I'm building a computer for my friend who wants to get into audio recording. Not quite sure on the specs yet, but it should end up being a decent modern set up. He is primarily a Keyboardist and looking to use a lot of software synths like Ivory and East West Orchestra Gold. But He wants to be able to record live instruments too such as piano, violin, etc.
What are some of the options out there that people would recommend getting into? He wants to be able to record a minimum of 4 tracks simultaneously preferably with the capability of 8 to grow into. I've seen there are some units that are usb/firewire out there that are also control surfaces with faders and dials. This would be good for mixing but I don't know much about them myself or how they stand up to opinion, reliability, and quality of sound.
Would you recommend a pci card, usb, or firewire device? Cost has to be absolutely no more than $2500 (maybe less) for a computer, monitors, interface, and a matched pair of condensers. So I'm thinking the interface can be somewhere around 500-$800ish. If there's a big difference in spending a little bit more we'll bite, as the he wants the interface to be a keeper. A few options to consider at would be appreciated.
Thank you for your time.
Mongoo
What are some of the options out there that people would recommend getting into? He wants to be able to record a minimum of 4 tracks simultaneously preferably with the capability of 8 to grow into. I've seen there are some units that are usb/firewire out there that are also control surfaces with faders and dials. This would be good for mixing but I don't know much about them myself or how they stand up to opinion, reliability, and quality of sound.
Would you recommend a pci card, usb, or firewire device? Cost has to be absolutely no more than $2500 (maybe less) for a computer, monitors, interface, and a matched pair of condensers. So I'm thinking the interface can be somewhere around 500-$800ish. If there's a big difference in spending a little bit more we'll bite, as the he wants the interface to be a keeper. A few options to consider at would be appreciated.
Thank you for your time.
Mongoo