another novice needing help...

[acermove]

Hi there,

I wanna do some home recording using my computer. I don't know exactly what I need.

My computer is an AMD 450 or 500, my local computer nerd said it was the equivalent of a Pentium 400. The soundcard is a
CMI 8738/C3DX PCI Audio Device (I read this from my control panel!). I have about 192 mg RAM.

I plead complete and utter ignorance

Do I have enough inside my PC to get started?

I've heard Pro Tools is ideal. But I'm unclear about the hardware needed to transfer some vocals and an acoustic guitar (Takamine) onto the computer.

What physical hardware translates the sound of an instrument onto the computer? And what's best for my situation?

I have a 400W Power Chorus amp already. Is that needed?

I also have a Zoom RhthymTrak RT-123 drum machine. Is that suitable or is it better to get a piece of software to do the work?

I haven't had any experience with Mics either.

I'm looking to record basic guitar-vocal tracks (with the drum machine if possible).

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated because I feel like Alice tumbling down the rabbit hole.

Cheers,
Michael


PS I also have a cavoquinho (4-stringed mini guitar for Brazilian Samba) which I would like to record as well.

 

[Stealthtech]

The system you have is bare minumum for multitrack recording but will work ok with limited tracks. The soundcard may not be all that pleasing. You would be better off going with a recording card such as the m-audio audiophile 2496. This is a great entry level card with 24 bit capability with analog, digital and midi connects. You will need a preamp for your guitar connection or a mixer. You can DI the drum machine. Mics are a touchy topic. Depends on what you need it for.

 

[James Argo]

First of all...

Welcome to the board, acermove.
Like Stealthtech mentioned on his post, your current computer could reach the minimum requirement. I'll say, use this setup for learning the whole system. As the time rolling, you'll find alot of issues regard to your demands, that's when you'll need this BBS for further assistance. My suggestion will be, do search in many forum around this BBS about your related topic. They have been disscused many times. You'll get alot of valuable info diggin' 'em. Trust me...


Jaymz