Got the PC...now where to start?

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Hard2Hear

Hard2Hear

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Any input would be nice!!

I just built a PC (PIII 733, 20G/10G 7200 HD, 256 PC133 RAM, DVD, CD-RW, Vodoo2000 video, no soundcard yet) for recording my bands music. In addition to the PC, I own a Mackie 1604-VLZ mixer, lots of PA stuff, and some great rack unit effects (Alesis, Lexicon, BBE).

Could anyone please give me some ideas of where to start with recording software and hardware? I've looked at Darla, that seems to be very popular. I am looking for software that is powerful and easy to use. I really don't have the time in my schedule to read a 4 inch thick manual right now. But, I AM a network admin and know my way around technology and a mixing board.

Any and all input is welcome! Thanks lots!!
 
The preferred card around here as far as super quality at a fair price seems to be the LynxOne ... http://www.lynxone.com

Then of course there are others that are cheaper, http://www.gadgetlabs.com , etc. I would stay way from Echo stuff because they only offer Windows9x drivers.

The first thing you're going to want to do is install NT4 or Windows 2000. There are ways to make Win9x run fairly decent, but really, just avoid the hassle and start with a good OS. Less crashing, better disk performance, etc.

Then download the n-Track demo from http://www.fasoft.com and see what you think. It is by far the cheapest, most bang-for-the-buck software available, and it's super easy to use. You will still have to read manuals, there's no way around it, but n-Track is easy. From here you can get a feel for the kinds of things you can do. I'd recommend purchasing n-Track as it's only $50 or so for the 24bit (audio) version. After getting your feet wet, you can then really start comparing features of the expensive software...and then you can decide to upgrade or stick with n-Track.

So, really what you need to start off with is hardware. Others will be able to help you more if you give us your budget and the kinds of features you're looking for (AD quality, DSP, bit depth/sample rate, number ins/outs, etc).

Once you get your hardware (and a decent OS), download and try n-Track first. It is my opinion that n-Track is the best software available to get your feet wet with...and to tell you the truth, I have yet to find a reason to stop using it.

Slackmaster 2000
 
As far as money is concerned...I think I can spend $1000 to $1500 right now on the sound equip to finish it off. I have analog equip for recording, but was hoping I could do do away with it and do full recording on my PC. I would want to record multiple tracks at once, it seems that the Echo Layla is the only product I have found capable of this.
And about the OS. It is right now a very stable dual boot of Win2000 and Win98. No crashing, great performance. It helps to be very familiar with registry editing.
 
Ok, if you need a lot of inputs then stay away from the Lynx card. You are, however, misinformed as far as Echo cards being the only capable of recording multiple tracks.

As long as your software and hardware are clicking, you can record as many tracks (at once) as you have inputs. Most companies offer cards starting from 2 up to 8 inputs with capabilities to expand (the highest I've seen is 24).

Check the following link:

http://www.bway.net/~rongon/home_rec/soundcard.html

You have the resources and the money, don't shoot yourself in the ass by trying to track on Windows 98. You will see up to ~30% better disk performance on NT, and there will be a lot less crashing. Just imagine blazing through your solo just perfect, only to look up at the monitor to see "blah blah has caused a blah blah". Trust me, I've been there. I left.

Also remember to search this forum. This topic has been discussed many times over so you're bound to find some good info.

Slackmaster 2000
 
Greetings, my new friend:

Have you checked out the MOTU 2408 system yet?
It is 24 tracks, and priced excellent..It seems to get rave reviews, and is a rack-mountable unit.
Also heard some good things about the Digi001 from Digidesign.
 
My two bits

I just built a computer too. I was a little freaked out at first because the learning curve was so huge, but after everything was finally put together it only took me a few days before I had a real recording, and was listening to it from a CD. Here's what I'm using:

Gadgetlabs Wave 8/24 soundcard: This thing works like a charm, and it CAN record up to eight tracks simultaneously. Plus, I've already emailed gadgetlabs with a few questions and they get back to me right away with lots of good info. It can record in 24 bits, and 48 KHz. Don't think you have to get 96 KHz. The difference between 48 KHz and 96 KHz is pretty much marketing. Granted, there is a difference, but I think you have to be a DOG to hear it. I think you'd have to spend a LOT more on mics and stuff before you noticed the difference.

n-Track studio: This software does everything I want it to, plus a lot more, and it's EASY! I walked into my local MARS and looked at demos of Vegas Pro, Cakewalk, and lots more, and they all do the same basic thing n-Track does, only n-Track costs a lot less. Now I'm sure there are probably some advantages to the more expensive software, but unless you've been recording for years and years, I think n-Track will do everything you'd want it to.

I say, do what I did, and don't waste time with thick manuals when you could be recording. Good luck.

Squashboy.
 
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