Computer / Aadvark direct pro system or Roland VS?

[Spacedawg]

Hello,
I've finally decided take the plung and jump into the home recording world. I find myself torn between expanding on my computer or going with a stand alone hard disk recorder such as Roland's VS series. I understand that the Computer based system will provide much more flexibility in the long run. My only hesitation is the possible headaches involved with setting one up. I've recently stumbled accross the Aardvark Direct Pro which has caught my attention. I would save a lot of money attempting to take the path of the computer, but I don't know how difficult it is to get everything working smoothly. The computer I would be expanding on is as follows:

Dell PIII 500Mhz
13.6GB Ultra ATA hard drive (7200 RPM)
256MB SDRAM
Sony 2x/4x/24x CD-RW Drive
Current sound card - SB Live Value

Will this setup be adequate to build a decent computer recording system with? I've read a lot of talk about the importance of two hard drives, which I don't have (and my computer tech skills are no where near the level of installing hard drives). Will having only one hard drive hinder my recording (I was planning on backing up to CD with my burner)?

Has anyone had any experience with the Aardvark direct pro? Is it easy to get setup?
I was planning on using a program such as n-tracks or cakewalk with it.

I would appreciate your input on this matter. I've been considering this jump into digital recording for about 8 months now and would love to hear the thoughts of actual users. Thank you!

BTW: I will be recording alone using keyboards (MIDI), guitars, and vocals - I need to research mics next

 

[Layth]

Hey Spacedawg, that sounds like a fairly potent set up. You could sart by getting a Shure 58 or 57 mic, N-tracks and the Art MP mic pre and record into the SB live. This would be an inexpensive way to start and then you could upgrade to a better sound card, mics and recording program as you can afford them. You should be able to get plenty of tracks out this system and a pretty decent sound as well.
Good luck, Layth

[This message has been edited by Layth (edited 02-06-2000).]

 

[Spacedawg]

Thanks for the reply Layth. Maybe I should first see what I could do with my current setup before I start to change things. The only thing I hate is that tiny 1/8" plug on the SBLive value. I pluged my POD into it though and got a decent sound. I will definitly take your advice and get a mic and mic preamp. What about a mixer as an interface to my soundcard? can I get away without one? would the only advantage be not having to plug and unplug while recording or recording vocals & guitar at the same time? Thanks again!



[This message has been edited by Spacedawg (edited 02-07-2000).]

 

[jeaston]

Spacedawg--did you find out anything else about the Aarvark Direct Pro? I'm thinking of getting it because of the built-in mike preamps which will eliminate the need for a mixer, I believe. Have you heard anything negative about that soundcard?