computer or studio in a box??

[fattmudge]

Like many others out there, I am new to the world of home recording... Which way is better? ...I'd love to hear people's opinions on the subject of computer vs. studio in a box recording....I know computers have a lot more to offer with regards to editing/plug-ins and what-not. Also, what is available with regards to software plug-ins for popular SIAB systems such as the Roland VS 2480?

Money is also an issue of course....Which route do you guys suggest I take?

All advice would be fabulous.

 

[jaybriggs84]

I like the capabilities that I get with recording on a computer. Pluging and punching in and out, MIDI capability, copy and pasting things.

Having said that, I would eventually like to get a portable track recorder to take on-site and record in various rooms without having to lug around a whole computer.

 

[Micter]

Stand alone recorders aren't used (for the most part) in professional studios for a reason, they aren't as good as the computer based seystems. I know there are probably guys that use a stand alone in a studio but it is more of a home recording/mobile type system. Most of us started out on stand alones then moved up to computer sytems later.

 

[IainDearg]

Computer. For the reasons given above.

 

[Kevin Deschwazi]

I've used both and there are many reasons why I prefer to use a computer.

You can upgrade preamps and converters at any time, you have 1000's of vst plug ins and instruments you can use (a great many of them free), editing is a cinch etc etc

 

[TelePaul]

I use computers and it really is incredible what you can do...i feel they allow for the perfect combination of analogue and digital sounds. You can take a great sound and great mic in a great room and tweak it with your sequencer, overdub, cut, copy, paste, loop. Editing on stand alones is a pain relative to the point and click ease-of-use you get with many sequencers. Though as was mentioned, I would also aspire to having both hardware and software recording, optimisation would probably occur by combining both. But for simplicitys sake, I'd go with software. These days, most people own PCs which are more than capable of running basic sequencing software and Garageband even comes as standard with Macs. The nice thing about software recoridng is that you can upgarde pieces a couple of hundred bills at a time, whether its a new microphone, rack efect, plug ins, new interface, whatever. Where as you'll spend over a thousand for a Boss multitrack recorder, a couple of hundred will get you an entry level interface and SM 57. Id also say that no matter what road you go dow, this site is the most helpful forum I could imagine, people here have helped me through so many problems.

 

[TragikRemix]

yeah computers are the way to go..

plus, standalone's can get VERY expensive. for the same money, you can get a killer computer and a soundcard/interface..

also, you can use your existing computer if you wish to, so that's one less thing to buy.



but i can bet you will upgrade as soon as you have the chance.. i'm on my third computer in 2 years, a computer designated for recording that is. i'm pretty much done now though, the one i'm using now is pretty nuts, and i might just add ram and a second internal HD later

 

[TragikRemix]

woops, excuse me, it's been 14 months, not 2 years- i'm going crazy.

yes, 14 months since i got the first computer, but i've only been recording for 9 months, so i'm not sure here..

 

[TelePaul]

woops, excuse me, it's been 14 months, not 2 years- i'm going crazy.

yes, 14 months since i got the first computer, but i've only been recording for 9 months, so i'm not sure here..

Hey dude any chance ya could post the spec on the machine youre using? I too need an upgrade.

 

[RAMI]

I use both. I record on a stand alone and then bring in either individual tracks or just the 2 track master into the PC.

 

[RAK]

Both

http://www.tascam.com/Products/x48.html

 

[SouthSIDE Glen]

TEAC 3340 or 3440.

Screw the toys. Record the music.

G.

 

[TragikRemix]

Hey dude any chance ya could post the spec on the machine youre using? I too need an upgrade.

my new machine?

Powermac G5 2.0Ghz Dual processor
2.5gb Ram
160gig internal HD, 160Gig external (7200rpm)
radeon 9600 pro vid. w/ 19" widescreen display (can support another one!)

upgraded from:
iMac G5 2.0Ghz single processor
2 gig ram
250gig internal/ 160gig external

which was the upgrade to:
iBook G4 1.42ghz single (which i'm using now..)
1.5gig ram
60 gig internal (5400 rpm ugh..) 160gig external wouldnt work with it, cause the firewire bus????

the main difference is the dual processor between the imac and the powermac, and whoa is it a difference. i like that i can dedicate an entire processor just to Pro tools, and even a percentage of the second, which it has to share with the OS, but thats no big deal. also, i like that i can have PCI devices now- i want to get the UAD Plugins.

 

[fattmudge]

Thanks for the advice, everyone. It seems like computers are the way to go....Guess I'll start saving.

 

[DAS19]

Didn't read all of the above posts but I totally agree with what I saw in going with the computer system. My computer that I use is about 6 years old but I upgraded it and keep clear of junk sooo it runs almost flawless.

So yeah start saving for upgrades or a new computer but you dont have to get a new computer right away you can use an older computer just get at least 1 gb of ram.