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Fenrir
New member
hello guys, any suggest what kind of computer spec and software needed to begin my first homerecord? 
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Fenrir
New member
and it would be very nice if there's anybody could suggest what sound card should i use too?? thanks a lot...
wheelema
Boner-obo
Just one guy's opinion and assuming a low-ball budget
- An Intel i3-3225 (HD 4000 graphics!) based motherboard w/8GB RAM, 500GB to 1TB HDD, FireWire (1394a) or Thunderbolt nice, USB 3.0 very nice.
- Focusrite Scarlet 8i6 or Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6
- Ableton LIVE Intro 8 ($75 from B&H) or Reaper
- Shure SM58 dynamic microphone
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Fenrir
New member
is it possible if i only have a pc with 2gb of ram, 235gb of HDD??
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fetuslasvegas
Señor Member
I use Ableton Suite 8 and just ordered an 2.8GHz 8 core Mac Pro, with 16GB ram, 120GB SSD boot drive and 4TB data/backup drives in a striped RAID array. For an interface I am using a Mackie ONYX BlackJack 2x2.
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ecc83
Well-known member
Yes, but. It depends upon what you want to do. If recording say a voice and guitar (24 bits/44.1kHz) without any applied effects, even the meanest of specifications will work. I have an 850 mHz(!) laptop with 1/2G of ram that can do this all day (well, until the 20G hard drive crashes!) so any processor around 1.6-2G and you are golden.
NB this applies to XP only! Win7 is not too bad, 2G ram is marginal but will work but should you be cursed with Vista not a chance IMHO.
People buy super fast i7 computers with acres of ram because they want to run a zillion track, put a verb pluggin of each one and listen whilst recording with "zero" delay and no crackles...THAT takes Deep Thought but we mortals can cope with far less horsepower. You just put the FX on later, piecemeal.
Dave.
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Fenrir
New member
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Fenrir
New member
well, that's a pretty high quality and expensive equipment you got there... many thank
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ecc83
Well-known member
Depends!
If you mean a high gain pedal, then of course you will record that sound* If you mean a high gain PLUG IN or other computer generated effect then yes, this will impinge upon the power needed in the PC system but these generally do not demand much CPU power of a modern computer processor.
* A word about recording levels: Computers are not tape recorders! You need the average level of your signals to be at around -18 to -20dBFS (you WILL learn all the jargon. Promise!). If the software you choose does not show dB levels, shoot for an average of 1/2 scale with peaks never hitting more than 2/3 of the scale. This assumes a recording of 24bits and at a sample rate of 44.1kHz.
An inventory of your whole setup would save us time friend. Amps, pedals, PC spec, mics, Interface......
Dave.
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fetuslasvegas
Señor Member
If you state specifically what exactly it is you are looking to do, it will be way easier for people on the forum to provide you with answers that will help make your decision easier.
A little research on your own will never hurt, it is best to come to the forum asking: 'I am between DAW 'A' and DAW 'B' and this is what I will be using it for, which would you suggest?'
If you are having trouble deciding where to start, I would suggest deciding on which software you would like to use first, then building your setup around that. Research different DAWs on the internet, they will give you specific requirements for the computer you are using. Then go from there...
Good luck, and welcome to the forum!!
A little research on your own will never hurt, it is best to come to the forum asking: 'I am between DAW 'A' and DAW 'B' and this is what I will be using it for, which would you suggest?'
If you are having trouble deciding where to start, I would suggest deciding on which software you would like to use first, then building your setup around that. Research different DAWs on the internet, they will give you specific requirements for the computer you are using. Then go from there...
Good luck, and welcome to the forum!!