Another newbie needing help on the basics

[JohnJ2150]

Hello all,

I am new to home recording, so new I dont know where to start. What I currently have is my guitar, a love of music, and the ability to learn!

I have visisted the CakeWalk website and there are a ton of products that seem interesting and useful, I was wondering what would be the best one for me. I would just like to record some guitar jams with a buddy and later on as I learn more start building upon that.

My system - Asus A7V mobo, 1.1gig processor, 512RAM, the SB Platinum, two 50gig HD RAIDed out.

Will this system work, keeping in mind that it is the "family" pc with all the word docs, email checking and the like. Or would you recommend building a PC for use "only" for recording?

Wow, sorry for such a long post. I guess what I am asking is for any advice on the proper setup as far as hardware and software goes.

Thanks in advance,

John

 

[Tabnak]

Hey JohnJ,

Maybe you could take a look at HomeStudio2002 (or GuitarStudio), it seems to cover pretty much what you need right now.

You do seem to have a fairly 'heavy' computer, maybe you could consider setting up a cheaper one for the Word/e-mail thingies instead. Just a thought.

Tab

 

[JohnJ2150]

Thanks for the info, I will look into that software package.

You do seem to have a fairly 'heavy' computer

LOL - Yeah, I failed to mention "all" the things running on that particular pc right now (Apache Server) and its dual booted with two OS's blah blah blah, sorry none of that really matters. Building them is another hobby of mine (not as new to it as I am to this).

So if I were to build another pc for use for recording, would you go with similar hardware? Is there a better Soundcard to get?

Thanks again!

John

 

[Tabnak]

well, a dual HDD setup is preferable, one HDD specifically for audio data, and the other for the OS and the programs. Furthermore just the best you can afford, lots of RAM (some plugins are like dracula for your memory, like reverb).

There are better soundcards available, should you need one.
Asking which one is the best is like asking what is the meaning of life, very difficult and depends on the users needs.
Like, how many I/O's do you need, drivers available, the price, etc.
If I were you, I'd keep my SB Live and check the www to see what you like and decide later. The SB is a great card.
Check the Computer Recording And Soundcards forum too.

greetz, Tab

 

[JohnJ2150]

Hey all,

I didnt want to start a new thread for this but I have a couple more questions.

First, is there a website or book with good information on how to get started with a home studio setup. I have or can get the hardware but I just dont have a clue as to were to start when it comes to the mixing and such.... A newbies walk through so to say.

Lastly, is there a program out there that will allow you to edit music I pull off of CD onto my PC? What I would like to do is rip a song off of say a CSN disc, and then remove the guitar track, play it back recording myself as the guitarist ;-). hey its as close as I will ever get to being in a band!!

Thanks for any and all info...

John

 

[Randy Yell]

You can certainly use the Soundblaster until you get your feet wet but I dont think its a great card for audio.Soundblaster is a gamer card not really designed for audio recording.For an inexpensive semipro audio card check out the Audiophile 2496 by Midiman or the Event Mia.You can use the Soundblaster to make half decent recordings but if you want to be more serious about it get a card made for audio.The Audiophile is about the least expensive of semi-pro cards and it sells for about $160.