Help for beginner

[bobbo]

Thanks Dondello for your reply.
I did want to add one more thing to my already long first try at this. I was in the process of ordering a Korg D-8, when I wanted to make sure that I could transfer the digital music to my computers hard drive and then make CDs with an internal CDR. So I called the Korg tech people and they said it wouldn't work. I couldn't understand this. They said it would have to be analog going into the computer first, then to CDR. The Korg has a SCSI out, so I thought that would mean that I could transfer to the hard drive via something like adaptec SCSI card, put the music on a .wav file, then with the software they give you (adaptec or plextor who have a plexwriter 4/12 and 8/20 CDR), burn a CD. So I have now been considering computer recording on the computer.
I'm not too sure if I am correct with all of this, however, back to some more Tang.
Thanks

 

[bobbo]

Hi,
I'm using a 4-track cassette recorder right now, but would like to try something different. Could you help me decide whether or not to try digital recording? I have an emachine 400i processor (400MHz, 4.3GB hard drive, 32MB, and a low end soundcard I believe (I think its in mono). I would like to be able to record by myself, in the basement, using drum machine, guitars, voice, and have the opportunity to record to 10? or so tracks. More tracks the better.
I would like to then use a CD-R, maybe Plexwriter 4/12? and store my songs, also send some to friends etc.
Is CD the best storage media?
What would I need to this?
I don't need a lot of audio inputs since its just me recording right now. I do have a drum machine(alesis sr-16). Will that need 2 inputs for stereo recording?
I've just been looking on the internet for products, information and learning about digital recording, so I'm quite young at this. I've been saving, so I have the money. I eat a lot of cheap hot dogs and drink tang (thats what they drank in space).
Will digital recording make my music sound better, cleaner, brighter? And is it better for archiving the music so my kids (if I ever have some) can get a few laughs.
Thanks for your help, and thanks for this great web site. Its the first I found and the best.
Sincerely,
Pete
(Bobbo is the name of my birthmark on my knee, it looks like a chicken I think)

 

[Dondello]

What you have is a wonderful candidate for home recording. You can use the soundcard you already have (which HAS to output in stereo) for now, and then if you decide to get really serious, upgrading is a cinch. As for the number of tracks, as long as you get software good enough, the maximum is limited only by your hard-drive and RAM (an upgrade to 64MB should be your first move if you notice sluggishness). There's lots of great software out there, but if you're starting out, the easiest one to begin with is N-Track Studio (plug! plug!)... If you need help with that, there just happens to be a new forum on here dedicated to it. It'll let you record an unlimited amount of tracks. If you have any more questions, drop a line! If you want to hear anything I've done with a similar setup (PII 300, 64mbRAM, Awe32) I'd love to show anyone bored enough to listen

[This message has been edited by Dondello (edited 09-02-1999).]