Confused about what to get

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BeefnBrocli

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Right now I'm still ambivalent to whether or not I want to max out my money in buying stuff for PC recording (digital and MIDI). This is what I currently have:

-P3 500 128 RAM 12G Drive
(plus 25G in a networked computer)
-Yamaha PSR 530

I orginally thought about spending $1000-1500 on the following:
-soundcard (SoundBlaster Live or Gadgets Lab)
-mics/cables (1-2 SM57s and SM58s)
-mixer (I heard a Mackie 1202-VL2PRO was good)
-upgrading the computer if I had cash left

Then unfortunately I debated whether or not my Yamaha PSR530 would limit my creativity(it was my first keyboard). SO NOW, I'm wondering whether or not I should invest in a new synth (Korg N364, N5EX) which would really max out my budget. I can spend $2000 AT MOST
What's the best gear combination so that I can have my cake and eat it too?

Also, should I worry about monitor speakers now?

Sorry this is so long but much thanks to those who reply!!
Take care
-Beef
 
Hi Beef,
You have plenty of computer to start recording with at this time. If I were in your position I'd keep the PSR530, Get a good multitrack sound card such as a Layla or Aardvark or something like them. Keep in mind that most cards come with some kind of software to get you started. You will need to spend about $400.00 to $650.00 for a card. Mixers are another challenge. You should plan on getting one and plan to spend $300.00 - $600.00 depending on your needs and don't forget cables. Just starting out I would get a pair of the 57's and the 58's. You won't regret it.

Hope this helps.

Griz :cool:
 
Beef,

I would strongly suggest the 1402 instead of the 1202 -- faders are SO much nicer than pots.
 
Yes, try to budget for some monitors soon as you can. Your mixes will thank you for it, and you'll save yourself some time in the long run. You also might want to think about a mic preamp.

BTW, I've never owned a mixer, and don't ever see myself buying one. I guess I started out mixing in software so it doesn't bother me. And as far as inputs go, I'm looking at new soundcards with up to 8 inputs which would cover everything I currently want to do and more. Am I missing something?
 
Hey thanks for all your replies and advice!!

I'm looking into the 1402 and i like faders a lot better too but that all depends on the budget. Does anyone know good online places to shop for this stuff? 8thStreet seems nice but a lot of other places (SamAsh, Zzounds) seem to rip offs. Just another note, right now I just need equipment good enough for a hobby. Not looking into hardcore production or anything like that but who knows?
Again thanks for all your help. Keep ya posted.
-Beef
 
Another thing you might wanna look at is a softsynth rather than a hardware synth.
I had taken my pc over to a friends house that owns Korgs and Kurzweils and he was impressed with the sounds from Reality. Big price diff in the two as well.
 
Thanks for the suggestion Nodark, but er...what's a soft synth?...
 
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