Extreme newbie seeks extreme help

[dman0808]

OK, i am just getting into this whole music production stuff. Basically i want to record my guitar songs onto my computer and then go in and add drums, bass, and any other music instrument virtually. i have a basic understanding of what programs i can do that with.
1 -Is MIDI a lesser form of recording from a keyboard and should i record it just analog with a 1/4 inch cable?
2-i am looking at the "instruments you can buy and they talk about synthesizers. When i hear the word synthesizer i think of the corny noises they used in the 80's is this correct ? ex.Model E Classic Virtual Analog Synthesizer.
3-If i were to get Cubase VST 5.1 would i still need a new soundcard...i just have a basic soundcard that comes standard with a G4? what does the soundcard do for me?
Lastly, any suggestions on what software to get? i have only researched Cubase and Pro Tools-M box. I appreciate you help so very much!!!!! Thanks

-Daniel

 

[BrettB]

1. You record MIDI with a MIDI cable: Midi is only a protocol of 0's and 1's that are used to trigger a keyboard for example. Always remember: MIDI has nothing to do with audio. To read more about Midi, do a search, or visit www.studiocovers.com/articles.html

2. The word synthesizer is widely used for al sorts of keyboard/workstation stuff, so not only for analog synths, although here we usely use it to talk about that analog equipment.

3. I don't know the soundcard that comes in there. When you want to record a guitar, you need a line in on your soundcard, and for recording midi you need something that can be used for Midi In/Out. I advise you to go and search for a decent soundcard, but I am not really aware of the options for Mac.

 

[xiaoken]

Cubase is a viable option. Protools M-box is good too. Pity it doesn't have a windows counterpart.

There is other good programs out there, like logic audio (for you), n-track, nuendo.

If you're going to use protools, check out their boards @
http://duc.digidesign.com. You can read up on some of the issues regard M-box and computer advice.

 

[wjgypsy]

i have not used it myself but sonic foudery has software called:
acid music 3.0 it has ulimited tracks and has hunders of guitar,bass,drum samples. i think that it's only $59.99.

go here to fing out more:

www.acidplanet.com