getting started

  • Thread starter Thread starter odie
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odie

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Greetings. I'm just getting started and need some input.
I'm not going the MIDI route. I want to plug in my guitar, bass, mic and keyboard into my computer for recording,mixing and cd burning. My son already has the cd burner. I have a Ross mixer for preamping mics. Win 98. What hardware and software do I need to get started?
Thanx. odie from Cali.
 
You need multi-track software to get started. There are some that you can download free, like Cool Edit (Syntrillium) and Pro Tools (Digidesign), but they're pretty limited versions. Cakewalk and Emagic, and probably some others, have basic 8-track programs for US $50-80, and particularly Cakewalk has a reasonable upgrade policy. Your computer probably has a soundcard that will allow simoultaneous recording and playback; if so, that's all you need. If you record for a while you'll quickly learn the limitations of your system, then you can start upgrading. You'll probably find that the soundcard that came with the computer is crap; especially if you're going to burn CD's you'll want something that's quieter. But for getting started, the compter, instruments, and multi-track recording software is all you really need. Good luck.
 
starting

Thanx Chesterfield. I'll probably download some versions and check them out. But how do I plug my instruments in? Into the line in? I guess this means one track at a time and going from 1/4 to 1/8 right? Aren't there soundcards that will let me plug at least two or three things in at a time? odie
 
I assume your computer is no more than 1-2 years old, running Windows 95/98, and has a soundcard with line in, mic in and speaker out. You will need a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter (Radio Shack, about $3) from your instrument or mixer to the line in. It is possible to use the mic in, but I believe it has a built in pre-amp and it is hard to get a good sound. Try both and see which is better. You'll probably need to adjust the volume input controls; do so by clicking on the speaker icon on the lower right taskbar. If you're the only player, you can record 1 instrument, then play it back while recording another, up to the limit of your software (or your computer). There are soundcards with 2, 4, or 8 inputs; the Echo Darla has 2 inputs, no midi, and runs about US $300. You can spend a little less or a lot more. Recording multiple tracks uses a lot of processing power, so be sure your computer can handle it.
 
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