I'm a total novice when it comes to recording and the little I know, I taught myself. I arbitrarily accumulated random pieces of equipment and I don't know what is most important to upgrade or replace. Here's what I'm working with:
I'm using Adobe Audtion 2.0 on a Dell Notebook, I connect with an M-Audio Fast Track USB interface, I use a JVC stereo with good speakers as my "monitors" and sometimes a mediocre pair of Sven headphones. My main instrument is a Yamaha XP-50 keyboard and I also use Ibanez (gotta get rid of that floating bridge!!) and Dean guitars. I have a decent Fender combo amp and also a Marshall Valvestate head. I realize this isn't the best but I use it for the distortion. I also have one mic that was originally part of a set. Don't really know the quality but it sounds okay to my ignorant ears. My keys sound good in my mixes but the guitar tones need work.
I should also mention that I'll be in the market for a new computer/laptop in the upcoming months. I'm a PC man so, unless a Mac would be unanimously superior in the world of audio engineering, I'd like to stick with a PC. Anything I should consider before buying, like soundcards or whatever?
It would help a lot if anyone could give me a quick list of things in my setup to replace or upgrade, in order of importance. I'm not loaded, but I don't mind shelling out a few grand over the next year as long as it's worth it. Thanks!
I'm using Adobe Audtion 2.0 on a Dell Notebook, I connect with an M-Audio Fast Track USB interface, I use a JVC stereo with good speakers as my "monitors" and sometimes a mediocre pair of Sven headphones. My main instrument is a Yamaha XP-50 keyboard and I also use Ibanez (gotta get rid of that floating bridge!!) and Dean guitars. I have a decent Fender combo amp and also a Marshall Valvestate head. I realize this isn't the best but I use it for the distortion. I also have one mic that was originally part of a set. Don't really know the quality but it sounds okay to my ignorant ears. My keys sound good in my mixes but the guitar tones need work.
I should also mention that I'll be in the market for a new computer/laptop in the upcoming months. I'm a PC man so, unless a Mac would be unanimously superior in the world of audio engineering, I'd like to stick with a PC. Anything I should consider before buying, like soundcards or whatever?
It would help a lot if anyone could give me a quick list of things in my setup to replace or upgrade, in order of importance. I'm not loaded, but I don't mind shelling out a few grand over the next year as long as it's worth it. Thanks!