new to PC Recording....

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Basslord1124

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Hey,

I've decided I want to look into PC Recording mainly b/c I've tinkered around enough with my 4 track and besides we already have a CD Burner on our computer. I was wanting to know if anyone could give me some advice on what kind of hardware and/or software I need to get for our PC (I do happen to have a $50 PC recording program by Magix on our computer). I'd like to keep the cost somewhat down if I can. I know that I'll probably need lots of RAM and a good soundcard but that's all I know at this point. For computer info we have a 350 mhz PII processor, 64MB of RAM and plenty of hard disk space (we got about 16 Gig left). In regards to my type of recording basically I doubt I'd use anymore than 8 tracks (normally I average about 6). But if anyone could give me any recommendations or tips on PC recording please let me know...I'm looking forward to creating great sound quality recordings of my material. Thanks.
 
Forgot to mention, I'm not sure what type of soundcard our computer has but it's basically the one that came with the PC when we bought it. Or simply put, definitely not the "best" soundcard for recording I'm sure.
 
Basslord, welcome. I suggest Pro Audio9 by Cakewalk, a fine program and very reasonable now ( about $170). Where in Ohio are you? I think I am the only one here from the Cleveland area.

Your computer will run Cakewalk. It wont run it well, but it will be enough to learn how to use it. All the programs ( Cakewalk, Cubase, Logic, Etc.) have a steep learning curve, so be prepared.

My Computer is a 566 with 128 ram and Darla24 soundcard, and it struggles with complicated stuff.

The soundcards that come with most store-bought computers are lousy, so I would assume you will need a new one. Darla24 is great for people like me who are one-man bands, but if you work with others check out some other ones.

Cheers, Dave
 
Thanks for the advice so far everyone. Yeah I figured the 1st thing I was going to buy was extra RAM...of anything I have learned about PC recording is that you need a good amount of RAM. In regards to software, well I don't really have ambitions to spend a lot of moolah on some $300 recording program...but I might consider it within time (I noticed Pro Tools was like $300 or something like that). I've always thought Cakewalk was reasonably priced though. As for the sound card issue, DavidK you mentioned Darla24...well to be honest I was looking at the Echo line of soundcards in AMS magazine. I was deciding whether to get Darla or Gina...but that might be a little while before I get to that point. I do know that we have an open PCI slot on our PC (I checked it the other day).

As for DavidK, well I'm quite a ways away from Cleveland...I live pretty much on the southern tip of Ohio (WVa is pretty much a 5 minute trip across the bridge). We actually live across from Huntington, WVa...ever been there? And yeah I am pretty much a one man band. I'm basically just wanting a decent PC recording setup so I can put my demos on CD...and of course create better quality demos since I've been suffering with analog for a while.

One more thing, do you all think I should continue messing around with the recording program I've already got on the PC?? It's the Magix Generation 5 Music Studio or something like that. I mean, I'm sure it's not Pro Tools by any means but it might help me when I purchase a better program in the future. Or just say screw it and get something better.
 
hey

dude, how good is the darla???
i'm looking into buying that card. (im recording alone too)
 
I've never tried Magix. My father uses it to play around with sounds to put on his website but he is no musician. It seems to be geared towards a general public, maybe not exactly for recording.

You can maybe check out N-Track, which is known to be a very good value for the price (around 50$). You can download a free demo.
 
musicsdarkangel,

how good is the Darla? Frankly, I dont know! All I can say is that it sounds lots better than my Soundblaster live Card, and I have never had a problem with it in 1 year. For me, the sound quality is great, but I have never had the resources to do an A/B test with another card like Delta, nor do most people.

When I bought it, I thought if I didnt like it I would take it back. I still got it, so I guess that says something!
 
I got a quick question about the Darla...the input/output box thingy (sorry my lack of words on this one LOL), does it install inside your PC (sort of like an extra disk drive would) or is it an external unit??? Or can you get it in both forms??
 
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