becoming a PC recorder

[eddie27]

I'm getting a new PC w/ 2.0 ghz P4, 80 gig drive, and 256 RAM. I'd like to get rid of my digital 8 track (Boss BR-8) and switch to computer recording and mixing. I'll keep my audiobuddy preamp and MXL v67 mic. All I plan on doing is acoustic recording - guitar, banjo, mandolin - and vocals. A couple questions:

1. What is/are the best recording and mixing program(s) for doing this type of recording? Ideally, I'd like the basic effects, EQ, compression, and drum sampler, but I don't think I need much more.

2. Same question for soundcards. The one that seems to come standard on PCs is the SoundBlaster Live!.

3. Any other equipment necessary?

Thanks!

 

[young_techy]

computer

the best software i have encountered is cakewalk pro audio 9 (if you want i can send you a full verson copy if you pay the shipping)
i have an echo mia sound card and love it

e-mail me about the softwrae at mattklopot@hotmail.com

 

[TexRoadkill]

The most common platforms are ProTools, Sonar (Cakewalk), Cubase and Logic. They all have their advantages. Sonar is probably the easiest to learn.

Delta cards are popular. Digidesign makes Protools and have their own hardware.

 

[c9-2001]

don't get a P4. running cubase vst32 we used a P4 last week the P4 couldn't handle 46 tracks, the cpu kept going to 70-80%. we used win98se and 528mb ram...

i copied the session to my pc/daw (athlonXP 1600 768mb ram) and opened it under nuendo and cubase, playing back and recording my cpu never even touched 30%... if you want a intel computer, get a dual 1gig P3. i don't know if the new P4 2.2 north bridge chipsets are any good but i wouldn't even push it.
if you wan't a awesome daw, get a dual athlonXP

Soundcard...Delta series are some off the best, it all comes down to the money though.

 

[AlChuck]

Cakewalk Pro Audio 9 was good but it's been superceded by SONAR and is no longer supported.

 

[Paul881]

And if you want to start off on a budget, go for Cakewalks Home Studio 2002 which is based on Sonar only stripped down in functionality but still feels the same as the more expensive Sonar program. Then you can always upgrade and you then know what Sonar is about.

 

[NYMorningstar]

don't get a P4. running cubase vst32 we used a P4 last week the P4 couldn't handle 46 tracks, the cpu kept going to 70-80%. we used win98se and 528mb ram...

I hope you don't mind me asking...What do you do that requires 46 tracks?

 

[Basslord1124]

I hope you don't mind me asking...What do you do that requires 46 tracks?

My guess would be a new vocal track for every 3 or 4 words