Mixer / Small Studio Advice

[sonicslp]

I play guitar, but my girlfriend plays keyboard and I'm buying her a Yamaha MO8 for xmas (she doesn't know yet). However, I don't want her using my amps/studio stuff all the time and I'd like to get her a little setup so she doesn't have to use my stuff.

This is the kind of gear I'm currently thinking about (package-type deals):

musiciansfriend.com/product/Tascam-DP01FXCD-AllInOne-Recording-Package?sku=240495

musiciansfriend.com/product/PreSonus-FIREPOD-Recording-Bundle?sku=241481

I'd really appreciate any advice you guys can provide. The price range of the two links above is about what I'm willing to spend. She'll be using it for practice and recording.

[Kevin Deschwazi]

So she'll have access to a computer right? So I think the presonus interface would be a better move. Does she really need 8 simultaneous ins though? Inputs cost money so if not I'd look at an interface with fewer inputs and you could probably get the price down.

The presonus firebox deal is an example:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...dle?sku=241480

I've not heard great things about the MXL 990 mic though.

I re-pasted the links for you so others can link directly to the stuff you're looking at:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...age?sku=240495

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...dle?sku=241481

[sonicslp]

Ok, I bit the bullet and purchased components separately. After more research, I wasn't excited about some of the components in those packages. I ended up getting her a Yamaha mixer (that way she can use it for stage and recording). I also purchased a cheap computer (on its way) that she can use just for recording.

So here's my second question. What software do you guys recommend for recording/mastering/etc? She'll be doing vocals, keyboard, and sometimes acoustic guitar.

The setup thus-far:

(this 5-minimum posting rule is annoying!)

shaneparkerphoto.com/photo/studio/studio_big.jpg

[Kevin Deschwazi]

Reaper is great (and cheap).

http://www.cockos.com/reaper/

[sonicslp]

I'll take a look. Thanks!