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Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that are often asked about our company. If your question isn't answered here, please feel free to emailus.
What makes your computer systems different from a system by Dell, Gateway, Compaq, or HP?
If you have ever tried setting up a music studio with an off-the-shelf PC system, you probably know how difficult a task it can sometimes be. Our systems, unlike theirs, are designed from the ground up for audio and MIDI applications. We install and set up your hardware and software before we ship the system so you don't have to worry about it - all you do is unpack the boxes and start making music! The end result is minimal headaches for you, and maximum time spent making music.
What have you done to address the issue of fan and hard drive noise?
Anyone who has used a PC knows that they are noisy devices by nature. The average off-the-shelf PC will add significantly to the ambient noise floor of any room it is used in - not something you want in your studio, whether you are a professional facility or record in your home. For this reason, we use special low-noise power supplies, CPU cooling fans, and hard drive enclosures to make a system that is virtually silent.
How long have you been in business?
Musical Computers was founded in June of 2000.
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How big is your company?
Musical Computers is a small company - we build an average of three to four DAW systems per month. Our owner, Mr. Forrest Wakeman, is personally involved with every sale and every system we design and build. Because we are a small company, we have very little overhead, so we are able to offer our products at very competitive prices. We are trying to build our business around excellent, personalized customer service and superb quality control rather than mass marketing and expensive advertising - and we believe that, even though we're small, we offer an outstanding product at a very fair price.
What credentials do you have?
Forrest Wakeman, our owner, has been involved with computer music since 1988, when he cut his teeth with Voyetra's Sequencer Plus Gold and an Intel 386DX2-based system running at 33Mhz. He has designed computer systems for universities, churches, television production facilities, project studios, individual composers, performers, and producers. He is an active recording engineer, producer, and studio musician, and regularly uses the same equipment he sells. He is currently on faculty at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, MI where he teaches MIDI, recording studio engineering, and computer music courses.
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What kind of after-sale support do you offer?
We offer support primarily for computer hardware. We are happy to install your audio hardware and software into your PC for you and set everything up so that it works right before we ship it, but we will not teach you how to use it - visit our links page for access to a number of online resources that can help you learn how to get the most out of your software and hardware.
How long does it take to build a custom system?
A typical custom system will take ten to twelve business days to assemble, configure, and test to our specifications. When you place your order, we will provide you with an approximate ship date. You will then receive email notification and tracking information when your order is shipped.
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Why don't you carry ___________?
Because we are not a mass market retailer, we do not have the resources to stock a large inventory, and therefore you may notice that our list of hardware and software is relatively small. We have selected a limited number of products that we choose to carry in our product line. Each product we carry we have personally tested - so we know it works and we can answer your questions intelligently. We believe that our prices for hardware and software are fair and competitive, but if you find a lower price, let us know - if we can match or beat it without losing our shirts, we'll be happy to do so. If you are looking for a particular product and we don't carry it, email us and let us know what you are trying to do - we may be able to get it through our distribution channels or we may be able to offer you a superior alternative for your application.
Do you sell outside of the US?
At this point in time, we will gladly sell systems within the USA and Canada. Other foreign orders and system build requests are handled on a case-by-case basis. We cannot guarantee that we can build a system or ship to your location, but if you are interested in one of our products, please do contact us - we'll tell you what we can or cannot do for you.
If I already own some software or hardware, can you integrate it into a system for me?
Certainly. If you have something you'd like us to integrate into your system, simply send us your software and/or hardware (including PCI card, interface box, and driver disk) via insured UPS. We will be happy to install it into any system you purchase from us absolutely free of charge. Be advised that we will not install any pirated copies of software, so you would need to provide us with ORIGINAL install disks and all necessary serial numbers or other licensing keys or codes. We will make absolutely no exceptions to this policy.
How can we contact you (other than email)?
We can be reached by snail mail at:
Musical Computers
4193 Sawkaw Dr NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
We can be reached by phone at:
(877)420-5191 (fax and voice message center)
(616)498-2886 (office) |
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