Computer Recording?!??

[Harlequin Man]

So im new at this..

right now i run a Boss Br-864.. and easy enough for me.. but need more...

I looking at the Fostex VF80EX Recording Package...
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=rec/search/detail/base_pid/240283/

Or

Presonus FIREPOD Recording Bundle
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=rec/search/detail/base_pid/241481/

If the extra stuff worth all the money in that?

I don't know much about this.. but..

How does the EQ and such work..

Right Now I run everything through the Behri 32 Channel Mixer... into the Boss BR-864 and that is ok..

How do i go about recording into the FIREPOD..

Which would you suggest...?

 

[hotwatertim72]

Hey Harlequin, I own a firepod myself. Great Pre-amps, very clean, they sound awesome. Recording with the firepod would go like this:

You would first need a computer. Some people say to get a dedicated machine just for recording (no internet, no games, that crap), but if you're just recording stuff at home for fun, maybe a few bands, don't bother. As long as you're computer is a decent speed and has a firewire port (it has to have this). Say, a decent Pentium 4. Or a decent AMD Athlon. Both great processors for PC. Or a Mac is great as well. Probably a G4 would be your best bet.
Now onto recording -
The firepod comes with great recording software called Cubase LE. It's the bottom line as far as Cubase is, but in my opinion, it's awesome. You install the firepod and Cubase. Then you would plug the firepod into your firewire port with the included firewire cable. Then simply turn it on, open up cubase, plug in a mic, and hit record. Very simple. You'll learn extra stuff as you go on as well.
About EQ on the firepod, you control that througe Cubase. The Firepod controls your gain on a mic or instrument signal. Has Phantom power as well.

About if the extra stuff is worth it, Yes. To buy that stuff seperately, I added it, it would be $1104.92 A lot more money. The two MXL mics that come with the bundle are very decent for a beginner. They sound awesome. Plus you get the monitors, which you will need to hear a mix, because, using computer speakers is a no-no. Also, you get a couple mic stands for the two mics you're getting. It's a good deal.

I dont know much about using a stand alone recorder, because the only one I ever used was an 8 track Tascam. I know the hard drive ones work very well though. And they are plug and record as well. Very simple.

I would say, if you have a decent computer, go for the firepod. If you don't, go for the Fostex recorder, or ask around on the forums for other nice stand alone recorders.

 

[dwillis45]

I would vote against the package deal. The price may be less than buying each item individually but I think you can do better stricly in terms of quality. This applies to almost everything beyond the recorder or computer interface. There are better mics, better monitors, better headphones, etc, (many in the same price range) and you will be happier in the long run if you do the research and buy each item separately. Just my two cents.