PC recording systems

[rage_crazy]

I havent even gotten into recording yet, but i am very interested in it. I have been reading lots about recording and decided that PC was the way to go. Anyways, what do i need to make music?

Do i need a mixer? or does the software allow me to do that? i can't find really stupid info lke this anywhere. So could some please let me know the nessary parts to a PC based recording studio. Thanks

 

[ella]

Analog interface (mixer if you want one I do it in the software)

Analog to digital transfer unit (this comes with most high end audio interface units but usually a better A/D converters are bought separately and then attached to your audio interface, or sound card.)

Audio interface or sound card. This is where you need to do a lot of research external firewire or USB to internal PCI cards like Maudio. But to really give you suggestions we would need to know how many inputs you need or better put how many things are you gong to record at the same time. Is this a project studio or more professional. Your budget, the kind of computer you have or if you dont have one would be a good thing to know as well.

The rest of it is in the computer to begin with BUT we havent gone much into your audio chain because we dont know what you want to record. Whether to need outboard gear or not. Lots of choices and directions. Enough to make you real dizzy and hurl at the prospect of how much money it may take to get the results you really want AND then you got to deal with learning the stuff.

HUGE learning curve on some of this equiptment and software.

Good luck I think it is very worth it though

 

[futurestar]

I have a Korg d16 all in one workstation, and a pc with Cubase sx. I agree that the learning curve with a pc sytem can be steep, but if you have the money to spend, I'd go with pc. Keep in mind, that there are a lot of extra things you will need to get good recordings/optimum performance from a computer set up.
A good soundcard
At least one good mic preamp
2 hard drives on your pc
a minimum of 1 gig of ram (recommended)
possibly some additional plug ins
at least one good condensor mic if you are doing any vocals, and or acoustic instruments.

On the other hand, most all in one units offer pretty much everything in one box, plus portability. You'd still need a decent mic & mic pre though. The cost would be a lot less for this type of set up, especially if you buy used. There are pros and cons for both. Good luck!

Mark

 

[fldrummer]

How many channels to you want to be able to record at a time? Will you need inserts? I'm trying to see what all you need...it might be pointless if you're gonna buy some thousand dollar a/d interface if your not gonna use the stuff you paid for.