New Gear from Santa, How to get up and running?

[SynKid]

Hi Guys,

So I just got a Focusrite Saffire 6 USB and a pair of KRK Rokit 5's for Christmas. My computer can more than handle recording. I also downloaded reaper. My question is how should I hook it all up (i.e. computer to the monitors? interface to the monitors?, etc.) and if I should use RCA's or 1/4" cables. Also, Is reaper a good DAW to start with? I am planning on using that with EZ Drummer. I am also in the process of looking for some VSTs, as the only amp I have is a Line 6 (gross).

Thanks in advance,
Synkid

 

[bouldersoundguy]

I hear good things about Reaper, and not just about the price.

You will want all of your inputs and outputs for any music production to go through the Saffire. Whenever possible use the most professional connection. For your monitors that probably means balanced TRS 1/4" cables. TRS is the kind of plug on your headphones, but it can also be used for balanced signals, a professional format more resistant to noise over long runs than unbalanced consumer grade connections like RCA.

 

[mjbphotos]

The Saffire has unbalanced RCA outputs, so go RCA-to-RCA for hooking up your monitors to it. USB from Saffire to computer.

Reaper has lots of VSTs included with it, many for use with guitar.

EZ Drummer is easy to use with Reaper, just have the Reaper VST preferences point to its folder, call it up as a VST after creating a drums track, and drag and drop grooves, double click on the midi blocks to open the built-in midi editor.

 

[TimOBrien]

Starter Guide:

Tweak's Guide to the Home and Project Studio

Plus, immediately get a good beginner recording book (spend $20 before spending hundred$/thousand$) that shows you what you need to get started and how to hook everything up in your studio:
Home Recording for Musicians by Jeff Strong - $16
Amazon.com: Home Recording For Musicians For Dummies (9780470385425): Jeff Strong: Books

PC Recording Studios for Dummies - $16
Amazon.com: PC Recording Studios For Dummies (9780764577079): Jeff Strong: Books
(Wish I'd had those when I started; would have saved me lots of money and time and grief)
You can also pick up this book in most any Borders or Barnes&Noble in the Music Books section!

Recording Guitar and Bass by Huw Price
Amazon.com: Recording Guitar and Bass: Getting a Great Sound Every Time You Record (9780879307301): Huw Price: Books
(I got my copy at a place called Half-Price Books for $6!!)

Home Recording for Beginners by Geoffrey Francis
Amazon.com: Home Recording for Beginners (0082039538815): Geoffrey Francis: Books

When you get a bit into it, I highly recomend The Art of Mixing by David Gibson
Amazon.com: The Art of Mixing: A Visual Guide to Recording, Engineering, and Production (9781931140454): David Gibson: Books

A MUST READ: Kim Lajoie's "Lifesigns from studio" - FREE - http://www.errepici.it/web/download/KLBD.asp

And you can get a FREE subscription to TapeOp magazine at Tape Op Magazine