CPU system/soundcard clarification

[daled]

Hi. I thought id come to you guys rather than some pushy salesperson at a CPU store, cause you obviously have background experience in CPU digital recording and other such matters... Im a complete beginner with a few quick questions to give me a better idea of what I am looking for:

1)Im looking into setting up a small CPU based workstation but portability is somewhat an issue. Are smaller laptops just as "usable" for this application as regular CPUs? Any recomendations?

2)Im fairly unfamiliar w/ soundcards dedicated to audio recording. In most of the reading Ive done, most of the soundcards only have 2 inputs and multiple outputs. Im looking for something that will enable me to record a band or a few inputs live off the floor. How would I go about doing this with this type of card (only 2 inputs)? Does this have something to do with a breakout box? Also, am I able to put a soundcard like the ECHO gina, mia etc. into a laptop CPU?

As i said, I am extremely unknowledgable in the digital realm. Any help would be much appreciated

 

[dachay2tnr]

Most of the good equipment for sound recording is not available for laptops (e.g., pro sound cards). I would recommend you stick with a desktop - but this, of course, will make portability more difficult.

You can record with only two inputs by using a mixer. Run your live inputs into your mixer, and then run the main outs (or control room outs) from your mixer to your soundcard. The problem with this is that it will limit your ability to edit the material afterwards. If the "live" mix wasn't right on, you can't do much with it later.

By using multiple inputs, each instrument can get it's own track. This way you can lower/raise the volume on each instrument, eq just what needs it, add reverb to just the vocals, etc. If you record with just stereo inputs, you can only edit the entire mix.

A breakout box is simply a box that contains the input/output connections for your sound card. By using a breakout box, the A/D conversion takes place outside the computer. Most consumer sound cards have the inputs/outputs directly on the sound card. The better cards split the PCI sound card from the I/O connections - by using a breakout box connected to the sound card via a cable.

You can get sound cards with multiple inputs - e.g., 8 in and 8 out. Obviously, these are more expensive than just a stereo in and out.

Suggest you do a little more research before you commit to anything. This BBS is a good place to start.