i think i made a wrong turn.

[Churbz]

Alright so Xmas has come and gone..and ive waited 2 years to get a decent mic to really start recording.. Im a folky kind of guy so right now im starting with just the basics MIC and Guitar(acoustic)..i am so lost its not even funny, i went onto the tweak site read it and realized i dont even understand the most basic stuff.. Before i got this new stuff all i was using was a shitty computer mic and Acid Music, just layering really easy stuff.. Now things have gotten complicated. This is what i have and i have no idea how to make it work.
Apex Condenser Mic
M audio fast track pro(usb)
My comps a couple years old, but i think it runs at 2.5 and i just added on another 500gb..although i do plan on getting a mac very soon(any ideas?).
I also have a Novation Xstation Synth wich im not sure i even need i bought i a couple years ago but after reading some other things now i think i need to use it to record...
Treat me like a 3 year old (im not an idiot i just know nothing) any basic sites or info im more than happy to read, but right now ive got everything plugged in (except for the synth) you know mic to maudio to comp wich in my mind should work but i really dont know if i have to go into acid and make things happen but i know the computer has detected the things it just been a real frustration. So if anyone has any help for me or suggestions or wants to guide me through a step by step im open to it all..i love music its my passion and i can learn anything i just need some guidance..

ps: i dont even know if i have everything i need..but i still have money to go get more...

 

[Seidy]

well... first thing to check: is there sound coming out from your sound card? (you may need to change output settings in recording/other programs if there isn't anything coming out (also, check that your input is right))

now, if you got input-output thing right and there's sound coming out from your sound card connect your microphone to the sound card, turn on the phantom power (48 PH Power switch on the back side of Fast Track Pro). Now adjust the volume using Gain so, that it doesn't clip (red light will light up when it is clipping) when you play/sing.

what program are you using to record?

 

[mikemorgan]

signal chain:

Vocal/guitar >>> microphone >>>> maudio interface >>>> Computer >>> Acid >>> maudio interface >>> amplifier >>> speakers.



What part do you need the most help with? Patching audio sources is usually tough for a newb, but you said you're already recording. What goals do you have for recording? Personal enjoyment? Songwriting demos? Finished retail product?

 

[Churbz]

I think its the input/output settings... Im using Acid Music on a pc...having trouble finding where to make the change or switch it over.

 

[Dr. Varney]

My comps a couple years old, but i think it runs at 2.5 and i just added on another 500gb..although i do plan on getting a mac very soon(any ideas?).

Why a Mac? Because of the way it looks? Because it's supposed to be simple to use? Or is it because you've heard it touted as 'industry standard'? I know it's just one of those 'personal preference' things but since you've asked, I honestly don't believe you will gain anything by having a Mac instead of a PC. You'll get far more for your money if you buy a more powerful PC.

Dr. V

 

[dintymoore]

I've been using Macs for 10 years, never had a PC, spent maybe 2 min on Windows so far. I have 8 Macs.

Macs do suck for sure, but so do PC's, they all do in 2009. Having the computer run on software that loads up every time the computer is turned on will never, ever work. It's not how we work.

Lots of the emails and stuff that people send me do not work because I have a Mac. In 2009, Macs are nowhere close to having the compatibility with PC's like Apple wants you to believe. Tons of stuff simply does not work, or is unavailable for Macs.

I'm using a G4 I got for free with 1.5 GB RAM, and I have another one I paid $15 for. Those are good enough, most people don't realize that.

Starting out, I'd spend the very least you can on the computer and put that money towards a good mic, because that's what you'll hear more.

Computers are about where cars were in 1910, and they weren't good enough until 1956.

 

[Atom Bomb]

Why a Mac? Because of the way it looks? Because it's supposed to be simple to use? Or is it because you've heard it touted as 'industry standard'? I know it's just one of those 'personal preference' things but since you've asked, I honestly don't believe you will gain anything by having a Mac instead of a PC. You'll get far more for your money if you buy a more powerful PC.

Dr. V

Fail...

Spoken like a true Microsoft slave. You must have some stock in MSFT. I will agree you will get more for your money but more of what... stuff to get effed up?



