Need Advice on Set-up

[teetopkram]

Greetings. Am a multi-year musician just starting my first foray into computer-based recording. I am looking for a minimal set-up that I can use to learn and become familiar with the recording process, with the intent of upgrading down the road if I have the right patience, interest, and success (i.e., not sounding halfway bad). Here is a list of the computer and music equipment I already have:

Acoustic guitar with pick-up
Electric guitar
Carvin AG100D Amp
Various pedal effects
Vox Tonelab
Yamaha PSR-510 keyboard (decent sound, looking to use as a MIDI controller)
Saxophone
Upright piano
Computer: Macintosh G4, 400 Mhz, 128 MB RAM, 10 GB HD, USB + Firewire

I will want to record each of these instruments at various points in time, but don't foresee myself initially recording any more than 2 tracks at a time (guitar plus singing). I will also try my hand at singing, though my voice sucks. So, I am looking as to advice on what soundcard to get, if I need a mixer, which microphone to get, which software to use, etc. I have about $500 to spend, but could spend more if the rationale for doing so is substantive. I will still need to spend money for a bass and drum machine/software, so I need to keep the recording expenses low. What I was thinking of getting was as follows:

Soundcard: M-Audio Audiophile 2496 (would more expensive 1010LT be better?)
Software: Garageband (already have) + whatever comes with soundcard
Microphone: Studio Project B1 (good all around for vocal and instrument).
Cheap Boom Microphone sound
Mixer (if needed): cheap Behringer

Please provide me with any guidance or advice to help make my decisions easier, along with equipment recommendations. Thanks.

Mark

 

[Bulls Hit]

For 2 track recording, the audiophile is a good card.
If you think there's ever a possibility of need ing 3 or more tracks, get the 1010LT.
I don't think either of those card come with much in the way of software, mabe Ableton or something. But you can download a free copy of Tracktion to get you started.
Have a look at the Yamaha MG10/2 mixer - $95. Again if you think you'll ever need more than 4 tracks, consider it's bigger brother the MG12/4 .

A 1010LT and the 12/4 would cost, a little over $400, leaving you around a $100 for a mic. DL your free copy of Tracktion and you're set for a while

 

[teetopkram]

Need for Mixer

Thanks for the excellent advice. I have just one question...if I am using software to record, track, eQ, etc., (or at least if the software has those capabilities), why would someone use a mixer too? If I understand correctly, the software would do the mixer's job (except for preamps). Is there an advantage to using a separate mixer?

Thanks again.

Mark

 

[Bulls Hit]

(except for preamps).

Mark

There's your answer.

Plus the mixer lets you route input to various places, insert hardware effects, accepts output back from your sound card for monitoring, headphones etc.

Ton of stuff you can do with it

 

[Tukkis]

If you think you're going to add all the effects on the software (eq,compression etc) then maybe just a preamp box. But a mixer does give you the flexiblity as Bulls Hit said to route audio back from the soundcard for monitor speakers and headphones. It will also give you the flexibility to add hardware or outboard gear later if you add on to your setup.

a Delta 1010Lt is probably you're safest best if you want expandability. It gives you 2 pre amps already on the card so you can start recording without a mixer if you want. Then you can add a mixer later on if you need more then 2 mics simultaneous.

Tukkis