Old dog needs advice on learning new tricks

[veryinteresting]

Hello,

I am getting back into recording after a substantial layoff. At one point I was a busy touring and recording musician - but started to lose interest after dealing with too many fried musicians. Anyway...I am building a home studio and wondering what sort of gear will be best for my present situation? I expect I will have more than a few friends over to record.
To start I have budgeted $1000.00. Question is - should I go with an all in one stand alone unit or do the computer/software thing/interface thing? I understand that more $$ = more flexibility and options.

Thanks
Glen

 

[Massive Master]

"Personally" I'd go with the PC idea for the flexibility. However, I'd want more than $1,000 just for the monitoring... Your monitors are your windows to the sound. The most important part of your rig. The one place you should never try to cut corners. The big enchillada. The whole nine yards. The zenith of the paramount of the top of the food chain.

Sorry - Going a bit over the top there...

Or am I...?

But still - Maybe you can find a nice used set of something somewhere. I'd *still* go the PC route.

 

[veryinteresting]

Thanks..I think PC will be the way to go. Re: speakers - I agree but I also think resolution of the monitor amplifier is important. I've purchased and built a few low powered digital amplifiers recently. These amps provide resolution that I have not heard in many expensive amplifiers (Bryston 4B, Sumo Class A, etc)
I think for now I will have to live with the speakers I have (Mission cheapies,Triangle Titus). Though not monitors in the traditional sense I do know their sound very well.
I notice that Tascam makes a relatively cheap interface that comes with some software - hopefully I can find a cheap but fast computer!

Thanks
Glen

 

[LfO]

Check out the suggested rigs on Tweakheadz guide - should give you a feel for what people are currently doing:

http://www.tweakheadz.com/rigs.htm

If you're referring to the Tascam US122, it does have a good rep around here.