PC vs. self-contained workstation recording

[gordholio]

Hi guys and gals:

I also posted this in the Computer and Sound Cards forum, so I apologize in advance for being repetitive.

Anyway, 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). 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!

 

[The Green Hornet]

Yo Gordholiamoses:

Well, if you go PC for your studio, there will be a learning curve because the manuals are so poorly written. But, you sound pretty PC savvy so it might be a "cakewalk" for you.

If you go the PC route, some companies run seminars in many cities and this might help you out before you buy. I went to one Digidesign [I think that's the name} seminar in Grand Rapids some time back; however, the seminar was conducted in engineerese and was definitely NOT for beginners.

If you do your homework before you plunk down the cash, you will probably ease right into a fun time. I use the Yam 2816 and in reality, it's a PC built into a small box with a small screen. I think a mouse can be used with the 4416, maybe even the 2816; however, I just push the arrow buttons and move the cursor around.

When you start, be willing to devote time to mixing and mixing and mixing so you get a good result.

Whichever way you go, you will have fun.
Green Hornet

 

[James Argo]

Yo there...
If you think you'll use Windows based PC, then Cakewalk (Home Studio, Sonar, CWPA, etc) will be the right one you need. Easy to use, complete, and also offering good quality indeed. The only thing you'll concern is the recording technic. If you record the band live (everything at once) you'll need PC Audio card that has at least 8 line input. Hook any external sound source each line, set each track to record to each responden line, BUFFF... you got it... you can mix 'em then... But if you want to record it step by step (overdubing), any available multimedia such like SB Live! card would do the job just fine...