Ideas for specific setup

[perfecto]

I've been working in Reason 1 and cooledit pro 2 with only a Lo-Fi mic and a midi keyboard for a few weeks now. Upon figuring out how softsynths, sequencers and software multitrackers work, I have an idea of what the results should be of the setup I want:

First, I want to be able to record electronic instruments: a violin with a pickup, an electric guitar, an electric bass. I assume these all work through the same mechanism. I don't want to have to amplify them. Would the Pod be good for this? Or is there a more textbook solution?

Second, I want to be able to record vocals and accoustic instruments. Obviously this requires a microphone.

I would also like to occasionally record a few of these things simultaneously.

Third, I want to keep using this cool softsynth stuff, as I don't have to money to buy a real synth.

To do this, what software do I need? Pro-tools? Or is cubase good enough?

I <i>think</i> what I need is an 4-8 input mixer running through a high-quality one in/one out soundcard, but i probably think wrong to some extent.

Try not to flame me for not reading the basics, because they're hard to find. I've read about 10 articles with titles claiming to tell me what I want to know online at SOS. All the threads I've looked at (hundreds) don't give me what I need to know.

What is the setup that I want?

 

[Seanmorse79]

First, I want to be able to record electronic instruments: a violin with a pickup, an electric guitar, an electric bass. I assume these all work through the same mechanism. I don't want to have to amplify them. Would the Pod be good for this? Or is there a more textbook solution?

...the Pod will work fairly well for guitar, but the more textbook solution is to run it through a guitar amp and mic it with a decent mic.

I would also like to occasionally record a few of these things simultaneously.

This will require a multi-input soundcard (Delta 44, 66, 1010, etc..) and a mixer with channel inserts or multiple busses. This can get expensive if you're financially challenged (like myself).

To do this, what software do I need? Pro-tools? Or is cubase good enough?

Cubase is good enough. Some even prefer it. Inexpensive (or freeware) softsynths are easier to come for VST than with ProTools.

I <i>think</i> what I need is an 4-8 input mixer running through a high-quality one in/one out soundcard, but i probably think wrong to some extent.

Close. Except for the multiple inputs (your choice).

 

[TexRoadkill]

Get a delta 44 or 1010
A souncraft M series mixer
Sonar or Cubase SX software

Those are all pretty high quality and not too incredibly expensive.