We’ve been seeing a growing amount of interest in our 2U Nano rackmount PC, particularly from our AV and digital media customers, to host popular real-time rendering software, Notch. We’re frequently commissioned to create custom configurations of our rack and mini PC product range to accommodate a variety of different visual and audio programs, including video production software, vMix, and lighting software, grandMA, and more recently Notch has been added to that list. An intuitive all-in-one tool for creating interactive and live video effects, Notch is widely used throughout the music industry for artists such as U2, Kasabian, Ed Sheeran, and even The Beatles, as well as for digital spectacles created by the likes of Disney and Cirque du Soleil.
Why the 2U Nano for Notch?
Our 2U Nano rackmount PC is the ideal machine for running Notch. Earlier this year we interviewed Lewis Kyle White, director of Pixels & Noise, a content and visual design company who are currently using one of our 2U Nanos as a Notch-specific unit. The main reason the company found the rack PC such an attractive prospect for hosting the software was due to its form factor. The 2U Nano’s ultra-short-depth 370mm chassis makes it perfect for travelling between different audio-visual events and shows, as it fits so neatly into flight cases, being half the depth of standard media servers. This allows space to be maximised for other equipment, and due to its shallowness and rackmounting options, can be applied to more permanent, space-sensitive installations.
It’s also an extremely versatile machine, so can be modified specifically to optimise Notch’s capabilities, whether that’s power, performance, or a more practical application such as Wi-Fi connection. The 2U Nano’s rubber-mounted internal cooling fan and ultra-low noise power supply mean it’s completely non-disruptive when in use, too, being near silent at 34dBA, so is barely noticeable during shows and show rehearsals, even when it’s working hard.
Great for graphics
As Notch’s render engine is known for “utilising the GPU to its fullest”, it demands powerful graphics cards to harness its full potential. With up to 4x PCIe x16 slots, our 2U Nano has more than enough room for only the best graphics capability, and then some. What’s more, we’re fully aware that getting hold of the right graphics cards to fit your chosen case isn’t easy, as the measurements you’re working with could make certain cards completely redundant – that’s why we consider every single detail when advising which card will work best, to help you pick out the most suitable graphics option for your case before you buy. Likewise, if a particular brand of GPU is preferred, we do our best to accommodate that requirement, as well as any other preferences that add further value to the Notch experience.
To discover more about the custom-build options available to you for Notch, or to learn more about the many capabilities of our 2U Nano rackmount PC, please get in touch with the team.
