Moving from V-studio hardware to PC-based recording

[RKB]

Ok, experts. Up to now, I've been doing everything on my Roland V-studios. I've only introduced the computer at the end, to burn the discs. I'm looking at buying a new computer, and want to move as much to the PC as possible.

My question is: what do I need? For example, is Pro-Tools the best game in town? Should I get an outboard midi interface, or will a pc card work just as well? I want to make sure I get the best pc configuration for what I'm primarily going to be using it for: studio work.

 

[James Argo]

Well, can you be more specific on "Studio work" ? Explain how would you do in studio? What do you want to accomplished? How would you use MIDI? etc. etc...


Jaymz

 

[RKB]

Sorry. Everything I do is MIDI. I have several sound modules and a couple of keyboards. Right now, I use Cakewalk on my PC to sequence everything. Then, I track everything over to the VS-studios and mix and finalize from there. I have a Midiman serial controller connected to my PC to control all of the equipment, using the midi thru ports to string everything together.

I want to be able to do more with my PC. I want to be able to see the waveforms and edit them in real time, particularly during "mastering" to see where the levels are.

Does that help?

 

[James Argo]

Yes!!! You're on right direction here One more question, what version of Cakewalk you are running curently? and what Windows?

FYI, Any Cakewalk from version Pro Audio 4 can handle MIDI and audio as well. Off course, Version 4 is outdated now, and you have much better option to use nowdays (Home studio, Sonar, etc.). For example, using Sonar, you can sequence MIDI, convert to audio (using various DXi - soft synth/sampler), and mix the result audio track without the need of external gears (except perhaps MIDI controller to input MIDI data). It will "show" you the wave form audio data on track, and insert effect here and there. You can edit, copy paste, make loops, etc.etc.

Your MIDI interface is good enough, and can be used just fine unless you want to develop your MIDI routing. All you need is good soundcard to work with audio. Some card like Audiophile 2496 or Terratec EWX2496 will be good yet rather cheap to start.


Jaymz