Seeking my first recording! How far off the mark...

[spphillips622]

Hey guys! Been playing music for over 20 years, but only now am I getting into recording. After reading A LOT here I have learned a good bit, but since everyones needs are different I didnt quite find what I need to get started.

First off, I dont mind experimenting or making mistakes, but I would prefer to not waste money trying to get something going so I would greatly appreciate some help.

My specs:
Recording one instrument at a time
prefer a drum sampler like EZ drummer
VST for any synth/bass and other backing
Gateway PC w/ AMD Athlon 64 x2 3800+
1024 DDR2
250MB drive

My question is: What do I need to add to my PC to make it run efficiently or should I look at getting a completely different PC for recording?
Interface: Ive been looking at a presonus firebox
Is this the best route to go? Any suggestion is greatly appreciated.

I have searched several sites and this one is by far the most comprehensive and FRIENDLY of the bunch.
Thanks in advance!

Scott

 

[arcadeko]

Just make sure the Gateway has a Firewire port LOL

Or and 1 GB of RAM isn't going to cut it... What OS are you going to run? Win7 64bit?

RAM is cheap - get at least 4GB

 

[Richie2708]

Just make sure the Gateway has a Firewire port LOL

Or and 1 GB of RAM isn't going to cut it... What OS are you going to run? Win7 64bit?

RAM is cheap - get at least 4GB

Thumbs up on the more RAM, also that 250gb HD will run out fast, as far as I'm aware most DAWS save audio recordings as WAV, and this will eat away at the HD space fast, maybe an external HD would be a gd option 2.

Also don't go heavy on the VST's they will use up the processing power fast. If you find you want to use more VST's or VSTi's then you will need to look at upgrading the whole comp. Using send tracks helps to reduce your cpu usage.

 

[spphillips622]

It does have a firewire port.
The OS is xp. Im in the process of stripping the computer down by removing any program that is not necessary so hopefully it will run smoother. However, if im going to need to add/replace components and add much, much more RAM should I consider building an entirely new PC or buying a manufacturers model that may be more suited for recording?

 

[arcadeko]

It does have a firewire port.
The OS is xp. Im in the process of stripping the computer down by removing any program that is not necessary so hopefully it will run smoother. However, if im going to need to add/replace components and add much, much more RAM should I consider building an entirely new PC or buying a manufacturers model that may be more suited for recording?

If it is an existing box then just buy some more RAM it's cheap. But I think 32 bit XP can only support 3GB of RAM? That might be processor dependent and since it's a 64 bit processor it might work - but with XP 3 GB of RAM should be sufficient - so just pick up another 2GB stick - you should have one (or more) empty RAM slots available. You need to check the RAM type before you order (it's usually on a label on the existing ram). Make sure you discharge static by touching the power supply cord connection before you insert or remove any components or touch anything inside your PC

2 GB Ram - Google Search