hello and a bunch of questions

[sktbx]

hello,
this is my first post here-
I have no training and would like to know for my situation what is the best way to go about mastering my tracks which are in great need of some type of fix.

I have an intel pII 400mhz system w/win98&2000.
I currently have and use the following software:
modplug tracker,
soundforge,
reaktor, recycle, unity ds-1, n-track, cubase, and
i am always looking for new stuff to try.
I am a student and have little money lol
but am becoming increasingly obsessed with home studio production.
I intend to soon purchase a new soundcard, portable dat recorder, binaural mics, (for original sample aquisition), and a set of monitors or headphones (i have not yet decided). and i only have about 1200$us to spend.
What equipment would you reccomend that is relatively inexpensive but effective. i am looking to purchase the dat recorder off of ebay and have no idea where i can find the best deal on the rest of the stuff.

I also need some suggestions on what i can do to improve the sound quality of my tracks. I make some idm, some drum n bass, some experimental electronic and things of that sort, so i guess if you are at all interested in that type of garbage i would be in your debt if you could give me any suggestions. i am at http://www.mp3.com/sktbx in case it doesn't link in the signature, and i will not be offended in the least by any type of honest feedback or assesment of my musical talent or sanity in general.

I hope this unintentionally verbose post is well recieved.
thanks a load
-sktbx

 

[Shailat]

To be honest,
You asked so many questions and asked for so much information that nobody will answer you becuase it will take them a hell of a long time not to mention that a lot of what you ask can be answered using the "Search".

Break it down to 1-2 questions a time AFTER you do a Search and You will get your answers.
I will kick off a start by suggesting you look at a new Audiocard made by Midiman (the one before the Delta44) that has 24/96 capabilities and fits your budget quite well. If I'm not mistaken it's under $200 leaving you with money for more equipment.
Forget the headphones, use monitors.

Thats it for today

 

[sktbx]

thanks for the reply/advice...that sounds like a decent card-
i searched for retailers but many posts seem tainted by personal interests.
is there any site that has consistantly better prices/selection? the only other immediate question i have is what (sheilded?) reference monitors should i look into getting,..well that is kind of an ambiguous question to ask,..how bout if i was to spend 2-300 on a pair, which would be the most accurate
your shared and coveted wisdom is appreciated
-aaron

 

[Shailat]

thanks for the reply/advice...that sounds like a decent card-
i searched for retailers but many posts seem tainted by personal interests.
is there any site that has consistantly better prices/selection?]

There are a lot of sites on the web but I'm not that fluent in were they are. I'm sure other people here can help you out.

the only other immediate question i have is what (sheilded?) reference monitors should i look into getting,..well that is kind of an ambiguous question to ask,..how bout if i was to spend 2-300 on a pair, which would be the most accurate
your shared and coveted wisdom is appreciated
-aaron

Sorry I can't help you here. I don't really know any good monitor for such a low price. I would suggest you spend more (around $450)for decent monitors. Perhaps somebody knows of a reliable monitor for your budget.

You get what you pay for. And if your serious about your music then spend more for your monitors.

 

[bvaleria]

For monitors on a budget, I would suggest Yorkville YSM-1s at around $250 US... (and don't even THINK about NS-10s!!!)

Bruce Valeriani
Blue Bear Sound