beginner here: what do i start with?

[Kennan2000]

1) Here’s the deal:
As I’m graduating college this May, my folks are buying me a new computer. So I have a few questions. I’m looking to get into a little bit more hardcore digital recording, but I’m basically pretty naïve.
Let me fill you in on my experience so far.
Right now I’m using a demo of n-track and a demo of fruityloops, and a pc microphone, to record voice, keyboard, and guitar/ukelele/kazoo.
Right now: the arrangements sound good, but the quality does not. My voice comes in and out in volume, and there’s a general graininess. I don’t have a problem with lo-fi music – in fact I quite like it. But I also would like to have high production options.
I also bought a magix program for the fusing of audio and MIDI. My Pentium 2 333mhz does not install the magix program, and the midi drivers don’t register. (I bought a 2X2 MIDI USB peripheral.)
So, I want a better computer to take my recording to the next level, so that I might be able to do EXACTLY what I want with it.
By the way, I’ll tell you some of influences:
Flaming lips, beck, eels, Olivia tremor control, neutral milk hotel, notwist, the microphones, mercury rev.
I want a nice hybrid of recording digital and organic sounds.

2) So: do I get a PC or a Mac? How much does my soundcard matter? How much ram do I need? I plan to use many effects and I would like to be able to record a significant amount of tracks without degeneration. Are the Creative Labs cards really that shitty?

I wanted one of those new iMacs with the superdrive, but would I be able to get what I want out of it recordingwise?

What are the best programs for recording? Remember: I want to fuse MIDI and audio. I also want to be able to arrange digital audio. What are the differences between cubase, n-track, cakewalk? Do I NEED protools? Is the protools demo any good?

So about buying the computer. Once again, Mac or PC? It seems that the PC still has more of an array of programs out there. And do I buy a computer deal at Best Buy or do I order a custom made? Again, what kind of sound card do I need and what difference does it make?

Oh, one more thing, do I need some sort of pre-thingee to go between the computer and the input? I’m naïve; forgive me. A board?

I apologize for the rambling tone, but I just drank too much caffeine…

I also would greatly appreciate any advice.

Thanks much,
Kennan

 

[wes480]

Mac or PC: Either will do...PC will give you more power for your buck. I wouldn't look at one of those new iMacs too hard for recording....I would be worried about being able to add peripherials to it..or whatever. I could be wrong though, it might work fine...

But, I am a PC user...I think the prices make them great for audio. In terms of software, and hardware - all the good stuff works for both.

Soundcard is very important....it's going to determine your end quality as much as anything else. That is basically true of your entire signal chain....only as strong as the weakest link..

Good souncards are easy to come by, from as little as 200 dollars up to 600-700 for the "prosumer" level of quality. Which...is very very good.

Cards to look at will be Audiophile, Delta 44/66/1010, Aardvark Q10...just depends on what all options you want.

You will need a decent preamp - esp if you want to use condensor microphones. There are also lots of good beginner preamps out there that can get you stellar results. Audiobuddy, DMP3, a Mackie mixer....if you need lots of preamps...

Something like the Aardvark Q10 had preamps built in...

Just research some of those products.

You didn't mention microphones, but there are several good things going on there as well - check out the mic forum for whatever might be up your alley.

I'll see how this thread developes and pitch in more if need be...good luck

-Wes

 

[wes480]

Oh...if you decide to go PC, I would reccomend building it yourself. And, it's also good to plan on making it mostly a "recording only" computer.

Don't load it up with a 64 meg graphics card and such...if you can help it.

Just build a solid and stable machine that will serve your soundcard well...

You'll also want to get studio monitors at some point, if you don't have them...they are your only connection to reality in the studio.

 

[eyeslikefire]

Uh oH!!!
Here we go again....
I think this question needs to "ELEVATED"

 

[chessrock]

I think you should really consider a high-end preamp like a Neve or Focusrite Red in order to capture all of the crisp, subtle nuances of your yukalele and kazoo.

They are pretty demanding instruments, so only a quality mic like the Neumann U87 will do for the 'zoo.