acoustic instruments and PC based recording?

  • Thread starter Thread starter kesterdevine
  • Start date Start date
K

kesterdevine

New member
Hi, I'm currently researching specs for a new computer for sound recording. I am new to all aspects of digital recording , but have a good background with multi-track cassette recording. I want the flexibility to incorporate midi and and electonic devices, but my main goal is to be able to record acoustic instruments - guitars, drums, and vocals. With that in mind, are there special considerations for choosing computer equipment?

I'd ultimately like to be able to use a mixer with tactile controls (real faders)...something along the lines of a Tascam US-224, in conjunction with a good software program.

I want to start out with the basics that I need to get up and running. Although I am on a limited budget, I want to buy stuff that is going to have some longevity, and produce a decent sound.

I already have some o'k mics, 57's, 58's etc...and just got a Fostex MR-8 which I'm hoping to do alot of my tracking with, but also want to be able to record direct to hard drive. I would also like the option of transferring tracks from my cassette machine to PC if possible.

Any tips, suggestions...things to be aware of??? Thanks alot.
 
You should of asked before you got the mr-8 which limits you to recording only 2 tracks at one time. A Delta 1010 soundcard is a popular card that has 10 in/outs and you can find it at a pretty good price: http://www.digitraxx.com/hwscdelta1010.html
For the future you may look at scoring one of them because you can record up to 10 tracks at once directly to your pc with software like Cakewalk, Cubase, PT, etc. etc.
When choosing your mixer or mic pre's make sure they have phantom power because you'll be wanting to use condensor mics too. G/L
 
yeah , I know...ask questions first...

That's why I'm gonna ask a lot more questions before making a MAJOR purchase. Actually, using the MR-8 and my existing computer is what has got me thinking in this direction, so I'm glad I got it.

My current set-up is a Tascam 414 mixed directly to a free standing CD Burner, and I get pretty good results with that, so I'm looking for a user-friendly/intuitive set-up to make the transition to digital.

I need to keep my start-up expensives low..like in the $1200-$1500 range (including the PC), so I'll have to start with a smaller soundcard, but I do wanna have at least 4 I/O...maybe the Delta 44?? Thanks for the tips.
 
another question about PC's

Is there a particular brand of computer that excels for audio recording? My current computer is a Dell and I've been happy with it for most applications. However, their specs don't include "audio recording". "CD mixing" is on the list , but I think that implies ripping and burning - not necessarily recording/multi-tracking.

Also there seem to be mixed opinions about the stock soundcard.

Any specific opinions about the Sound Blaster Audigy 2?
That seems to be the high end Dell card. Is it worth it to upgrade to that card within a Dell system? Or am I simply going to end up replacing whatever soundcard comes with the computer anyway?

Hope these questions aren't too basic, but I really need to keep my eye on the budget, and get what I really need when I make a purchase.

As a newbie, I have to say the soundcard issue is probably the most confusing part of all. Any help is greatly appreciated.
 
I have a Dell 4550 (2.53Ghz PIV, 256MB RAM, XP Home) and I ordered it with the built in soundcard because I stuck a Delta 44 (built by M-Audio) inside. Don't waste your $ upgrading to the soundcard that Dell offers. I have no issues with this setup and I even use the same machine to do my MS-Office stuff/web design/web surfing. As long as the machine is decent, it should be able to handle a 3rd party "high-end" soundcard. Good luck!
 
WARNING : more questions!

Very valuable feedback!

The Dell I'm considering is the 4600, and it looks like it has very similar specs as your computer, gordone.

I'm hoping to get up and running with the soundcard that is provided (the spec chart says "Intergrated 5.1 channel audio" - guess I have to research that a bit further) and then add a Delta 44 (or higher) when funds allow.

Can anybody give me some info/comparison on these 3 Dell soundcards: Intergrated 5.1 channel audio - SB Live! 5.1 Digital -
SB Audigy 2 ??

Which one do I need???

For starters, I will not be trying to create my ultimate masterpiece, but I will need functionality and acceptable sound quality.

Also, I have a set of Bose 100 series speakers that I am hoping to be able to use initially with this computer. Is it possible to do that? Or am I going to need powered speakers?

I'm really on a strict budget, so I'm trying to get started with as little cash as possible without cutting corners too much.

Thanks very much!
 
You either need powered speakers or power for your unpowered speakers, yes.
 
I would go with the stock soundcard. It will work for you and allow you to get started recording right away. When funds allow, you can upgrade. I wouldn't bother spending extra $ on the SB, because you'll want to upgrade that eventually as well.

<more rambling>
Both the SB and the built in sound will allow you to record 2 tracks at a time, the SB might sound better, but neither will be as good as the Delta, so if you plan on upgrading to the Delta anyway, you'll just be throwing away $ on the SB
</more rambling>
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top