I HAVE CONVERTED! sort of

  • Thread starter Thread starter Brad
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Brad

Brad

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Okay, I have been recording music for about 16 years and was an analog guy until I went to digital tape-based stuff a couple of years ago. I have been avoiding the use of a computer in my recording studio for a long time - and for a several reasons: I am a Mac guy. I don't have a mac that would be suitable for audio, and I don't have the money to get the high end Macs that can handle that stuff. I know nothing of hard disk recording programs. I am lame.

So I had the opportunity to build (with the help of a friend) a PC capable of recording for the cost of the case and the software/soundcard bundle. In the end I spent under $200 and now have a cool computer for recording. I hooked it up in the studio tonight and started messing around. Pretty fun. I am going to integrate this into my digital MDM system and have a pretty powerful tool.

So, I guess I am just warning y'all. I have no specific questions right now, but get used to seeing me around these here parts. I am totally green with this stuff!

I still use my mac for everything else, but it is treating me differently now - it sees the microsoft lipstick on my collar and smells the Billy Gates perfume on my person.

Any beginner tips for a total PC recording newbie would be appreciated and rewarded with a visit from my mom.
 
Step 1: make a list of all the major components in your machine and keep it where you can find it. If you don't know, find out as soon as you can. Especially:

* CPU manufacturer and speed
* motherboard
* bios and version
* memory
* hard drive(s): make, model, capacity
* operating system
 
Ah, welcome to the Dark Side. Resistance is futile, you have been assimilated.

I would say follow pglewis's advise, then find the web sites for all those manufactures and make sure you have the most up-to-date drivers for all your hardware. It's not unusual for hardware to be released a little buggy, often newer drivers make your hardware perform MUCH better than the drivers they ship with.

Once you have your system configured the way you want it, but before you install a bunch of software on it, BACK IT UP. I use Symantec Ghost for this, it is a wonderful program. However I am not sure they are still selling a consumer version of it.

Welcome to the club...
 
AHH@@!!!

PC? ------------> Plug and Pray!!


Albert

PS: Just Kidding! Have fun!
 
Step2:

Run dual boot. It really helps to have a "clean" OS for recording and another that you can "ruin" with games etc.
 
ONE TIP...

Better get used to making backups!
(you know, record a track - back the file up, punch-in - backup it up, punch-out - backup, enable a plug-in - backup, move your mouse - backup, close an application - backup, etc... ...you get the idea!!! :) )

Of course, if you had gotten a Mac....!!! ;)

:D :D

Bruce


Brad said:
Any beginner tips for a total PC recording newbie would be appreciated and rewarded with a visit from my mom.
Click to expand...
 
Re: ONE TIP...

Blue Bear Sound said:
Of course, if you had gotten a Mac....!!! ;)
Click to expand...
Then what?

record a track - back the file up - get an error that the computer won't allow you to fix, punch-in - backup it up - get an error that the computer won't allow you to fix, punch-out - backup- get an error that the computer won't allow you to fix, enable a plug-in - backup- get an error that the computer won't allow you to fix, move your mouse - backup- get an error that the computer won't allow you to fix, close an application - backup- get an error that the computer won't allow you to fix, etc... ...you get the idea!!!

That would be da bomb (pun intended)

:D

It sounds like it's time for you to consider a RAID system Bruce.

/O
 
Ha! I knew *someone* would bite!!!

heh-heh.... BUT -- just to make sure no religious wars start - I was kidding around! Use whatever works for ya!!!

:D

Bruce
 
Re: Ha! I knew *someone* would bite!!!

Blue Bear Sound said:
heh-heh.... BUT -- just to make sure no religious wars start - I was kidding around! Use whatever works for ya!!!

:D

Bruce
Click to expand...

I know what you mean! I'm just in recording for fun, mainly recording my own stuff and a few friends, all acoustic. I use a PIII 450, 128 Megs RAM and N-Track. The thing crashes whenever I try to open a new file, I just re-open N-Track, no biggie! I know I have to defrag my drive and/or reboot (Win98!) after tracking a few songs, gives me a chance to take a break (like take a walk outside or spend time with my girlfriend) I figured by paying only $60 for N-Track (supposedly the $$$ software is more stable?), I have more money to spend on, ...mics, pres, comps, (i.e a better chain to throw at my Delta 44!), nice dinners with my woman.

Just rambling...

-Evan
 
Considering Jusus' fate, did he know what was good for him? I'm sure he used an Imac...
 
He probably woulda taken an old Atari out of someone's garbage and got it running 256 tracks of 24/96 with plugins on everything.
 
Beware....yet.....another bear!!

Howdy folks!!!! And yes.........welcome to the dark side of PC's!! You will now own/be able build and modify to your hearts content! My first suggestion would be to look for computer fairs in your area, there are tons of them here in CT. Here are some suggestions:

OS: windows 2000/98SE, Try to stay away from 95 if possible. I love W2k!!!!

(Check what sound card, some drivers for hi-tech cards not available for w2k)

Pentium 3 600-800(I would wait on the P4, personally) I build a lot of servers/workstations and would (just an opinion) stay away from Cyrix, and Athelon. They are cheaper, but you get what you pay for.

Mother board: ATA 100 (66 at the lowest)

Ram:256mb, 133

HardDrive: 30-40gb, 7200, ATA 100 (or 66 if that is your choice in MotherBoards)

Too new to this to suggest a sound card. I started with the SB platinum with Line Drive, it has been good to me so far. But you are in the correct spot of Cyberspace for any info in that department!!! You will meet the "digi-gods" of recording amonst these pages. Good luck, and welcome!!!!:)
 
"for those of you thinking about building...."

Hey. Check out the thread from TUBEDUDE. Great idea!!!!
 
Just to be 100% clear....

...I'M the *REAL* bear, this guy is just a cheap imitation!!!!!!!! ;)

Not sure if there's enough space in here for 2 bears.... it's gettin' kinda cramped.... Dragon - time for another room extension!!!!!!!!

:D :D

Bruce

(BTW, just teasin' new bear....) :)
 
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