Getting Started

[TheDad]

I would like to get my computer setup for my son. He has an extensive back ground playing a number of instruments as well as singing. What will I need to get started? He will be using a Dell 8100.

[giaschel]

Welcome here.

How much money are you willing to spend?

What are the exact specs of the computer?

What recording equipment do you already have (mics, mixer...)?

How many tracks do you need to record simultaneously?

What level of sound quality are you looking for?

[drewvta]

Depending on how old your son is, I would definately get his input.

He probably has some what of an idea what he wants. If he doesn't know what he wants, make sure you find out what all he plans on using it for. You guys can make it a team project to spec it out together.

have fun,
-drew

[A Reel Person]

it gives you a 10 input soundcard, all line level, so if you want to use mics, then you'll need some mic preamps or a front-end mixer. I've seen the Delta 1010 for about $550.

M-Audio also makes smaller soundcard units than the Delta-1010, which would be less expensive, and feature a variety of versatile inputs. I've seen 'em, I just can't name 'em. I think one is the M-Audio Delta-66. Check it out.

There's the Sea Sound Soloist, for $99 @GC, which is a hybrid sound card of sorts. Also, very similar, is the Sea Sound Solo EX, for $199 at Guitar Center, which is more full-featured. These boxes will interface mic or instrument signals into the PC, and are not that expensive.

Tascam makes an 8-input soundcard, the PCI-822.

I'm sure there are other units that people will recommend.