet, cool, and stable operation. The optional aluminum RAK adapter makes the Element easily rack-mountable while still allowing lid removal.
The Element 64 is available with a choice of operating systems: Windows XP Professional x64 Edition or Windows XP Professional 32-bit. Rain will offer the ability for XP 32-bit users to cross-grade to the x64 platform via remote activation by a Rain technician. A dual-boot option is also available. XP-32 runs upwards of 30% faster on an Element 64 versus a 32-bit Element due to the cumulative hardware speed improvements in processing, memory, and storage; the x64 OS, having full addressing capabilities with memory and registers, offers up to a 60% improvement in usable performance.
The Element 64 is now shipping with configurations starting at $3,499 MSRP. Visit the Rain Recording online store or find a retailer at www.rainrecording.com.
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