any suggestions?

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Radioshack

New member
I am just getting up and running and want to get
any advice I can from you guys. I've been reading
the board here for about two weeks so I've got a
basic understand of computer recording. I have a
500 Mhz 10 gig Compaq with 64 megs of ram and the
basic soundcard that comes with it. I'm using an
Electroharmonix Memory Man and a Behringer Eurorack
802(the baby board) and an SM57. Now my questions.
What software has the best sound off my computer
for under $100? I would like one with some great
sounding compressors. Are there any in that price
range or do I need to increase my budget? Also I'm
not sure about my soundcard. What is the difference
in recording quality between 16 bit and 24 and 32.
I think mine is 16. Is it worth spending a bit of
money to replace mine with a soundblaster? Next I
am curious about how the signal needs to be routed
when mixing down to a minidisc recorder. Is there
a soundcard out there with optical returns? And
when monitoring through my computer speakers if
there is only one out on my souncard does the signal
get cut somewhat? How do I monitor and mix down at
the same time? Do I have to go back into an external
mixer to split the signal evenly. Finally I have
recently downloaded N-Tracks and am getting familiar
with how you mix digitally. I love the program but
the graphics seem more complex than they need to be.
Are there any programs that record high quality that
have very simple graphics similar to a mackie board/
basic mixer look. I need one that ergonomically fits
my needs. Joke. Really though is there a cool easy
to use face on any of them. Thanks for any help.
Come see me if you need a fuse or a battery.
 
A Good software program is Sonic Foundry.
You can mix, edit, cut, paste, etc. for around 70 bucks.
If you don't like N-Track (Huh?), then try out their
competitor, Cool Edit 2000. Same capabilities, different
graphics, about the same price.

Oh-And your name could get you killed around here.:DJ
 
Doug, Thanks for the advice. Sonic Foundry
is one that I haven't really looked into.
I do like N-Track. That's the first one I've
downloaded and being new to things it seemed
confusing. I chose the name Radioshack as a
bit of a joke. My girlfriend and I were reading
posts here and at one point it seemed like
every other discussion ended with " oh yeah,
you can pick up that ______ at Radioshack." The
sad truth is I work at one. Believe me I hate
it. We suck! I just thought it was ironic
because a lot of people have a lot of good info
here and then on the other hand they shop at
Radioshack. Anyway jokes on me now. I'm already
signed up. I'll take my punishment. Chris
 
The Shack Rules, Baby...

Hahaha...Allright...Cool Name. I Dig it.
Did you download the free trial version of N-Track?
If so, you will have limited capabilities.
I prefer N-Track over Cool Edit 2000, but they are both simple, great programs into the world of computer recording.
I purchased the N-Track on-line for 35.00, I believe.
It has great capabilities, and you can record with as many tracks as your computer configuration can handle.
And you will like Sonic Foundry's Sound Forge XL, which I paid 50.00 for. This is quite the bargain in my opinion.
Talk with you later, Shack.

Oh Ya..The name's Dougie ;)
DJ
 
OK Dougie it is! Although I have to
question that name myself. Haha. My
N-track is the demo version and I was
quite impressed with it especially as
Flavio(I think that's his name) is
such a hands on creator. I did seem
to lose a bit of signal when mixing
down. I was wondering if that's because
of my computer and the bit rate.
Will changing my buffering settings
help? And Dougie in regards to my
question about coming out of the
computer to my minidisc how do I do
it and still monitor at the same time?
Chris
 
Shackdaddy:
I'm not sure changing your bitrate will make a difference.
How many tracks are you mixing down to 2 tracks?
You may be mixing down more tracks than your computer as configured can handle. I'll look into that for you.
To answer antoer question: Yes-The higher the bit rate, the higher quality the recording. But I would seriously look into adding more memory than the 64 you have now. I would go up to at least 96.
I would look into products made by Event, such as the Darla, Layla, Or Gina soundcards. The Layla comes with a breakout
box so you can in/out your connections.

DJ
 
RadioShack,

What kind of inputs does your minidisk player have....and why exactly do you want to mixdown to it? I'm confused. It makes no sense to mixdown from a computer to another digital medium except in extreme cases.

Slackmaster 2000
 
The main reason I want to mix to the
mini disc is because I love the little
things. It's cool to be able the take
a disc to work and play it. it's just
super portable and as good as a CD.
When I got the mini disc a couple of
years ago it was so much cheaper than
a CD burner. I was recording off a Korg
D8 digital recorder which I still love.
I just got the computer and I figured
"Let's see what new doors it opens".
I want a soundcard with optical outs
mainly because it's a garrantee of
no signal loss. I'm still curious as
how to monitor and record out at the
same time. I will definently increase
my memory as being overly excited I
downloaded Pro Tools only to find out
that I need 128 megs of Ram to finish
the install. So that was a no go. My
computers a pretty basic Compaq. With
my employee discount and a 3 yr MSN
sign up I got it free. Pretty cool
but I'm learning it has limitations.
 
When you say, "monitor and mix" are you talking about using an outboard mixer? Why are you having problems hearing while you're mixing? Could you post exactly what you're trying to do with exactly the equipment you have? I think your problems have easy solutions!

Also, if you're recording on the computer, it makes much more sense to mix down onto the computer. There will be no signal degredation. I realize you like your minidisc...so copy your songs to the minidisk after they've been mixed down on the computer.

You know, you mentioned using the trial version of n-Track. In that version, the mixdown option is greyed out. How are you currently trying to mixdown? You're not running a patch between your line in and line out are you? THAT will certainly result in poor quality.

Slackmaster 2000
 
Slackmaster, your on the money
with the way I've been trying to
use the N-track. I didn't realize
the signal would degrade if I tried
to mix straight to minidisc. I guess
I'm old fashioned and a bit reluctant
to entirely commit to the PC. I plan
on finally taking the plunge this
weekend and buying a program to do
everything on. I think your right
the answer to my problem is simple
I'm just confusing the issue.The guys
in my band and I all have portable
minidiscs so its cool to be able
record at night and give em a disc
the next day.
 
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