Help! Lady In Distress ;-) Selection of Components Quandary

  • Thread starter Thread starter nervx
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nervx

nervx

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Hi Everyone! -- I'm setting up my first computer based home recording studio on a very tight budget, and could really use some input on what would work best, with what I have so far.

I'm PC, running Windows XP, Roland DS-90A monitors (given to me), and I have a Fostex MR-8 mkII (also given to me/not sure if it fits into the computer based recording equation), and a few mics.

I guess I need an interface, recording/editing/instrument software (hoping to use the software that comes with the interface, at least for now?), and a keyboard (49 keys should do) controller (my current midi-keyboard is full size weighted keys and not convenient to use at all -- never use it anymore!)....and anything else needed?

Instruments I use: electric guitars, midi keys, vox, acoustic hand drums, Roland V-drum kit, field recordings, iPhone instruments. I play indie/art rock and also create soundtrack type pieces.

I intend to buy used components to keep cost down. I have maybe $300 to spend right now. I want to make nice quality demos for myspace and to shop around.

Does anyone have any suggestions or tips?

Thanks so very much!

Nervx
 
Any thought to how many simultaneous inputs you might need? I didn't see an drums on your list, so you could probably get by with 2 or 4 analog inputs plus your midi... There's lots of stuff in the ~$300 range that would get you off to a good start. If you go with the MBox mini suggested, you'll be tied in to ProTools. Most other interfaces come with something and allow you to use other software as well... With that said, hit up musiciansfriend and look for usb or firewire interfaces. Off teh top of my head I know the Prosonus Firebox has 2 mic pres and 2 1/4 analog inputs. There are also units from Lexicon and MAudio that would be a good fit. If you can find one used, you might be able to get an Firepod for your budget.
 
Thanks for the input guys!

Jeff D, yes I'll be inputing drums.....electronic drums! I did mention in my post, but it was probably easy to miss if you were not looking for electronic drums. I have a Roland kit. So 1/4" will do for that!

I don't really want to use ProTools, so would rather go with something that is not locked into that. I don't have a firewire connection on my computer, just USB 1 and 2. Looking for something reliable, intuitive, and affordable.

Thanks!

Nervx
 
Doh, missed the drum part.
Anyway... I've seen this recomended here. I'm not sure why its so cheap and I've never used one, but check out this...
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.co...dioMIDI-USB-2.0-Computer-Interface?sku=245002

A lot of people around here like these... http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/item--ZOMR16

This one is a little less $, but has less ins...
http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/item--LEXOMEGA

There's a bunch of others out there.. I'd start shopping around. When you narrow it down to a few come back for advise/opinions. :)
 
nervx said:
Thanks for the input guys!

Jeff D, yes I'll be inputing drums.....electronic drums! I did mention in my post, but it was probably easy to miss if you were not looking for electronic drums. I have a Roland kit. So 1/4" will do for that!
Click to expand...

I'm sure you're a bit overwhelmed right now,but down the road I would look into using MIDI for your electronic kit.Much,much more versatility and creative choices when going this route,plus you need less audio inputs.
 
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