Need some advice/ideas!

[DeeDub]

Hi, folks! My first post here!

I’d like to set up a more “extensive” home recording setup. At the moment, I have a Line6 Toneport UX2, which is fine for recording guitars and a vocal tracks to get ideas, but I’d like to be able to take the computer into a recording space and record multiple tracks (ie. Live drum tracks), or multiple mic positions on a real amp. I’m using an older version of Nuendo, and I like the feel/look of the interface.

I’d also like some opinions on a good USB keyboard midi controller for doing bass , strings, sample drums, etc. I don’t see myself needing more than 2 octaves of keys.

What are some decent active monitors that won't cost me an arm and a leg?

Recommendations on a mixer and software would be appreciated, also! I’m leaning towards Cubase on the software side because of the similarities between it and Nuendo, being as they are both Steinberg products. Also, the big drawback to the version of Nuendo I use now is using drum samples. I have to time stretch each individual sample. I hear the newer stuff has drag and drop sample insertion.. with automatic time stretch/compression to your set tempo! That would be great!

Thanks in advance for any info!

 

[wheelema]

...
I’d also like some opinions on a good USB keyboard midi controller for doing bass , strings, sample drums, etc. I don’t see myself needing more than 2 octaves of keys...

M-Audio.

What are some decent active monitors that won't cost me an arm and a leg?

Not too sure what the market price is on arms and legs... never been a fan of long pork... but a number of people seem to appreciate Wharfedale.

 

[Freudian Slip]

I vote for m-audio keys as well. I have the axiom 49 and it's pretty nice.

I assume you have no mixing board? If that's the case I would look at a presonus firepod or something similar for and interface. It's either that or spring for a decent board (for pre's) and a decent converter.

As far as monitors go. It's really in the eye of the beholder when you are trying to stay around $500. I personally would not go below 8 inch woofers. Look into the KRK RP8 series. Warfdales are spoken highly of. I have not heard alot good about the new m-audio bx8a's.

Make a list and take some songs with different charictaristics (shrill in places) (over bassed) and see if it shows up. I find it better too look for monitors that sound bad when they should than ones that sound good all the time.

Be sure to look at Sonar before you buy software.

At you're stage I wouldsave money on the board and put it into good monitors Like ASP8's or BM5a's maybe the jbl's.


Good luck

F.S.