PC vs. self-contained workstation recording

[gordholio]

Hi guys and gals:

I am in a totally amateur (in every sense of the word) garage band. We have recently stumbled onto the idea of recording our orignal tunes. About a week ago, I purchased a BOSS BR-8. I have now returned it, not because it wasn't cool, but because of its limitations (bad PC connectivity, tiny viewing screen, etc.).

I want to build a small PC "recording studio" instead. I am familiar with PCs (I can take one apart and put it back togther again, knowing the function of each component). Anyway, I'm building a PIII or P4 system with 256 MB RAM, 40 GB hard drive, Delta 66 card/breakout box.

What I'd like to know is: how steep is the learning curve of PC recording software? I found that using the BR-8 was incredibly easy and am wondering if going the PC route is appreciably more difficult. Also, what would your suggestions be for a basic software package that allows me to record four tracks at once? I'm not interested in $300 or $400 recording software that can do all sorts of esoteric things. We simply want a good quality recording of our drums, guitar, bass and vocals. We'll do some of it through microphones and we'll do some of it by plugging in directly.

Any input would be totally appreciated!! I do apologize for posting in this mostly hardware-related forum, but I figured it might be a good way of getting the attention of computer users.

Thanks very much in advance!

 

[gartulan]

I own a self contained BR532 and feel limited as hell.

I am also interest in finding exactly what it takes to make it happen on a cpu based recording system.

I know you need a fast computer---a good sound card---of course good mikes--and definetley some good software. Maybe not 400 a program--but definitely protools or soundforge or Cakewalk Home Studio.

The question is do you want to lay down some tracks or really get it together?

 

[RWhite]

"I am familiar with PCs (I can take one apart and put it back togther again, knowing the function of each component). Anyway, I'm building a PIII or P4 system with 256 MB RAM, 40 GB hard drive, Delta 66 card/breakout box."

I think you answered your own question. Yes, you should go the PC route. The part of PC recording that gives most people the biggest headaches is the part you already know.

As for software, I use Cakewalk Pro, the more recent version of which is called Sonar. They make a slimmed-down version of Sonar called Guitar Studo (last time I looked) which would probably work for you, although I think it only allows 2 tracks to be recorded at any one time (you can overdub onto others of course). There is also a free version of the program ProTools, but I never had any luck making that work - never spent much time on it though. There are certainly other choices, just search or browse through this room.

 

[TexRoadkill]

Ntracks and CoolEdit Pro are probably 2 of the easiest programs to use right away.

 

[blinddogblues]

If you want to record 4 tracks at once, you better consider what sound card (s) you are going to buy more than the software. I think most audio software is going to handle 4 or more tracks at once no problem, some audio cards do not. Also, the horse power of your computer will determine how many tracks you can record simulteanously. If you are recording a full band with drums and want to record live, you will want alot of simulteanous tracks. I have a PIII 700 w/256 megs ram and I get 12 at once at 44.1 and 32 bit.