New Here ... Question about Computer Recording of Instruments - Cards?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Renegade YJ
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Renegade YJ

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Hi ... I'm glad I found this site. I play the guitar and bass and would like to record on my home PC. I've read about all the different types of cards, breakout boxes, software, etc. The problem is that there are so many and I don't know what I really need and don't need. I've also read the reviews and some of the lingo makes little sense to me.

Since I'm new to home recording on a computer I wanted to start out slow, so the question is this:

Will the Echo Mia be enough for me to record songs? With the two 1/4" TRS inputs I assume that I can hook up my PA system. I don't have a mixing board, but may get one at some point. For the moment I have a signal processor, pre-amp and power amp. So I can just hook up my power amp OUT to the Echo Mia INPUT and I'm all set, right? If I get a mixing board, then can I, after setting all the levels, hook the OUT to the Echo Mia and record several instruments at once? I realize I won't have separate tracks for this.

I have also looked at the Darla 24, the EMU cards, Aardvark Digital Pro 24/96 ...but now we're getting into more expensive cards that I can't really afford at the moment.

I'd really appreciate any suggestions on what type of card and software I would need to start recording my music. Basically it'll have a bass track, rythym guitar track, lead guitar track and a vocal track. I'll probably use a drum machine for the drums, since I can't imagine trying to mike a drum set and getting it mixed properly for recording.

TIA

PS - In case your wondering, I used to play in a band (bass) and we never did manage to record a lot of our music, but did manage a few songs on the lead guitarist's Roland Digital 8-track. We played a covers (rock, disco, alternative) and our originals. Now that I haven't played in the band for a few months, I'm itching to play and record some tracks. :)
 
Oh ... I guess you'll probably want to know about my PC. I have a PIII-500, 128MB Ram, 17GB HD, Riptide (conexant) audio.
 
Will the Echo Mia be enough for me to record songs? With the two 1/4" TRS inputs I assume that I can hook up my PA system. I don't have a mixing board, but may get one at some point. For the moment I have a signal processor, pre-amp and power amp. So I can just hook up my power amp OUT to the Echo Mia INPUT and I'm all set, right?

Sorry I didn't read this sooner... I hope you did not try that! The power amp outs are the signals driving the speakers -- they will roast your poor Mia's Line Ins. Line In means Line Level Input, not amplified speaker-driving levels. The output from the preamp is what you want.

If I get a mixing board, then can I, after setting all the levels, hook the OUT to the Echo Mia and record several instruments at once? I realize I won't have separate tracks for this.

For this you would want a stereo mix out of the mixer into the Mia.

I'd really appreciate any suggestions on what type of card and software I would need to start recording my music. Basically it'll have a bass track, rythym guitar track, lead guitar track and a vocal track. I'll probably use a drum machine for the drums, since I can't imagine trying to mike a drum set and getting it mixed properly for recording.

If you plan to use a drum machine, you'll want something that supports MIDI. I hear n-Track is a good deal and works well.
 
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