Home Recording...need Your Advice!

[shrinester]

I'm new to this home recording thing.I need alot of expert advice on what i need to get started.I am on a budjet,so keep that in mind.First of all i don't have a pc yet,i am going to have a "custom" pc created to my specifications,and i need advice as to what components i have to have to "get started"I currently own a Line6 flextone 2 xl amp...awesome!I plan on using pc for home recording,surfin the net,a occasional pc game.I'm not interested in selling my recorded cd's,i just want to record for my own personal interest.I am somewhat familiar with some of the "software" on the market.I need advice as to what software i'm gonna need(remember i'm on a budjet),i don't plan on multi-track recording.Just the simple stuff.Guitar,bass,drums,no vocals,no keys etc.I would prefer getting drum tracks(loops)from software.What kind of sound card is decent?Ineed one that will support midi ports,headphones(1/4)and be digital?drum tracks?...who makes percussion software..that sounds "real"???I formally owned a boss dr-5...to complicated!Need something "user friendly",almost forgot,the sound card has to accept 1/4 input from my amp.Also need software for "Bass"modeling.Thanks...p.s.Look no cap lock!

[maranathaman]

In your case, I'd use a SoundBlaster since it's cheap, reliable and will do what you want. You may need an adapter for your guitar, but that's a trip to RadioShack away. For easy to use DrumLoops, use "FruityLoops"
Have Fun!

[shrinester]

Thanks for the info,although i have read reviews on the soundblaster,and i'll probably opt for something a little more hi tech...thanks

[chesterfield]

Shrinester.. a few questions for you. You say you're on a budget - well aren't we all. You need to define your budget a little better. You can get a "decent" soundcard for $100.00, a better one for a lot (or a little) more. There are soundcards with better converters than the SB for as little as $200.00. Also, you say " no multi-track recording, just guitar, bass drums " - that's at least 3 tracks, hence multitrack recording. Don't confuse multi-track recording with simoultaneous recording. You'll probably find very quickly that you need at least 8 tracks. "Budget" decisions usually involve compromises, otherwise we would always go out and buy the most expensive stuff! (Not always the best, however.) Good luck.

[Scheisskopf99]

Honestly, looking back on all the countless hours I've spent on PC-related problems - time that I could have better spent doing music, if I had the cash in hand and could do it over again I'd go for a Power Mac with the new OS 10. Trouble-free and great recording software to boot.