Emagic or...

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Ashura

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I've read through many of the threads, and I know this is a VERY frequently asked scenario/question. I am seriously trying to develop a computer-based home studio and I am not sure where to begin. I spoke with someone at Sam Ash and he recommended that I should purchase Emagic Logic as my soundcard. I am looking to use midi as well as record multiple live tracks (such as live drums). Basically, I want to put together a studio where I won't need to upgrade for some time (my budget is around $5000 for the entire package, including a new computer, monitors, etc...) I want to buy good quality equipment the first time around and really need help before I start spending.

He also threw around the name Delta1010, which I'm not sure what is exactly.

Any suggestions from the experts out there on what I should start off with as a soundcard? Thanx...
 
Emagic Logic is a piece of software (see http://www.emagic.de), not a sound card. The Delta 1010 (by M-Audio, see http://www.m-audio.com) is a sound card, though.

The Delta 1010 will give you 8 balanced inputs to record simultaneously, and is regarded as a very good product. If you have the money for the system (which you stated you do), I believe it's a good choice, but there are others here with first-hand experience who can tell you more.

To record and edit audio with a computer, you'll need proper multitrack recording software, such as Logic. But Logic is just one of many packages, and to confuse matters even more, is Logic available in four versions - MicroLogic, Logic Silver, Logic Gold and Logic Platinum (ranging from simple to advanced, cheapes to most expensive). But there is more to the software side than just Logic! I'm just going to toss around a couple of names:
Cool Edit Pro, Cakewalk Pro Audio 9, Cakewalk Sonar, IQSoft SAW, Steinberg Nuendo, Steinberg Cubase, and many more. All in different price leagues, with different features, different pro's and con's.

I'm not getting anywhere, I don't have any real suggestions. Well, my suggestion would be that you do a lot of research before you buy anything. :D
 
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Apart from some differences (i.e. MIDI...), software suggestions will always be very suggestive, for the most part influenced by the person's own experience (I guess that's pretty obvious).

After verifying which software programs have the characteristics you are looking for, the learning curve is the main aspect to consider. Most softwares will take quite a while to master. Almost every company has a free demo to try before you buy.

It is generally considered that n-Track is a very good software for its price. Of course, this is a personal opinion. ;)

Soundcards made by M-Audio and Echo are very good, as well as Aardvark or Lynxone.

Keep in mind that monitors are a very important link of your set-up. You say you're looking for good quality equipment. This could take a good chunk of your budget.

Good luck!
 
Thanx for the quick response, it did definitely clear some stuff up. I guess my question now is what do you guys, in your opinion and personal experience, think I should go with? I understand that it's all a matter of personal choice, but I need somewhere to start, and the folks who use and visit this site the most would know best. I could read all the articles in the world and it wouldn't be half as good as hearing it from someone firsthand.

I hear alot of discussion regarding the Delta 66, is this better than the 1010? I want to buy something where I won't need to upgrade later on. With a $5000 total budget, what would be best?

Thanx again!
 
my personal opinion - you want:

- an ibook (because after using a laptop you`ll never want go back to a desktop machine - it`s powerfull - and affordable - it has firewire - only drawback is the small monitor)

- a Motu 828 audio interface(it uses firewire/no soundcard/no hassle /it works great and sounds good)

-logic audio (because it is the most powerfull audiosequencer out there and sooner or later you`ll end up using it anyway - it is, that`s true, not exactly simple though)

- the monitors that`s the only thing I don`t have a strong opinion on -I use the (passive) event 20/20 - they`re cheap and they sound good - but you might want to go with something active because that further reduces the hassle


you should at that point a still have about a grand a half left - wich I would set aside until you decide you need an external harddrive, an external monitor(for the ibook) - or a few extra plugins
 
For your choice of soundcard, the first question you should ask yourself is how many tracks you will need to record simultaneously.

I personally record only one, two, maybe three tracks at once so I went with a Delta 66, which has 4 I/O and SPDIF. This card is also made by M-Audio. Also, I didn't have a mixer or preamps for mics so I went with the OmniStudio, which is linked with the Delta 66. It can do all that pretty well for my taste.

The Delta 1010 has 8 I/O and SPDIF. It would make sense if you will record more than 4 tracks simultaneously, such as a drum kit.

Hope that helps...
 
Thanx for the help, really! Honestly, alot of stuff is coming together right now in terms of my understanding of recording music. Up to this point, the majority of my work has been done in an analog studio, and time is money, so I really want to save both and do this on my own.

Anywayz, you asked how many tracks I was looking to record at once, and I guess going with the 8 I/O is best, I do record some live percussion.

Tell me if I have this correct: I would need to purchase a computer with ALOT of RAM and hardrive space (I was thinking of going with a basic DELL computer, 'cause they have that $999 deal, and I guess I'll just outfit it to my purpose--I know Macs are more ideal, but most of my friends use PCs, it'd be easier to transfer files); to that computer I'd install the soundcard. From that point, I'd need to purchase software to actually do the mixing, to actually display/control what I've recorded. With this software, I'd be able to add unlimited tracks, pans, effects, all that good stuff. Once the audio has been recorded and fine-tuned, I'd burn it to CD. Sound about right?

Once again, thanx!!!
 
Sorry, one more thing --- with all these different components of hardware and software, are there any compatibility issues I need to worry about? If I do go with a Dell computer, would I have to keep an eye out on what type of soundcard or software I buy (and is that Motu 828 Celsius mentioned, the audio interface -- when you say no soundcard, what is it, is that another software for mixing?) Thanx....
 
yeah, that`s about right - but there are definitly limits as far as tracks, effects etc. go - depending on your hardware and software.

the Motu 828 is an audio interface, a box that sends audio into your computer and retrieves it out of your computer - same thing a soundcard does except you don`t have to install anything physically - you just plug in a firewire cable. makes live easier but it`s not crucial if you don`t use a laptop (where ther`s no slot for a soundcard) - also, if you go with a PC, you might not get firewire, the 828 wouldn`t be an option then.
 
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