I used macs in college, then switched to PC's becasue it was everywheres after college and much more AFFORDABLE... i wanted to blow my brains out. (and still do) but when you make 5.15 an hour back them, a mac was not in the cards and hasnt been for me until late. I will make a switch after i get caught up from christmas and travels.

Why?

Anyone and everyone i have talked to that has switched from PC to mac for audio recording and processing has said it is the best thing they did and admit they should have done it long ago.

Anyone and everyone i have talked to after the switch from XP to vista or Windows 7 are divided right down the middle. Half love it, half are really dissapointed with it.

So why not go with a majority rule? Personal Prefernce.

IF you can part with the bucks and your not going to go broke from the swtich. Do it. There will be a learning curve, but i have found that in this little area of home recording...

...your learning all the time. Its never ending.


Something to think about.

 

[Simbo]

I looked quickly at the manual for Acid Music 7, they talk about a Audio Tab or Preferences when selecting audio input device,

If M-Audio in plugged in to USB and is powered up, you just need to find the recording device input in that software, then just arm an empty track.

You might want to try Reaper or Audiocity there free and work ok.

I have Fast track also and use it with both, so i could talk you through it easier.

 

[Dr. Varney]

Fail...

Spoken like a true Microsoft slave. You must have some stock in MSFT. I will agree you will get more for your money but more of what... stuff to get effed up?

Don't try and insult me, please. I could easily turn that around and say "Spoken like a true Macintosh Slave" but I'm not going to stoop to that. By all means, have a different opinion - enjoy your Mac (I did say it's a personal preference thing). Arrogance and saying 'fail' makes you sound like a jumped up little twerp, so sort yourself out.

Happy New Year to you, sir!

(Christ, what is it with some people?)

Dr. V

 

[Chibi Nappa]

Wow. How can the opperating system of the computer recording the music possibly matter? I mean, yeah I suppose there is a difference somewhere along the line...But you have to travel down that line way past "should Strummy Joe use a medium pick" and "Was Andy Singsalot able to get the right type of energy drink before stepping up to the mic".

System X can run the "Mangler 5.6" groove destructor plugin that is totally differnt than "Groovinator 4.3" on System Y. System Q is mildly easier to deal with when the time comes for a hardware upgrade. In 15 years. Because you really need 128 bit.

 

[Dr. Varney]

Wow. How can the opperating system of the computer recording the music possibly matter? I mean, yeah I suppose there is a difference somewhere along the line...But you have to travel down that line way past "should Strummy Joe use a medium pick" and "Was Andy Singsalot able to get the right type of energy drink before stepping up to the mic".

System X can run the "Mangler 5.6" groove destructor plugin that is totally differnt than "Groovinator 4.3" on System Y. System Q is mildly easier to deal with when the time comes for a hardware upgrade. In 15 years. Because you really need 128 bit.

Yes... Though I'm afraid you've rather missed the point, Chibi. No one, other than a mal-informed sycophant is going to say one does the job any better than the other - or that one can be considered more professional... It's entirely a question of modularity, popularity and budget. If those things matter to you, then you'll be buying a PC. If you want an easy solution out of the box then it's possible you might want a Mac (but not always) and, if you have the readies - who could blame you for that?

And it's not, as you suggest "mildly easier to deal with upgrades". For me, it's a LOT easier.

I believe it's what you do with it, that counts but after doing what I think is enough research, I am convinced that I would personally gain nothing, by switching to a Mac. As it stands, in my position, I'd clearly lose.

Anyway, I guess we're in danger of going OT, so I'll leave it there.

Regards

Dr. V

 

[Atom Bomb]

Don't try and insult me, please. I could easily turn that around and say "Spoken like a true Macintosh Slave" but I'm not going to stoop to that. By all means, have a different opinion - enjoy your Mac (I did say it's a personal preference thing). Arrogance and saying 'fail' makes you sound like a jumped up little twerp, so sort yourself out.

Happy New Year to you, sir!

(Christ, what is it with some people?)

Dr. V

Its far from personal preference as it is personal experience. I have seen first hand the trustworthyness and responsiveness of a mac over a pc.

For the record i wasn't doing any name calling...

Twerp? ??? Sheesh... Don't ever goto the cave touting such language...