Acquired devices - what else would I need?

[jaxnbubba]

First Post - absolute Newbie, techno challenged and humbled by the knowledge on this site, but eager to learn.

My goal is to record a few cuts and give out CDs to friends and family.

Here's what I recieved:

Fostex X-77 4 Track Cassette
Alesis SR-16 Drum Machine
Peavey Delta Flex Effects

From performing, I have numerous mikes, cables and a Line 6 Pod. I've also got a new micron PC2300 with (I think) a Sigma Tel C Major Sound Card, and a CD-RW.

My first question is can my goal be accomplished by this smattering of equipment, and if so, what else might I need?

Thank you all for your consideration.
Respectfully, Jaxnbuuba

 

[LfO]

It sounds like you're soundcard is your weakest link - those things sound quite bad (my recording software won't even recognize the things). I'd look into getting a USB or Firewire audio interface (same thing as a soundcard, "Audio interface" is just the more common term for the pro-audio version) to transfer your mixes from the 4-track to the computer. For example:

http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/item--TASUS122

There are really many options - shop around.

Of course, once you've got a decent interface, all you'd have to do is buy one piece of software to move completely away from the 4-track - my guess is you'd get far better sound quality that way (but I've never used a 4-track, so I can't speak authoritatively).


What you should really do, though, before making any decisions, is read this whole guide:

http://www.tweakheadz.com/guide.htm