Looking to move up in life

[synergy]

I have just recently discovered the joys of home recording, but already I feel the need to upgrade. I play the guitar as my main instrument, but also hack around on the keyboard, play bass guitar, and attempt to sing. As far as software I've got Cakewalk Pro Audio 9, Sound Forge, and I use d-lusion's drum station to lay down drum tracks. The soundcard I am using at the moment is the one that came stock on my Compaq Presario. I use 1/4" to 1/8" converters to plug directly into the card, which is probably a sin to most of you. Although it was fun at first, plugging the guitar directly into the computer left something to be desired. Then I tried inputing into my Peavey amp and outputing to the card to try to boost the signal. This helped a little but I still cannot get that "full" sound that my heart desires. So I guess the point is, what equipment, i.e. soundcard, mixer, whatever--do I need to get proffesional sounding recordings?

 

[kennedy connor]

I just upgraded to a whole new machine ...PIII 700 ..256 et. al. but i used to make some decent recordings on my AST 166 with a maxtor hd and cw homestudio thru those little plugs in the back of the computer and the onboard sound card......
What i don't here you mention is having a mixer which was the critical factor in how the sound got into the box...the cheap card was'nt so much an issue on the screaming guitar stuff but the acoustic gtr was a little noisy...again mixer and mic are critical....I have anice Allen and Heath board but a little used Mackie would do the job.....spend a little extra on a recording mic not a PA...shure 57 if you want a little subtley to your stuff ..... my current specs


Abit BE-6-2 440BX
Pentium 3 750 slot 1
Maxtor 30.7GB (audio)
Maxtor 10.2GB (system)
256MB PC 100
Plextor 12x10x32x
ATI Xpert 98 8MB
Teac 1.44MB
Mitsumi keyboard
Microsoft intellimouse
Win 98 SE
#A50 Case
Linksys 10/100 ethernet LAN card
Cakewalk Proaudio 9
Creative Labs Ensoniq sound card
Soundscape Mixtreme V1.04
Soundscape SS810-3
Giga Studio 96

the Giga is an amazing device....I try to keep this machine primarily for audio....But I would say it's a pro level system and I'm rapidly selling my analog gear....the sound is so Quiet I spent years trying to make Quality recordings and this system is cheaper then my Korg M1 i bought in 89....I can't reccomend enough really studying your options .....look at what the turnkey guy s do Soundchaser, Wave Digital, Audio Computing...pick peoples brains,,,,,there lots of forums like this one and a lot of people will help you out but all this necesscitates becomig a bit of a geek ...a seemingly hip thing to be nowdays

good luck!

 

[j]

what kinda sound are ya shootin for?