Aaahhhhh!

[djproject]

Sorry, I'm just frustrated.

I want to acquire studio equipment (I really want to make an album) and here's the story so far:

1) I run Windows 2000, 1.4G processor, 256 RAM (I believe) and two 20G HD
2) I would like a control surface and audio interface in one
3) I would like multitracking capabilities and sound manipulation (Emagic Logic, Cubase)
4) I would like to spend around $1000 or less (but I know that's not going to happen)
5) I use a Yamaha CS2X and an Ibanez SR400 (I will acquire at some point a drum machine if the software I get doesn't have a rhythm section)
6) I will take an intro to electro-acoustic music course and I will have Cool Edit Pro and Csound

I'm just confused and frustrated as to what to get and what to do. If you guys can help me out, that'll be great.

Take care,




djproject

 

[Seanmorse79]

...million dollar question...

How many tracks will you need to record at once?

Also, why does the control surface and audio interface need to be an "all in one" unit?

 

[pisces7378]

djproject

I have a feeling that you are talking about 99% midi/electronic instruments and maybe 1% actual audio. So you audio capabilities are probably low... am I right? Are you planning on recording a guitar amp or real drums? What are your distant plans? If you are thiking about eMagic and do not have a Mac then forget it because the cunts just sold their company to Apple and they discontinued the PC version. I hope you are planning on downloading some cracked version of it for free.

Be more specific with your needs and we can help. I am a self proclaimed expert at stretching your dollar when it comes to making music with a minimum set up!

 

[djproject]

Right now, my computer studio is simply one track Plus I know that commercial sound cards are not the best studio sound cards. My immediate plan is record keyboard direct, bass direct and maybe bass with an amp. I don't have real drums because I have neither the money nor the space (College is not sympathetic to project studios/dorm rooms ).

What I'm mostly interested in is multitracking and sound manipulation. Stimulaneous recording is not required for my solo projects because I will do everything myself. But what I would also like is to use ten fingers (raders and knobs) instead of two (mouse buttons) if I can in terms of mixing. That's why the audio interface and the control surface are in one so to speak.

As far as Emagic... yes I'm fully aware of the acquistion by Apple. My long term goal is to get a Mac, Emagic and any other hardware that I need and just use the Mac for music production (I need all the space I can get ). But for now, I would like something PC.

I've thought about getting the Roland Studio Package but the problem is that from what I hear, their version of Emagic Logic is not compatiable with Windows 2000. If it does work, then I'll get that because that has everything I wanted. But if it doesn't, then I want something that's close to that.

Thanks guys,




djproject

 

[Seanmorse79]

When you said "audio interface and control surface" need to be one, I think you mean the software and control surface need to compatible (correct me if I'm wrong). I don't see any need for an integrated audio card/control surface, although there certainly wouldn't be any problem with one.

I only mention this because it changes your options a bit.

 

[djproject]

The audio interface and the software are things that I really want. The control surface is optional because I don't need it immediately.

So that's what I want. Now the question is what shall I get?

 

[Seanmorse79]

Here's my suggestion:

For the audio card...
http://www.midiman.net/products/m-audio/audiophile.php
You could also look into the Emagic line - either way you've got good compatibility with the software.

I don't have much experience with cross-platform control surfaces, but you're probably good with any USB device that Logic supports. They can get spendy, so it all depends on what's right for you.

Personally, I do just fine with the ol' mouse