Need some advice! (Gear, connectivity, etc) PLZ HELP!!

[djmemory]

Hey All,

'nother newcomer here! I have some general (and some specific) questions, if you guys wouldn't mind helpin me out. I'm a aspiring solo singer-songwriter, looking to do some recording. To give you some background, here's what I'll be working with:

Music Gear:
-Squier Standard Strat
-Taylor 414CE Acoustic
-Marshall 15W Amp w/ effects
-Boss DR-670/770 drum machine
-Line 6 Pod
-Cheap generic-brand dynamic mic (planning on buying a better mic)

Computer Gear:
-(Desktop) Dell P4 2.8Ghz, 768mb RAM, 60GB HD
-(Laptop) IBM 1.6GHz Pentium-M, 512MB, 40GB
-Cool Edit Pro 2.1 Software

As you can tell by my gear, nothing too fancy. I plan to do some simple recording (for now). For the most part, I'll be recording one track at a time (drum loops-->rhythm guitar/bass-->vocals-->lead guitar/harmony vocals/etc). So my first question is, would I need a mixer for that? Since I'll be recording every track via Cool Edit, wouldn't I just mix it there? I understand I'll still need a pre for the mic if I don't buy a mixer?

Next question leads to connectivity. I'm browsing different audio interfaces to suit my needs. I want to be able to utilize both my desktop and laptop for recording, so would an USB interface be the way to go? Types of connections that I can think of are 1/4", MIDI, and RCA.

So with that information, what do you guys suggest? And not just for the audio interface. ANY suggestions! I'm a newbie at this, so any help would be great. I'm pretty sure I haven't covered all bases...

Thanks in advance!

 

[Rokket]

Here is a link to some interfaces, so that you can decide which one you want:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/fg=42/g=rec/search?c=9132

You will need a mic pre, so here are some of them:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/fg=42/g=rec/search?c=4639

I don't know your budget or how much experience you have with these things, so I won't recommend one over the other. I think there is enough information on the site about the capabilities of each one. Good luck with it, and welcome to HR.com!

 

[djmemory]

Rokket,

Thanks for your reply! I noticed that you gave me some PCI card suggestions. Do you suggest that over USB interface? I'm really hoping I can use something that I interchange between desktop and laptop, but I'm still more biased toward quality.

And also, do you think I need a mixer? Again, I'll mostly be doing layering track over track with Cool Edit. From my understanding, a mixer is required if you're going to be doing multiple tracks (drums, vocal, guitar, etc) at once, right. Please correct me if i'm wrong, as my knowledge is still very elementary. Thank you!

 

[Dogman]

I've been using a cheap soundblaster mp3+ interface for a while, and it gets the job done. That would let you use it for both pc and laptop with usb. You will still need to get something for the mic pre as the usb thing is somrhting I connesct my 4 track recorder up to the pc with. You might get a pci card for the pc, like Rokket suggested, at least to start.

Here's the soundblaster link. http://creative.com/products/product.asp?category=1&subcategory=207&product=154

 

[Rokket]

Rokket,

Thanks for your reply! I noticed that you gave me some PCI card suggestions. Do you suggest that over USB interface? I'm really hoping I can use something that I interchange between desktop and laptop, but I'm still more biased toward quality.

And also, do you think I need a mixer? Again, I'll mostly be doing layering track over track with Cool Edit. From my understanding, a mixer is required if you're going to be doing multiple tracks (drums, vocal, guitar, etc) at once, right. Please correct me if i'm wrong, as my knowledge is still very elementary. Thank you!

If you are looking for something that will be connected to your pc and laptop, you can go with usb, but there have been some complaints about it. Search this bbs for usb problems, I'm sure you'll find it. But I've also heard that there are fewer problems with usb now that there is usb 2.0... Most of the usb problems have been associated with latency.
As far as a mixer, you will need one if you get an interface with only 2 inputs, especially if you want to record live drums, or connect your entire band at once...

 

[djmemory]

hey thanks guys, i have a better idea now. i really appreciate your help!

 

[Rokket]

If you get stuck again, just come on back...