Help a rookie decide on a rig..please!

  • Thread starter Thread starter jetfixer03
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jetfixer03

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I've been in here trying to decide on a sound card and software to get started. To be honest, I'm getting confused. You guys know your stuff and have heard it all..so let me try this method, I'm gonna tell ya my goals, budget, what I already have, and anyone that cares to impart any wisdom...lay it on me!

Goal: I play guitar, mostly blues and rock, and I have a Casio (yeh, I know). I just want to record some stuff by myself, for myself, one track at a time. Just fun, not aspiring to greatness (yet ). I'd like to have something that's easy to get started with, but that has more capability as I learn. Intuitive is good in my book. Also, I really don't want to just mic my amp...won't work well where I live.

Budget: $300 (hey, it wouldn't be challange if I gave a few g's to work with!)

What I have to start with:
Electric Guitar/amp
Acoustic Guitar (not electric)
The usual guitar effects + Zoom 505
Dynamic mic (realistic)
Casio Keyboard
Sony Viao Desktop
2.4Ghz, P4, XP, 264 + 512 Ram, stock sound card (realtek AC97)

Advice on N-track, Cakewalk, other? ( I've played with both a bit..cw seemed cool. Doesn't CW have drum composing tool that snaps to a grid?...sounds useful)

Can't wait to hear any suggestions, I'm sure there are others confused wanna-be's like me watching too.

Thanks guys!
 
Your budget is small so you'll have to start small.
I would consider buying a used setup (card-software package)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3703446443&category=1287

Thats a pretty good buy...may reach $200
The delta cards are pretty reliable and have quality sound and the software bundled is proven as well. Also a good introduction to the Logic Series. although versions 6.0 and up are dedicated to macs the pC versions work very well.
This is only one example of many..
 
I have a Delta 44, and it was my first purchase to get started in computer based recording.
I love it! I got it for $150 on eBay + shipping, and it sounds great. I'm running it into Adobe Audition, the only program I know how to use! :D And it sounds great!

Good luck, and definatley get the Delta 44 if money is tight. You'll be glad you did!
 
Ok, so I'm cool with the D-44...now bear with me...I don't know jack..

1) I still need Cakewalk, N-track, or other right? Or is there something in that bundle that does the trick for starters? If I need one, any advice on the most user friendly?

2) Do I need a pre-amp or is one built in?

BTW, I like how the Delta has that break out, beats reaching around to the back of the pc.

Thanks guys!
 
n-track is by far the most user friendly, and cheap.

it has a nice interface, and virtually everything you need to put down some of your guitar licks and vocals. there is no drum program, but investing in some seperate software might be a good idea. dont need anything fancy, just somethin to do the job

you computer has more than enough "stuff" to do at least 70-80 tracks, so enjoy
 
I'm a recording virgin and trying to get the BASIC hardware to get started. I hadn't thought of eBay for a used soundcard. Thanks for the tip.
 
i'm pretty sure you'll still need a preamp with the delta. try audiobuddy or DMP3. VTB-1 if only need a single channel.

n-track should suffice.
 
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