computer recording newbie help

vigormusic · Sep 6, 2004

Hi, this is my first post in this forum though I have been reading it for a while now. I have a few questions about computer recording.
how do I set my computer up to record?
how do I know which interface is good for me? I am looking to record, at the most, 8-tracks simultaniously(for drums)
I'm guessing a need a new soundcard also.
and a mixer, for getting drums levels.
I will be recording a typical band set-up
drums, guitar, bass, vocals, etc. not all at once. just need 8 channels simultaneously for drums.

about my computer
It's a custom PC running Windows 2000 professional.
AMD Athlon Processor
253,424 KB RAM
38.3 GB hard drive capacity (21.1 GB free)

I am used to recording analog with a mackie 24-8 and two tascam DA-38's.
I cannot use this equipment anymore for various reasons and I am trying to figure out how to get all of this music into my computer.
thank you in advance for any help.

Bulls Hit · Sep 7, 2004

Yep you'll need another mixer - check out the Yamaha MG range. They're comparable to the Mackie and probably not as expensive.

A good 8-input soundcard is the M-Audio Delta 1010LT - only $220.

I'm not sure how old your computer is. Doesn't look like you have enough RAM. It may be better to buy a new machine instead of trying to upgrade what you've got

manning1 · Sep 7, 2004

vigor. ive had friends buy used amd systems with poorer specs than yours eg durons and still do 24 tracks.
try my favorite multitrack software. powertracks from pgmusic.com.
just try the demo and youlll be amazed at what it can do. if you think i'm lying talk to users on the forum at pgmusic. its only 29 bucks.
i use it all the time.
before doing a major computer repurchase you might consider just adding a new 8mb cache hard drive, tell the dealer to enable dma.
i'd be surprised if you didnt get at least 36 tracks. might even get lots more.
ive seen powertracks run on 256 mb machines quite easily.
try THAT before splurging/upgrading your memory.
forv soundcard bulls hits recommendation is great. get it on the basis you can return it if there is some incompatibilty with your pc chipset.
but i'd be surprised if there was.

Kevin Deschwazi · Sep 8, 2004

There are lots of options dependent on your budget.

At the cheaper end I'll second the 1010LT for soundcards. I've heard the Yammie MG mixer's are OK (and very cheap) but if you can scratch a bit more cash together then I'd look out for a used soundcraft M series mixer. I've heard the (cheaper) E series are OK too but I've not used one myself so can't recommend.

If you're new to computer recording I'd go for one of the less complex software packages to start with. N-Tracks, Kristal (free), Cubase SE to name a few. I'm not familiar with powertracks.

Hey for all we know you might have a wedge of cash to throw at this. I assume you were interested in the cheaper stuff?

vigormusic · Sep 8, 2004

yes, I was thinking more along the lines of the cheaper stuff, thank you all for responding. I just started classes again today, I'm a graphic design major. I was thinking about taking out a loan and getting a powermac G5, because they are better for editing and multimedia apps. Now here's the question. Are mac's really better for music recording? I just figured if I'm going to be using the computer for a work I may as well get a mac. And I finally enjoy working on them now that OS-X has come around.

Kevin Deschwazi · Sep 8, 2004

vigormusic said:
Now here's the question. Are mac's really better for music recording?

Probably worth a search and possibly a seperate thread that one

I'm sure this has been discussed before

tedluk · Sep 8, 2004

Kevin DeSchwazi said:
I'm sure this has been discussed before

I think you're wrong. I don't believe anyone has EVER debated the merits of Macs vs. Pcs before.

Ted

Kevin Deschwazi · Sep 8, 2004

tedluk said:
I think you're wrong. I don't believe anyone has EVER debated the merits of Macs vs. Pcs before.

Ted

therage! · Sep 8, 2004

vigormusic said:
Are mac's really better for music recording? I just figured if I'm going to be using the computer for a work I may as well get a mac. And I finally enjoy working on them now that OS-X has come around.

Makes no difference in the sound. Computer is just a tool, like a hammer. Some guys have hammer''s they like better than others, no big deal except can you afford the entry price to a Mac? With the money saved going PC how much can that buy you in terms of things like sound cards, preamps etc etc.....

Outlaws · Sep 8, 2004

vigormusic said:
253,424 KB RAM

I take it you have know idea what that actually means.

Its okay... 8/16th of the computer savy population whould be ble to figure it out.

Bulls Hit · Sep 8, 2004

vigormusic said:
yes, I was thinking more along the lines of the cheaper stuff, thank you all for responding. I just started classes again today, I'm a graphic design major. I was thinking about taking out a loan and getting a powermac G5, because they are better for editing and multimedia apps. Now here's the question. Are mac's really better for music recording? I just figured if I'm going to be using the computer for a work I may as well get a mac. And I finally enjoy working on them now that OS-X has come around.

With the money you'd save getting a PC instead of a G5, you could afford to get an 8-input soundcard AND a mixer.

Also remember that there is not the same range of software available for the Mac and it tensd to be more expensive

tedluk · Sep 9, 2004

Atari, all the way man!!!!!
Built in MIDI port, need I say more?

Seriously, there was a time when the Mac was probably the obvious choice for professional work in audio or video, but that has certainly changed.

As others have said, there is a large price differential and you will definitely have more options on the PC side for software.

OTOH, no question Macs LOOK a lot cooler!

Ted

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