All depends...
gervis said:
i have cakewalk guitar studio 2, and soundblaster platinum with live drive- this has ports for audio & midi.
my question is: will this be suitable for recording, or is an external mixer/ midi interface via usb (or?) going to be easier/ better sound quality etc. ...
or would it be a good idea to get one any way to have @ mixdown time?
totally newbie, dude
It just depends...
Are you going to be recording just one source at a time?
Are you going to be working with mainly midi?
What kind of quality do you want to achieve?
Generally speaking...
Your set up is "adequate" for recording. The only thing you'll need to record guitar, vocals, etc. is a preamp to boost the signal. DO NOT use the mic in on your soundcard, use the line in. You can't go wrong with the Art MP for a preamp.
If you are just recording one intrument at a time then a mixer is pretty pointless at this stage of the game.
If you want to achieve better results then...
You'll need alot of money and alot of time spent piecing it all together. A short list of things to start reading about...
1) Mics, these are arguably the most important thing.
2) Monitors, flat responce reference speakers for mixing
3) Quality A/D Convertors, basically a "pro" soundcard.
4) Multitrack software, I suggest N-track for starting out.
5) More Mics, really, you can't have to many...
6) Preamps/Mixer, depending on your needs.
7) Compressor, Buy an RNC, really, just do it.
8) Reasonable Cables, cables can be a weak link
9) Mixdown Media, usually a CDR burner, ADAT, etc.
The list goes on and on. Just do a few searches on the above and the picture will start to become clearer (or muddier ;P). Hope this was of some help....
-Val
