considering digi.rec. on p.c. can you help?

[mike sharpe]

full on newbie here brah, sos your gonna have to talk really slow.im a bassist considering resurecting a home rec. hobby.as of right now my set up is real basic, i'm going through an a.r.t.sgx 2000 nightbass digi. effects processer into a tascam 424 w/ some other assorted knick knacks,also w/ an alesis sr-16 to keep the beat.the 424 has started to go to hell after years of use and abuse so i'm thiking about goin digital.my p.c. is pretty avg. pent2,400mhz,192ram,40gbhd w/w xp
after sloppin around the net. im still just as confused as if i had spoke to a g.c.salesman. iguess i'm leaning towards cakewalk guitar tracks? can you advise on difference b/t cakewalk soft ware products? what about interfaces? how do i incorporate the use of mya.r.t w/ digi rec.? what can you tell me about sound cards and decent burners? to help put this into perspective say you had asix to eight hundred dollar budget w/ would be your dream set up...remembering the budget! and the fact that i'm a newbie i'd prefer a system you dont need a college degree to operate.sorry for all the dumbshit questions but any help would be greatly appreciated,thanks peace!

 

[Phyl]

Look for a computer recording interface that comes with recording software. One example is the Aardvark 2496, I think it comes with a version of Cakewalk.

This is only one example, other manufacturers bundle their hardware with a free software package. Also look at Edirol and M-Audio.

With your budget, you can expect to get a unit that has a two pre-amps, some line ins, and a midi interface. If you are just recording yourself that should be fine. If you are recording a band, think about using some of your money for an outboard mixer. You probably also need some mics, yez/noh?

Sooner or later (probably sooner) you'll need to upgrade that computer. You definitely need more RAM, but it's a toss up whether to buy it now and limp the computer along, or just bite the bullet and get a new one. Upgrading the mother board might also be an option.

 

[OnTheBlackRock]

dude..

for 800 bucks you could easily get the Digidesign Digi 001 ... it comes with Pro Tools LE for free and you can make some SWEET ass recordings with that... trust me because I had it before i upgraded to the Protools MIX 24 system but the digi 001 for 800 bucks is great... it's ready to plug in and play basically and protools is personally the best software out there over cakewalk, cubase, etc. I use to charge 25$ per hour with my digi to local emo/punk band and dub and ska and I had only great feedback. Now with my protools mix 24 system I get even greater reviews. If your looking to spend 800 on pre amps and stuff then maybe protools M-Box would do the trick for 450.00 and you could spend the rest on some Bud... or maybe mics or something haha good luck