home studio set-up

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Hi, been playing guitar for 'bout 8 years and have decided to set-up a small home studio. I'm new to computer recording and was after some advice. I currently running a multi boot Mac (os9, osx, panther and jaguar) dual 500 G4 PowerPC with about 700mb of ram, I am planning to max the ram out soon 1.5gig. I'm not planning on doing much live recording so I don't need a whole heap of inputs. I'll mainly be recording my three piece.

(1). I don't know what program I should get, the specs of my computer aren't great and while researching I've found that it doesn't meet the min system requirement of most of the programs I've come across: suggestion anyone? 8 to 12 tracks would be fine.

(2). Soundcard suggestions? Is pci more reliable/fast than firewire? Do usb connection have the speed to do the job? I was looking at the "M-Audio Omni Studio Integrated Desktop Recording Solution" http://www.cdRecordingSoftware.com/mimomnistu.html any good?

I own all the other equipment I need.

Any other suggestions are most welcome.

Thanks
 
Perfect

Just go for the Pro tools le setup with the mbox, its perfect for all that small stuff. and its not toooooo expensave, plus the focusrite pre amps sound good :)
 
blame said:
Hi, been playing guitar for 'bout 8 years and have decided to set-up a small home studio. I'm new to computer recording and was after some advice. I currently running a multi boot Mac (os9, osx, panther and jaguar) dual 500 G4 PowerPC with about 700mb of ram, I am planning to max the ram out soon 1.5gig. I'm not planning on doing much live recording so I don't need a whole heap of inputs. I'll mainly be recording my three piece.

(1). I don't know what program I should get, the specs of my computer aren't great and while researching I've found that it doesn't meet the min system requirement of most of the programs I've come across: suggestion anyone? 8 to 12 tracks would be fine.

(2). Soundcard suggestions? Is pci more reliable/fast than firewire? Do usb connection have the speed to do the job? I was looking at the "M-Audio Omni Studio Integrated Desktop Recording Solution" http://www.cdRecordingSoftware.com/mimomnistu.html any good?
Click to expand...



As I say to anyone who's trying to find a starting point, you have to consider how much you are trying to spend.

I'm surprised that a G4 wouldn't be able to take most programs, but then again, you learn to expect anything. Some programs that usually tend to work out well:

Pro tools LE software (comes with the Mbox)
Adobe Audition (formerly Cool Edit Pro 2.0)
Acid
Cakewalk
Innuendo

That's just some of the more popular stuff. When the drivers and software design starts getting better, thats when prices start going up. So yes, there is a reason why some of it will be expensive.


And to answer your question about firewire vs pci....

I think you might have a different idea than what it actually is. Firewire can be PCI if it comes on a seperate card. The difference is if already comes integrated with your motherboard. But say if you run something like the 002 Rack (digi) which uses firewire, then you don't really need a soundcard. The 002 acts as its own soundcard.

In other words, firewire is a type of connection interface, like USB. So if you buy a firewire based external product, the quality of recording and playback will depend on that product and the technology it uses.

If you decide to go with a soundcard, by all means, avoid using an onboard soundcard. I usually tell people to go with the M-audio Audiophile soundcard, because it offers a good starting point (as a soundcard) at a decent price.

Hope that answers some of your questions.
 
Doesn't the m-box only have 2 inputs and from memory it doesn't have XLR inputs? I would want at least 4 inputs and I like the option of the more balanced XLR. Still, XLRs are not a necessity. Also on the software page the slowest CPU is 800MHz if I remember correct? I have a dual 500MHz......... Anyway, thanks for the suggestion I'll give it another look. Maybe a CPU upgrade is in order? I have had my eye on a dual 1.3GHz-Dreams:..... Only thing is I'm pretty broke.........
 
I'm surprised that a G4 wouldn't be able to take most programs, but then again, you learn to expect anything. Some programs that usually tend to work out well:

Pro tools LE software (comes with the Mbox)
Adobe Audition (formerly Cool Edit Pro 2.0)
Acid
Cakewalk
Innuendo
Click to expand...

steinberg "sexual" innuendo??? haha can't say i've tried that program, don't know if i want to. Nuendo on the other hand is a good program but expensive. If i had a mac, i would consider Logic i think. For homerecording, 10-12 tracks at once is quite a lot. Say you wanted a record a drum kit, well that would probably take 8 mics, what do you need the other 4 for?

If you are starting out, and can afford it, i would go for the digi002. it is a nice complete package. I don't really like pro tools but if i was starting out over again i would give it a shot. many people swear by it. I have heard taht it can't do midi in the past but they apparently can handle midi as well now.
 
Protools LE and Digital Performer are optimized for the Mac dual processor system.

According to Pro Tools LE, slower processors will work but at a reduced track and/or plug-in count. The optimal track recording count is 32 so there really should not be an issue with just 4 or so. You don't need a lot of MHz to record and play a few tracks. It comes in handy with the plugins and processing.

The Mbox has XLR inputs but only two total inputs. The next step up (digi 002 rack
with 8 ins and 4 pres) is $1000. Dogs.

I have the Lexicon Omega Studio which may look tempting for you but:
1) Although it has 6 inputs, only 4 can be assigned to the USB bus.
2) It comes with Bias Deck SE for Mac which is total *#%@. The first thing I tried to do was import a track and it wouldn't. Support said there are no updates for SE and there was much weeping and gnashing of teeth in the Deck forum.
3) The windows software is not exactly complete - A lot of the effects make demo noises and I am limited to a trial version (limited number) of mp3 exports.

M-Audio is well-respected. The Omni Studio looks nice. Here's a much better price:

http://www.samedaymusic.com/product--MDOOMNISTU

I may have gotten this one had M-Audio dropped there prices sooner.
Check out the software for demos/limits/complaints and the hardware for compatibility with more mainstream software (particularly software that will utilize your dual processors). The Lexicon Omega is compatible with Digital Performer 4.0 and Cubase SX both in OSX.

Here's a picture of the interface speeds:

http://www.mobl.com/expansion/pci/comparison/comp_speed.html

A cpu upgrade will cost you $500+!
 
Thanks guys!! I think I'll get the 002 rack-good to have something to grow into and I'll get the CPU upgrade a bit further down the track. What sort of track count can I expect from a dual 500MHz processor? I guess I'll be living on noodles for quite a few weeks............ Thanks again.
 
minofifa said:
steinberg "sexual" innuendo??? haha can't say i've tried that program, don't know if i want to. Nuendo on the other hand is a good program but expensive. If i had a mac, i would consider Logic i think. For homerecording, 10-12 tracks at once is quite a lot. Say you wanted a record a drum kit, well that would probably take 8 mics, what do you need the other 4 for?

If you are starting out, and can afford it, i would go for the digi002. it is a nice complete package. I don't really like pro tools but if i was starting out over again i would give it a shot. many people swear by it. I have heard taht it can't do midi in the past but they apparently can handle midi as well now.
Click to expand...
Haha, yeah thats a joke around the office. "Innuendo", of course refering to Nuendo ;)
 
the digi rack is a pretty good choice to start i think. I mean, it is expensive and is somewhat a waste of money IF you don't end up liking recording BUT if you do, you get a very nice piece of hardware to learn on as well as very powerful software. I find i have wasted money in upgrading so in your case you will be saving in the long run. As mentioned a lot on this board though, be prepared to eat noodles for more than a little which cause now you are gonna need monitors ($500+), a midi conroller ($200), a mic ($150+), compressor, rack, EQ, plugins, another compressor, a new preamp, some softsynths....

sorry what was i saying??? :)
 
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