New but old question from the newest newbie?

[singerphil]

I Am wanting to get into PC recording(SURPRISE) at home and also at girlfriends live shows wanting to know what I need for both. Also can I get one setup and use at both.

Here's what I have ( I know it's not a lot, I just don't want to buy a lot until I know what I need.)

Dell Home PC
3.2 Gig PENT 4 processor
1 gig RAM
160 GIG HD 7200 RPM
80 GIG Hd 7200 RPM
DVD/CD burner
SB live soundcard ( I hear these suck for PC recording)


Sony VAIO Laptop (presumably going to be used for live show recording)
2 gig processor
500 sum ram
80 gig HD
DVD/CD burner


One Shure 87A mic bought for girlfriend/ lead singer. Primarily sings rock/blues/jazz and yeah she's good. No I'm not partial. I am a vocal performance major.

planned on getting a couple other shure mics for picking up amps, and eventually a drum mic kit. Our next drummer will have one of his/her own.

Anyway, I am looking at putting together a demo for her band as well as being able to record live music. This is why I have the two computers. I am looking at achieving a descent quality recording while I don't need it to be pro quality. As far as budget goes, obviously I would like to keep it as inexpensive as possible, but I realize I will be spending some dough.

What else do I need? Here are my questions.

Can I mix into my computer with a mackie mixer board used for the live shows? OR

Do I need a new soundcard, or should I get an external interface, like fire box? or should I do both. If I got an external interface. could I use that for recording at home and at the live shows?

Software? I've read so many reviews I don't know up from down. What I'm looking for is software that can do everything from recording several trax at a time to mixing, mastering, and finally spit out the CD. IS there such a program. I want it to do this but also be as user friendly as possible. I am knew to recording sofware. OH did I mention I don't want to pay a ton for the software..(I know I'm asking for a lot)


I already know I need a good set of monitors and also a nice quite area for recording. preferably a seperate room that my computer is in.

I am open to any and all suggestions. The more the better.

Also if you recommend getting an interface is there any that are similar to the firebox but less expensive.

 

[CyanJaguar]

you need software and a new soundcard.

software: I suggest cubase as it is pretty easy to use

soundcard. Anything by m-audio should be good

 

[Creamyapples1]

I would start by identifying your needs/abilities for picking up the sound on-stage. How many mics are you going to use, etc? (mic placement would fit in this category as well) also what can your mixing console handle? Does it have direct outs on each channel? How many busses does it have? Once you figure out what you CAN use, you can start to figure out what you WANT to use and how to set it up. Once you figure out your needs/abilities, try to find a soundcard that will allow that setup. Obviously, this could be 16+ mics or 1 mic, depends on how you get down, and what works for you. One thing I've learned, thinking outside the box, and trial and error yields some of the best results, and getting some ideas/pointers in the beginning is a great way to go. I know how the money game works, I'm sure we all do, my best advice is to buy something that you can use and grow into as opposed to something you'll need to replace as your needs change and progress. This can be done while still maintaining a decent budget for the project. Biggest thing is, take your time, it's free and if there is one thing you have plenty of, time would be it.

 

[peritus]

If you'd like to bang around with some FREE and basic but good recording software... Check these out...

Computer Muzys is probably the best free (has multitrack and VST capabilities) recording app I'm aware of...

Audacity The best free "get it done quick" audio editor I know of...plus other cool things too!

CDex will help you convert WAVs to MP3s and back again (also free)...

The Gimp is a great image (Photoshop clone) for creating and editing pictures for when the album drops... yup.. free

I wish I would have fully exploited the free things available to me before dropping dollars... You can learn a WHOLE lot with those apps about... Also...

Here are some tutorial sites that can do wonders for your recording knowledge....

Computer Music Magazine

EQ Magazine

Sound On Sound Magazine

And when you get to the issue of accoustics (which you should learn about as early as humanly possible!) check out Ethan Winer's totally awesome writeup...

And an equally sweet writeup (actually a forum thread) on microphones authored LARGELY by Harvey Gerst....

... lol... hope I helped... All the things above have been invaluable to me at one time or another...

 

[peritus]

Oh yeah.. as far as "soundcards" go... yes.. A firewire/usb device would probably be best so you can use it with both computers... (Although once you're setup, there's gonna be more than just a power and data cable to disconnect everytime you hit the road...aka .)

 

[Creamyapples1]

Oh yeah, gotta love disconnecting/reconnecting for every application lol

 

[singerphil]

thanks

Wow, I can't believe the response you get on this forum. This is really awsome. Thanks for all your input so far.