help with all sorts of stuff

[dlad109]

ok, i recently came into some money and as a longtime musician i decided to buy some good quality recording equipment. in all honesty, i dont know that much about mics, equipment, etc. other then just being in recording studios recording with my various bands over the years. i used to record with a friend and it always turned out great so in the last year i purchased some stuff from him as he upgraded, i really dont know the first thing how to use it but i like starting from scratch and learning on my own because i can have my own little perspective on it. anyways, i plan on recording a full band setup (not all at once) and need to know exactly what i'm going to need for all of this and roughly how much it will all cost.

here is what i have currently:

-pc (but i was thinking about giving this computer to my parents and starting with a fresh pc)
-cubase sx 3
-mackie onyx 800R mic pre
-blue blueberry condenser mic
-krk v8 studio monitors
-sm57/58
-box of monster mic xlr cables
-all the necessary musical equipment

here's some questions i have to start off:

how do i connect the mic pre to the computer, i need a firewire card? firewire cable? anything else? do i connect the mic pre right to the back of my computer or is there something between the two i need?

also, what do i need to hook up my monitors to my computer?

what's a good soundcard, i have no idea what sound card is even in my computer, i'm assuming it's just basic and i'll need to upgrade that as well.

i have tons more question on how to get started but right now i just need to get everything hooked up. thanks for any advice, i know this is incredibly n00b shit.

 

[ssscientist]

After looking over the connectivity of your Mackie Onyx mic preamp, I recommend you go with something like this as your soundcard, then take the toslink (also called ADAT) optical output from the preamp into the optical in of the Tascam interface. The Tascam I linked has 4 mic inputs onboard with insert points and 4 line inputs, so with the Mackie hooked up you will be able to record a total of 16 inputs to your computer. Alternatively, if your budget will allow it, this would be highly recommended too.

You could hook up your monitors directly to the interface, but I recommend something like this.

For software, I use and recommend REAPER. It's a full-featured audio and midi sequencing package at a very good price --- after 30 days trial period if you like it as much as I do it's only $40 for the shareware fee for personal use.

You already have good quality stuff, and as you are willing to learn as you go a little more well planned investment in your setup will get you up and running.


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