Basic Setup Help ??

[smeghead]

I know this has probably been asked a thousand times but every setup is diferent and on a budget. My buget is almost Nil !!!

I am going to format PC @ weekend and set my P4 2.8 , 1GB RAM , 160 GB SATA HD , 120 GB IDE HD, Audigy sound card, Either a ATI 9600xt pro or 7200SE (probably the 7200 as I want it geared for audio).

I also have just ordered a Guitar pod XT as my guitarport has died !!

Also Have a MIDI controller keyboard, Stienberg Grand, Groove agent, Native instruments Guitar Rig.

My old setup has always been Cubase right from the days of the Atari ST. I installed Cubase SX 2 last week and the sound and lag of the setup was terrible. This may be due to the fact that the PC is full of crap and so many background tasks running. I am not going to put the new setup on the net and will only use it for Recording purposes.

Can anyone give me any advice on setup and software they think is worth trying.

I.E What is the best OS to use ( currently XP SP2 ), Do i need to install Anti virus as I won't be on net and other PC will scan all software prior to installation. Sound cards better that the Audigy ( silly old me just sold a M-Audio Delta 66 ). User setings geared at making recording latency better. Do I need all those tasks running in task manager ?? Digital or Analog recording ( I think the guitar pod does both ). Cubase or different software ? Internal or EXT sound card. Do I really need mixing desk (only using an old Boss one as a pre amp for Mic)

I will be trying to lay down about 2 or 3 guitar tracks, Piano (The Grand), Drums (Groove Agent) Vsti Bass and a couple of vocal tracks per song although this will differ per song.

Any suggestions and help, links would be appreciated. Many Thanks for reading ... Smeghead

 

[ssscientist]

I.E What is the best OS to use ( currently XP SP2 )

It's not great, but it's the only game in town and we're all stuck with it.

Do i need to install Anti virus as I won't be on net and other PC will scan all software prior to installation.

No. Unless you make a single trip on the net. Then the answer is yes.

Sound cards better that the Audigy

Buy an M-Audio Delta 66 again. Silly ol' you..

Digital or Analog recording

You'll find the difference is not worth the trouble. Analog.

Cubase or different software ?

Cubase is fine. And you already know it. The less time you spend getting to know your gear the more time you will have to make music.

Do I really need mixing desk

Yes, but only to monitor the outputs from Cubase. This would do for now.

 

[ssscientist]

And welcome to the board.

 

[smeghead]

Thanks ssscientist much appreciated. One question if you don't mind me asking ?

Although I have been home recording for many years I am a complete newbie when it comes to setup. Why would I want to moniter cubase through mixer as apposed to coming out of my sound card to my denon amp and speakers ??

Although it may be obvious to the more educated ppl on board I haven't got a clue. I make no appologies for my lack of knowledge as we all start on the first rung of the ladder at some time or other.

Many thanks for answers though, best I get looking for another sound card !

 

[ssscientist]

Why would I want to moniter cubase through mixer as apposed to coming out of my sound card to my denon amp and speakers ??

You can do that --- it's just more flexible to have a mixer dedicated to the outputs of your compter.

'Denon amp and speakers' implies that you are using your home stereo speakers as monitors. They will do the job, but as soon as you get to the next level --- even playing your mixes for others on their systems --- you will see the limitations of monitoring on speakers designed for home use. To put it in plain terms, home speakers are made to flatter recorded music and studio monitors are not. Studio monitors are designed to show a song with all the cracks, frequency overlaps, shaky sounds and other warts intact because you can't correct what you can't hear.

 

[smeghead]

Thanks once again for reply !!

Is there anyother card that is better than Audigy thats cheaper than Delta 66 or 44 ??

I am gutted as I just sold my 66 for £70 on e-bay.

Having just spent £175 on my pod xt my misses will go balistic if I buy another delta for over £100 having just sold one !!

Is the Audigy that bad ?? or will it suffice until she goes out spending on the credit card again so I can then do my tit for tat bit and buy a new one ?

Many Thanks .. Smeghead

 

[ssscientist]

Is the Audigy that bad ??

No, it's not THAT bad and it will work for the short range. Just make sure that you have the ASIO drivers selected w/Cubase. You will need to set Cubase to record at 48kHz/16bit because thats the only sample rate and bit depth for the Audigy to allow the ASIO drivers.

Replace it as soon as you can - that 'tit for tat' thing sounds like a good plan...