NEWBIE:I just wanna plug my instruments into my PC and edit them with software.Help?

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justbelowcloud9

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Hello,

Sheesh..they sure have a FORUM for everything..thank god. I really apprecaite all the people that take the time to contribute their knowledge and expertise and help us less knowledgable pick up on some things without paying for a book or getting a degree.

Anyways..on to my question.

I am new to the recording world and I am on a limited budget. I am currently using the BASE BASE model 4 track TASCAM cassette recorder. Personally..I think I wasted 80 bucks...but some of you who use it for strictly "something to mess around with every once in a while" it may be fine. I like the idea of digital recording because i am an avid computer nerd and the editing software availible seems to express "no limitations". I wouldnt need to connect more than two instruments at a time (for now). I am trying to do this for VERY cheap. I guess i am looking for a sound card with 1/4" inputs so i can plug my guitar right into my computer. I dont really have the money to buy a mixing board to...(and please correct me if i am wrong) but i am under the impression that i could save money by just buying the sound card and I could use recording software to mix/master. I have also considered the new Fostex Digital 8 track that has a USB output so I can transer the files onto my computer. Please let me know what I need t get started. I am thinking sound card and software wise...but ANY suggestions would be hepful. To sum it up...what do i need to get a fair quality recording ( i dont need studio/professional) for $300 or less...if thats possible.

Thanks
 
Unfortunately, there are no cards that you can plug an instrument directly into. However, you can easily get what you want for under $300. This is my suggestion for you:

Audio Buddy Preamp (to plug your instruments into) $79.95:

http://www.8thstreet.com/product.asp?ProductCode=10658&Category=Audio_Processors

M-Audio Audiophile sound card (Plug your audio buddy into this to get audio into your computer. It has two analog inputs, stereo digital inputs, and midi in and out.) $149.95:

http://www.8thstreet.com/product.asp?ProductCode=7587&Category=Audio_Interfaces

That puts you at about $230. If you still need software I'd suggest Cakewalk's Home Studio 2002 $89.95:

http://www.8thstreet.com/product.asp?ProductCode=4495&Category=Software

I guess that puts you $20 over budget, but you'd have a real nice starter setup for doing what you described.
 
Hey justbelowcloud9,

Two nearly identical recommendations within less than a minute. Best pay attention, little newbie.:)
 
Thanks for the suggestions guys. So instead of plugging my instruments directly into the computer...you go thru a preamp/mixer first..then thru the audio interface cards. Cool. Does this preamp/mixer accomplish the same thing?? .

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7...35/search/g=rec/s=mixers/detail/base_id/35499

Is that sound card the best value these days..intersting that you both recommended the same one. Does the card itself come with any recording software..or are there any cards that do?? Thanks for helping a lil newbie out!
 
Also,,,this guy is giving these away for 125 bucks. This is kinda like a card and a preamp in one right??
Click to expand...
True. Seasound is out of business, though, so there is no technical support available, and there will be no future driver updates.
 
Just to chime in on my recent experience. I wanted to do exactly what you did. I got pretty much the same setup that you all have come up with:

Audiophile
Eurotrack MX8020A
Cakewalk Home Studio.

It was just over 300 bucks including shipping from Zounds.


It works awesome!! Easy to use and the sound is much better than I thought it would be.
I might consider getting the eurotrack over dedicated preamps, it has 4 decent ones built in and gives you a more versitile setup than just preamps. Although the sound quality may be less, I am very happy with the sound of the Eurotrack.

I already had some SM 57 and SM 58 mics. Do you have mics already? If not, figure about 100 bucks apiece for some decent mics.
 
Hello again

How about this...

Anyone using a ECHO module called GINA. My friend is willing to give me that plus the cakewalk recording/mixing software all for about 130 bucks.

Is that a good deal...that way all i have to buy is an external preamp or mixer and i am good to go right??

anyone have experience with ECHO or GINA??

Thanks
 
that sounds pretty dang good. the gina is a step above the echo mia, which is a nice entry-level card. then all you'd need would be the audio buddy or Eurorack, so you'd be right around 200 bucks TOTAL. that's sweet.

that's a good deal, but make sure everything works. the sound card esp.


peace, and good luck!
 
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