Need advice.. Im looking to edit/record via computer....

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Voxpopuli

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Hey, Its time to toss the 4track. Im looking to edit/record via computer..I want to get a complete set up. Need advice about what software, and audio card to get. The main reason why Im looking into this is editing, 2nd recording. My computer: Win98 PII 450mhz 256mb RAM. My Gear: MPC2KXL, S2000, KorgN364, Novation BassStation, Lexi Reflex. I know nothing about editing/recording. The only thing Ive used for recording is a 4track. My music is really starting to impress me so it is now time to get real serious about the editing/recording to a finished product. What should I get, and how should I set it up, would I need a mixer for recording in or out? I am looking into products like the Layla24, Aardvark24, Sonar, Sound Forge, Mackie mixers Any advice would be very appreciated. I know nothing about the recording/editing/computer end of music. Thanks, Dave
 
Im assuming you are wanting good quality....what types of sources will you be recording besides the gear listed (vocals, guitars?)....how many inputs will you be needed (live drums?band?)....will you want to mix in software or with an outboard mixer?....
 
I'm looking for the best quality I can get. I have about $1200 to play with for now(with more money to come in the next few months). I'll be recording vocals, synths, and samplers... Im looking for great editing features.. I want to alter, cut, paste, tweek, and create better arrangements. I guess what im trying to say is I want to take some basic arrangements, and rough drafts to the next level. I guess it would be better to have more outputs than inputs.. But on my samplers alone I have 16 outputs... I was told once I arranged all my tracks on the computer I should play out to a mixer? Like I said I have no idea..what are my options?
Thanks again, Dave
 
with the equipment you have, you will need a high quality sound card to do justice.

I just saw the aadvark q10 and it is an impressive looking thing. eight inputs, 8 mic pres onboard which can also accept direct in. ten outputs, 4 inserts. I think it has midi in out. Really impressive..

The other cards you mentioned will work fine and sound good. You will probably want an audio/midi sequencer to do all the multitracking. You know, your next 45 track hit.

Vegas has no midi, but is by far the easiest to use and it allows you to concentrate on making music.

I like Logic myself cos I've heard good stuff from it, but it is a pain to get used to.

I suspect that you already have high quality monitors. If not, you will need to get a pair, to get the best quality out of your work.

You'll be blown away when you move from tape to computer. THe editting possibilities alone are almost mind-blowing.
 
Good advice from Cyan... I have an Aardvark Direct Pro LX6 and really like it. The Q10 looks awesome, and if you need more inputs/outputs than a 4 in system, it is probably worth looking into.

I just checked www.bayviewproaudio.com , and they have the Q10 listed at $699. That's a pretty killer price. I've heard good things about the Aardvark mic pre's (my LX6 doesn't have mic pre's, which I didn't really need). I believe the Q10 ships with Cakewalk Pro Audio 9, which is probably pretty decent. (Others can tell you more about that - I haven't used it since Cakewalk 4 or something like that.)

I know the Midiman Delta 1010 sells w/ Vegas for about $599, but the 1010 doesn't have mic pre's.

Either way, if you get one of those setups, that will likely hold you over for a while. (Especially if the Q10 has decent mic pre's so you can put off a mixer or standalone preamps.)

That leaves you ~$500. With that money you can get a decent (read "ok") set of monitors (Yorkville YSM-1's come to mind - or something powered is an option) and maybe (MAYBE!!!) have a little left over for an audio editor.
 
Cubase5 is great for recording, mixing, and arranging.

N-track Studio is great for the price, and protools will get ya everythin.
 
Ive been told that Cubase has stabilty issues. Are Cakewalk products much more reliable?
Thanks, Dave
 
My 2 cents...

I use Cakewalk (recently upgraded to SONAR) and would characterize it as very stable. The MIDI implementation is also very good, and this will be of particular interest to you as you are doing keys and vocals.

I would go for the Aark LX6 ($400), a Makcie 1202 ($300), and you should have enough left over for a nice mic. The LX6 is also bundled with Cake now.

Oops, forgot the monitors. and the headphones, and the cables. But you get the idea.

Good luck, and be prepared, it takes a while to get the hang of this stuff. Its taken me almost as much effort to learn recording as taking up the guitar, and I'm no pro at either.
 
hmm

cubase has its problems, but is better for nailing then cakewalk, and great for arranging.
 
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