Need suggestions...

[Neotrix]

Hi there. As the title says, I need some suggestions. Since I cant really find good bandmates where I live, I decided that I should do a solo band instead. So I need some suggestions what would I need to make music. Since Im a guitar player, I would need some MIDI sequencing and drum machines. Here's what I planned out:
(Guitar and drum machine) and Casio synthesizer--> 4 or 5 channel Mixer-->Audio/Midi Interface (PCI Card prefered)-->Recording program-->Studio Monitors
Obiously, the synthesizer will have to connect directly to the interface. But anyway, would this be a good setup for a solo band like me? If so, would you mind if naming some specific brand/model that would fit in this category? And also, is it neccesary to have Direct Box for my guitar to connect the mixer, since I could just plug it in from my amp's line out? thx in adv

later

 

[Purge]

I'd recommend Reason (takes care of the drums AND synth) and a cheap M-Audio midi controller. And yes, you could go direct with the guitar, but you might want to consider paying 50 or 60 bucks for a used Shure SM-57 mic, and using that instead. Sounds WAY better than direct. For a cheap (but excellent) mixer, look at the Yamaha MG series--they're widely considered one of the best "bang for the buck" deals out there, as far as recording gear goes. Monitors...well, that's gonna cost ya. Figure spending at least $250 for your monitoring setup...preferably a little more.

 

[Neotrix]

so the setup i described isnt good, like the following:

I already got a synthesizer in fact; its an old Casio Ctk-630. Its old, but it works.

 

[dwillis45]

Why do you need a mixer? You're not playing with other musicians and it doesn't look like it's going to be used to mix from the computer to a cd burner or tape player. Are you trying to record guitar while the drum machine and synth are playing? Wouldn't it be easier to just record one track at a time using multitrack sequence software?

 

[Neotrix]

but it isnt a mixer is the heart of homerecording? without it, you woulnt able to control the level of the incoming signal, tone, etc.

 

[dwillis45]

but it isnt a mixer is the heart of homerecording? without it, you woulnt able to control the level of the incoming signal, tone, etc.

It depends on the mixer and how you use it. But in the most simple setup, you can control the mixing function from your computer software. A mixer is handy if you are trying to record a bunch of mics or musicians at the same time. You can also use a mixer to receive output from the computer on it's way to an external CD burner. But, unless you need to have your hands on a board or you like the look of a mixer, they are not absolutely necessary.

 

[Neotrix]

What bout the PCI card then? what would you guys suggest?

 

[ssscientist]

Either this, this or this.