New Computer question

[Go_Blue80]

I have a cheap laptop that wont be able to get it done as far as recording goes, I want to get a desktop that will be sufficient for recording, spending less as possible. Like what i ask the sales rep for as far as hardware goes. will i need a special sound card if i want to plug in multiple mics, or is there an adapter or what? i'm sorry if this has already been answered, any help appreciated

 

[dachay2tnr]

You might want to consider building your own. While you can record with "off the shelf" systems, building your own allows you to design the machine explicitly for recording purposes, and to specify all your own components.

As for sound cards, most stock sound cards will allow for up to two inputs using the "stereo" line in connection. However, to use mics with this connection, you will need to "preamplify" the signal using a preamp or a mixer. Also, the A/D converters on the "stock" cards supplied with most computers are fairly crappy.

Here's an article that will give you an idea of what's involved in building your own DAW http://www.prorec.com/prorec/articles.nsf/files/D6A94D6B2F7DA99186256A7F00747CC9

If you don't feel comfortable in doing this, there are people who are assembling computers specifically for recording purposes. One that I have heard recommended is http://www.studiocat.com/

[disclaimer] I have never dealt with studiocat personally. But their reputation appears to be very good. However, this is second hand knowledge I am passing along. [/disclaimer]

 

[tvaillan]

for cost effectiveness ...
you'll be fine with an AMD Duron 800 + with 256MB Ram and a 20G 7200 RPM drive.
CD-ROM burner
17 inch monitor at least.
midiman audiophile 2496 soundcard.

all this can be yours for about 1000$. shop around.

--- by comparison ----

i'm using an AMD k6-2 400Mhz overclocked CPU
VIA chipset (yeah I know)
512 M ram
40G 5400 RPM drive
audiophile 2496

If I can do decent , allbeit somewhat painful recording (cakewalk Sonar) on my system, you can certainly pull it off on a Duron 800 with a faster drive.

It doesn't have to be that expensive. Depends on how many tracks you want to record simultaneously and how crucial the utilization of real time effects are.

Read the forums on this site to get a better understanding of what you need, by first actually figuring out what your actual needs are.

 

[tvaillan]

oops

keeping in mind that i'm talking in canadian dollars.