Need Help Starting

[Timbo]

Hi, this is my first post. I'm fairly new to all this (except for a brief forray using Performer 1.0 and a Tascam 4 track cassette recorder).

I'm trying to build a nice little recording setup, but I consider my self not much more than a beginner.

Here's what I've got so far: G3 350 B & W (hope there are some Mac people here!), and a Korg M1. I found a really good deal (from a friend) on a Kurzweil PC88 which I think I'm gonna buy as well.

Aside from that, I'm at square one. Here are my questions:

Cakewalk, Cubase, Logic Audio? Many seem to really like Logic but it also sounds complicated for a beginner. I don't want to spend 18 months studying the manual.

Also, there seems to be a controversy over USB and serial. If I use a serial interface (like Pocket Express or something) I would have to install the port. Are the new USB MIDI interfaces too new and not really ready?

Eventually I want to do live digital as well and I'm looking at the Darla 24 card.

Sorry this is so long-winded. Any advice would be greatly appreciated as I am on a limited budget and don't want to make a costly mistake.

Thanks. Timbo

 

[REPUGnant]

I have produced a few albums on my G3 300 B+W and here are some of the things that I have learned.

Software wise I would go with MOTU's digital performer if I were you. As you I had previous expirience in performer which greatly reduced the learning curve in DP. I have been very happy with the recording power of the software and find it overall the easiest and most powerfull I have used yet (I have also used Logic Audio Platnim, and Cubase). From fist getting the program to recording took only hours.

In regards to serial and usb, I would advise getting a usb interface, there are few serial interfaces that work with midi and I have found that there are conflicts with them. Also the price of the adapters is to great to warrent a savings.

I would advise getting another audio card because of the limitations of the mac internal one. However it still works great to begin with.

I hope this helps

 

[tmcbrinn]

In addition to Cakewalk $Cubbase etc., check out Digital Preformer. It's a mac only program which goes for aruond $500 US, and its made by Mark of the Unicorn.