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  • Published: 2023-03-15 16:42
  • Updated: 2023-03-27 20:23

The scope of this project

  • Data archeology: research, explore and document strategies, processes and tools
  • That enable me to open old DAW project files (in my case mainly Buzz, Bonus: Ableton Live)
  • From the decade of 2000 to 2010

Goals

Whatever the reason might be, a sub-goal of this project is exploring strategies, processes and maybe tools to overcome these challenges.

  • Rebuild an early 00's DAW PC using hardware of its time:
  • Securely run Windows 2000/XP
  • Run old versions of Ableton Live, Buzztracker, Wavelab
    • And Buzz- / VST plugins of the time

Challenges

  • Find a balance between compatibility and performance
  • The mainboard should support:
    • SSDs
    • USB 2.0
  • Select parts with accessible driver support for Windows XP
    • Including an Audio interface with stable ASIO drivers
  • Determine compatible versions of the software used for each project
    • Find and download the corresponding software installers
    • Potentially maintain multiple DAW and plugin installations for projects across the years

Using Buzz like 200x

Due to the nature of using beta software, opening Buzztracker projects from the late 90s/early 00s is a bit of a challenge (aka entering the 'temple of doom'). This is a collection of resources to make the task as easy as possible.

Release timeline

2001-02-01 Update 1.2