Help help help

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Jer6781

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so I am about to start learning the ropes to home recording. My cousin just ordered Pro Tools 10 for me, also a Korg microKorg Analog Modeling Synthesizer, and a Maschine Mikro MK2 sampler...Im also purchasing me a new laptop but someone tell me what would be the best interface and mixer to use thats compatible with this software and where i can plug everything up at once.
 
Wow lucky you! Christmas has come early? :D

So, what mixer and audio interface should you go for?

Well...


I think the questions you need to ask yourself is: what is my budget? And how many bits of gear will I be connecting to said interface? And how many tracks will I be recording simultaneously into Pro Tools?

Start there, then we will be able to give you a better answer.

Garf Richards
 
Pretty much what Garf said.

The critical element is the interface: how many tracks do you want to be able to record simultaneously?

The mixer? You don't need it.
 
You're just learning and going for PT10? Good luck, be ready for a steep learning curve.
 
You don't need a mixer, just the interface. Which interface depends on budget and expected needs. Plenty out there on the market at all price points.

Do you need midi capabilities? How many channels?? If it's just yourself, then most likely only two channels is necessary, unless you're recording a drum kit.

Most DAW programs have a steep learning curve. Maybe Reaper is a little more intuitive than the rest, but you've got PT already, so no problems. Read the manuals, watch the tutorials then read online forums like HomeRecording.

Good luck, have fun!!
 
One I wanna say you guys are amazing, FINALLY some solid advice that I can use.

But now I'm getting that I don't need a mixer my budget for my interface just went up to $300. I could use some suggestions that are compatible with Pro Tools.

All the instruments I'm going to use so far is the synth. I told you guys about an the sampler so just 2 plus a mic of course.

And as far as tracks go not really sure yet but I wanna say 4 or 5.

And yes this is about to be one of my biggest challenges yet starting off with Pro Tools but I will hopefully have a tutor soon once he gets from over seas and this forum has helped alot so far.
 
If it's just you and your keyboards, you could consider an interface that will give you two line inputs (for your synths) and a couple of mike inputs. I can't recommend any particular model because I only have experience with the PreSonus Firepod (which is fine). Most USB interfaces will do the job.
 
okay so I just ordered me a "Focusrite 6 USB Interface" online. Now my question is what cords do I need to setup my Korg Synth?.... I obviously need a MIDI cord but do I need 2 for the in-out? And is there any other cords i may need?...MIDI is slightly confusing.
 
The Focusrite should serve your needs well.

There are two main ways of using the interface with your keyboards.

1 Midi

By connecting the keyboard to the interface using a midi cable you transmit data from keyboard to computer. This data is information about what notes you play, when you play them and for how long. This data holds no actual audio information. When you've recorded it into your DAW, you can play with it: change notes, add and delete notes, fix up mistakes in playing and so on.

When you play midi back, you will hear nothing unless you give it something to play on. You can do this by loading a virtual instrument into your DAW. Or by sending the midi back to your keyboard (which means another midi lead (unless you swap ins and outs with just the one).

Think of midi like a paper piano roll, and something that will play it as being the pianola.

2 Audio

Your keyboard should have audio out as well. Most likely this will be a pair of 6.5mm line outputs. Using a pair of standard guitar leads, you can go from the outputs of the keyboard to the interface inputs, and from there, record the actual audio into the DAW. When you play this back, you will hear this through your interface (which is where you should connect monitor speakers to).
 
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