I have a new computer now what?

  • Thread starter Thread starter capnkid
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capnkid

capnkid

Optimus Prime
I posted this in the newbie forum, but I'll post here as well.
My computer capabilities are as follows:
1. 3400 + (2.20GHz) processing power
2. 512MB
3. 200 GB Harddrive (7200 rpm)
4. DVD writer
5. windows xp

On the front of the tower there is a USB port and a Firewire port. Also and audio section with three mini jacks one for audio in, Mic, audio out. the sound card is a realtech 97.
My goals are to record my guitar with effects and record a mic'd drum kit. It is just me so they would be recorded seperately.
i know the sound card is cheap and will need to upgrade. I saw another post that said you can bypass a soundcard with firewire?
all I have right now is the computer and a fender guitar. what direction can I go in from here?
 
I would probably start with the sound card. If you are going to record drums, how many mics will you be using at once? that should determin the number of inputs you should go after. There are many options as far as software....there is a ton of freeware out there, just do a search. As far as bypassing the sound card with firewire...thats only if you have a firewire interface as far as i know...something like this : http://www.music123.com/M-Audio-Firewire-Audiophile-i133842.music

hope this helps...there is a ton of info on the board...do some searches
 
You can go for either a firewire or pci solution. For drums you'll want at least 4 inputs.

The 8 channel Presonus Firepod has 8 preamps for $600.

For about $100 less you could get a M-Audio Delta 1010LT pci card and a Yamaha MG16/4 mixer.

The firepod solution has the benefit of being portable, in a nice tidy rackmount unit.

The LT pci card can't be used with a laptop and some people don't like all the breakout cables. However having a mixer does give you a bit more flexibility in routing and monitoring
 
How would the new delta1010LT/mixer option compare with somthing that has a USB 2.0 connection? such as the tascam us122.
This will sound awful, but I am confused as to the inputs that I see on the delta 1010 LT. Do you have to buy all kinds of adapters, because to me the inputs look like they are RCA on the delta 1010 LT.
 
capnkid said:
How would the new delta1010LT/mixer option compare with somthing that has a USB 2.0 connection? such as the tascam us122.
This will sound awful, but I am confused as to the inputs that I see on the delta 1010 LT. Do you have to buy all kinds of adapters, because to me the inputs look like they are RCA on the delta 1010 LT.
Click to expand...

I own an US-122. The limitation of this piece is that you can only record 2 channels at a time (one left and one right signal). This is less than ideal for recording drums, because you have to use your mixer to bring it down to two channels, or record each drum individually. The headroom on this device is also a limiting factor for percussion (it tends to clip at high volumes).

I don't know much about the 1010 LT, but from the picture, you are right, it looks like mostly RCA inputs, which would require some sort of adapter (1/4" to RCA) to connect from your mixer to the card. The regular 1010 ($449) has an external box with 1/4" TRS (balanced) inputs. A compromise would be the Delta 44 or Delta 66, which have 4x1/4" inputs. I think you can chain these together (if you have enough PCI slots) to give you more inputs, if needed.
 
As a rule of thumb, you should also eventually think of a seperate storage system for your music. Some people will tell you it's a waste of money, but then listen to guys who have lost months of work because of computer problems; also, a seperate HD lets your primary HD spin at it's optimal RPM without comprimise. I personally enjoy firewire better for its substantial transfer rate, but a USB can work just as well. And if you want to kill yourself with a PCI filler, you can have mine, I was going to use it for target practice. ( I apologize to everyone, I still have yet to become a fan of M-Audio)
 
I have another question. If I were to buy a POD xt first, is thier a better program for that being as the pod has all the effects I would need?
 
capnkid said:
I have another question. If I were to buy a POD xt first, is thier a better program for that being as the pod has all the effects I would need?
Click to expand...

There is Amplitube that works well as a plug in. I have both Ampitube and the PodXT and it really boils down to what sound you want. The nice thing about Amplitube is that you can go back after you record and change your tone to fit the song. Both Amplitube and PodXT are easy to use, but it is tough (for me at least) to get a tone that I really like.

There are those who will tell you that neither of these applications are as good as an Amp and a mic, and their probably right. However for demos or those who aren't blessed with a golden ear both are worth looking into.
 
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