how does my system look?

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spacedye

spacedye

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im very new to computer recording. i am recording audio only.
i will be using a keyboard/guitar/bass and mic for vocals.
my system is Windows ME,700Mhz processor, 40Gb hard drive, 210 mb ram, and cakewalk home studio 9. sound card is soundblaster live 5.1 platinum. i know i need to change the sound card and was thinking MOTU, but which one? and i also need studio monitors. what pair should i get? i have about $1200 to spend. please help me out with any advice.
THANKS!
 
Here's what you need:
1. mic for vocal and guitar
2. preamp for mic and instuments
3. a "real" soundcard
4. studio monitors
 
i forgot to mention that i also am plugging directly into my "rocktron progap" ( a 100+ sound processor) and an alesis quadreverb for delays/echos/reverbs/detunes etc...
home studio 9 also has these effects. so i learned early to record my tracks dry and add effects after. can you recommend any monitors and sound cards?
 
For monitors, I can't recommend much other that Yamaha MSP5 which is what I am using. :) (US480 a pair)
One advise is get monitors with build-in amp! (powered monitors) and see which one suits your ears the best!

For soundcard, IMHO, I think M-audio Delta1010 is the best soundcard under US$1000.
 
I have a few bits of advice:

1. do a ton of research. Look at the newsgroup rec.audio.pro for the professional opinions on alot of products. Do not rush into your purchases.

2. There seem to be products that are excepted as the best value at their price point, examples are:

Mackie 1202 VLZ pro mixer
RNC Compresser
Blue Tube pre-amp (if you don't want to use the Mackie pres)
Tannoy Reveal monitors
Delta 66 soundcard (I doubt you need a 1010)

With these items I think you would have a sweet little studio, and I should know because I am building one with those components too! (only have the souncard so far...going slow)
 
Btw, just wanted to clarify that when I was suggesting rec.audio.pro, I wasn't belittling this forum as there are many great professionals and opinions here as well. I would say that this forum + rec.audio.pro gives you a nice range of insight, whereas this forum tends to focus on beginners-intermediate and rec.audio.pro is more intermediate to pro.

But lots of very nice pros hang around here and help out us newbies :).
 
just a suggestion

For monitors check out a pair of "KLH" monitors if you can find them. I have a pair of (I think) SX-7 that for the money have excellent sound quality for monitoring and they should cost less than many of the other nearfield monitors out there. I bought mine at "Sam's Wholesale Club." Also check out Nady's condensor mic for less than a $100.00 through "Musician's Friend."

Dido on the research. Spend your time before you spend your dime.
 
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