Is my set-up ok?

[Tellingthem]

I'm just starting out learning how to record at home and I was wondering if there was anything else I should get? I currently have the following.
1. Old crappy hp computer 1.6 ghz pentium 4, 512 mb of ram, 2 hard-drives a 80 gig master and a 200 gig slave.
2. M-Box w/ Pro-tools LE
3. A MXL-990s condensor, MXL-V69 Mogami tube condensor, Shure Beta 57A dynamic microphones
4. Mic stands, shockmounts, cables, etc...
5. I also have a Washburn WD54SW acoustic guitar (to learn how to record with)

I know I need to get a new computer, but figured this one would work for awhile. Just wondering if I forgot anything. Thanks

[noisedude]

Looks really good, mate. Well done on getting that little lot together.

A full gigabyte of ram and a faster processor would be your next port of call, but seeing as you'll probably have to buy a bunch of new SATA hard drives at the same time, that's not a cheap upgrade.

Monitors is a biggie too - but they needn't be hideously expensive any more. Wharfedale, Fostex, M-Audio and even Behringer have products you should consider ... as do a dozen other reputable companies!!!! Get out there and use your ears to decide!

Other than that, just get on making music and enjoying the creative process. When your setup impinges on your music-making, then it's time to upgrade (and that includes frustration at not getting a quality vocal down in the same way as wanting more simultaneous analog i/o for recording drums, for example).

And welcome to the forum - we're a pretty friendly bunch as it goes, but if your ego goes ahead of you then people will be on hand to slap it down!!!

Post up some of your tunes in the MP3 forum!

Nik

[apl]

I think your PC will be fine. I did a lot of recording on a 750 MHz with 256 MB RAM.

Good luck!

[Chris Shaeffer]

Ditto. You may not get 34651 tracks out of it, but you probably won't have trouble with the 32 track limit PT LE has.

Go easy on the plugins, learn to use the Audiosuite plugs (which record effects to the file non-destructively so you can turn the real time, CPU hungry, effects off), and enjoy the ride. Sure, a 657 Ghz machie would work better, but the 1.6 will work.

Ditto on the monitors- an often overlooked item for those just starting out. But let me put it this way: how can you learn to record if your headphones and speakers are LYING to you about what you are recording? I can't tell you how long I struggled mixing on my stereo and headphones. When I got my first monitors (Event PS6's- I still have 'em and use 'em) it was like getting a new pair of ears. "OH!!! That's whats going on in my mix! I never knew!" It can be that dramatic.

Have fun, and welcome aboard!!
Chris

[apl]

Originally Posted by Chris Shaeffer

I can't tell you how long I struggled mixing on my stereo and headphones. When I got my first monitors (Event PS6's- I still have 'em and use 'em) it was like getting a new pair of ears.

My experience as well.

[Tellingthem]

Thanks guys...I'm going to go look at some monitors now...and I like the Buckley pic!

[noisedude]

Cheers mate!!!