Almost ready to buy stuff...

  • Thread starter Thread starter Scurvy
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Scurvy

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OK, I am venturing into the world of PC recording for the first time and I've been reading stuff on here and generally pondering what to do. However, I'd like to check my current ideas and ask if I'm going the right way because I am stumbling through this very blindly at the moment.

First of all, I'll be recording guitar, bass, drums (small kit - 3 or 4 inputs should suffice just now) and vocals all myself. Therefore, I'll need a click track (is that right?) and the ability to hear my previously recorded tracks as I play the new ones. I'll eventually want to burn the completed songs onto a CD.

Anyway, I was enquiring about PC's today and they offered a P4 2.4 GHz, 512KB (means nothing to me) and a Sound Blaster Audigy 2. However, since I realise I need a multiple input soundcard, I've read here that the Midiman Delta 44 looks good so I might go for that.

Finally, on the software side of things, I am looking to go for either n-Track or Cakewalk (cheaper is better). I won't be doing anything too complicated to start with so can I multitrack and edit on either of these two or do I need something else?

So, how am I doing? Do I need anything other than this? Any other options? I'm sticking to 4 inputs for now because that reflects how much I can spend on other items such as mics.
 
Scurvy said:

Finally, on the software side of things, I am looking to go for either n-Track or Cakewalk (cheaper is better). I won't be doing anything too complicated to start with so can I multitrack and edit on either of these two or do I need something else?
Click to expand...

I would recommend that you download the trial version of Cool Edit Pro and try that. It is the most user friendly software out there and is very affordable. It has everything you will need to get going on the computer.
 
You realize of course that if you get the Delta 44 then the Audigy is redundant.

I would recommend getting trial versions of several programs and see which meets your needs within your budget. Also there is no reason to presume that what you are using for software now must meet your needs forever. Also there may well be more than one program that you might use.
 
where would we get the trial versi0on of cool edit pro?
 
I have one suggestion. If you can read directions and are competent with a small screwdriver, consider building your own machine. I just built a machine for music, gaming & general use. First time ever. I thought it was simple.

Here’s what I got (overview)

P4 2.4 GHZ $162
1GB RAM $130
2 x 80GB 7200 rpm 8mb cache HD’s $200
Delta 1010lt $250
Abit BH7 motherboard $90
DVD/CD ROM $37
52x cdrw $46
Floppy $9
GeForce 4 TI4200 128mb video card $150
Windows XP pro $143

Total $1,217

All the above parts were quality name brand components. You could cut a lot of corners on price above, like going with an Athlon procerssor, cheaper motherboard (not too much though), one HD, half the RAM, one CDRW drive, cheaper video card, delta 44 instead of 1010lt. Those cuts would probably save you around $350 to $400. So for $850 you could have one heck of a smoking machine that you would pay a lot more for at Dell or Gateway plus higher quality components. And then you would still need to add the Delta 44 on top of that. I easily saved myself $500-$700 (hard to compare) from Dell’s prices and I have better components.

I was tentative about doing this for the first time. I can’t believe how easy it was, so I don’t hesitate recommending others to build one. I know this wasn’t what you asked. But I figured I would just give you something to think about.

As for what you did ask. It seems like you are heading the right direction. It’s probably not a bad idea to start out slow (and cheap) to see if you really enjoy doing this. I’m assuming the computer can be used for other applications so that’s not wasted cash if you decide you don’t like recording. When it comes to the specialty items (like soundcards or recording software), it doesn’t hurt to start off slow and add later. That is unless you really know that you want to do this for awhile. Then it may make more sense to pay a little more for some of the specialty items so you won’t buy twice.

Welcome & good luck.
 
How'd you get XP Pro for $143?? I thought a full version costs $300.

He'll also need a monitor, speakers, a computer case, ethernet or modem for internet. Stuff adds up.

kt
 
KevinTran said:
How'd you get XP Pro for $143?? I thought a full version costs $300.

He'll also need a monitor, speakers, a computer case, ethernet or modem for internet. Stuff adds up.

kt
Click to expand...

$143 - OEM version at NewEgg when you buy components :D.

Yeah, I forgot the case & PSU. You can get a pretty nice Antec case & PSU (350W) for $75.

Ethernet is on my motherboard. I like that option...saves a pci slot.

Monitor is the most expensive thing I left out. I had one already (old Dell monitor):D. Adds up...but still much cheaper than buying a Dell (I've owned 2). Keyboard & mouse are cheap. Speakers...cheap to expensive.

Might need a couple IDE ribbons & FDD ribbon as well. You can spend next to notthing to $75 for those depending what you go with.

That better ;) :D
 
Thanks to all for that.
Yes, I'm aware that the Audigy isn't necessary if I go for the Delta 44. The Audigy is just what was suggested to me when I explained that I wanted to record music but on further investigation, I realised I need more inputs. Where's the cheapest place to get one of these? (I'm in Canada).

I'll also be getting all the other bits and pieces with the PC (monitor, speakers, etc.) I was looking at today. I just mentioned the spec of it to check it was OK.

As for building myself, I'm not too confident about that to be honest.

Anyway, thanks again.
 
Scurvy said:
As for building myself, I'm not too confident about that to be honest.
Click to expand...

:cool:

I was in that place not so long ago :D

Good luck & have fun with your new system. :)
 
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