Please help me!

[berlinschool]

Hello,
I’m trying to find the most suitable means of recording in decent quality for the following purposes.

-Using my synth to record as audio to my computer
-Using my synth to record as a midi controller for a program with nice software synths
-Recording bass audio to my computer
-Recording direct vocals to my computer
-Software with a comprehensive mixing scheme

Assuming I know nothing about recording music which software should I use (I’ve been told protools/logic)? What piece of hardware do I need to physically connect the synth (Yamaha Motif S-90 ES) to a mid-grade computer? I’m looking to spend about $1000 (usually buy things used not retail). If you’re kind enough to respond I REALLY need things spelled out for me in this regard. Thanks in advance!

 

[CrowsofFritz]

To connect the synth, you can just connect it through a usb cable or MIDI. For the bass and vocals, your going to need an audio interface, which converts the analog signal to digital, and puts the track into the computer into a DAW. Your going to need a soundcard (interface) to be able to hear MIDI. I don't really feel like explaining MIDI if you don't know it. You can google it. As for the DAW (software) you can even use garage band to start off with! You don't need an expensive DAW right now

Or better yet here, Let me google that for you

 

[Supercreep]

You need an interface with MIDI and at least one channel of preamp for vox, bass etc.

Go to any music retailer website and search for "interface"

 

[PDP]

You can buy alot of gear with 1000 bucks.

Google (or search on Ebay) the following:

Many interfaces (like an M-Audio,) come with an entry level software (DAW) Cubase, Abelton etc. lets say 250.00 (make sure your interface has phantom power for your mic, most do)

For vox you should get a condensor mic MXL V67 or Rode NT1a 100.00 bucks off Ebay

Synth software if you even need it: Native Instruments Elements 79.00 bucks has bass, drums, amp sims all kinds of good stuff.

Monitors: (Trying to record on headphones, cheap speakers is a waste of time)

Tannoy 501a 325.00 a pair or
Yamaha hs50m 350.00 a pair

Good Luck!

 

[blairsuth]

You can get a Pro Tools LE system for less than $1000 and it comes with an interface that will allow you to do everything you want. If you need to record more than two tracks at a time you can get a bigger interface. Logic is more user friendly for musicians, Pro Tools is geared toward the technical engineering mind. If you need more software synths I would go with Logic, they both are great mixing platforms and come with plenty of plugins.
Good Luck!

 

[gcolbert]

Everyone seems to have neglected to mention that you will want a pretty hot computer. At least 2 CPUs at 2+ Ghz anf 4GB of RAM.

 

[JimmyS1969]

Everyone seems to have neglected to mention that you will want a pretty hot computer. At least 2 CPUs at 2+ Ghz anf 4GB of RAM.

That is definitely a key point especially if you are going to use virtual instruments. If you are not planning on recording multiple mic's at once (live drums) then save your money and go with a lesser (cheaper) interface to begin with. If you are serious about recording, $700.00 will build you a PC rig that will enable you to create til you quit. Add another grand if you want to go MAC. 2 core CPU's will work for basic audio recording, but in my experience, 4 core will give much better performance. I'm not however a computer geek. Just a recording one.

I am a biased Cubase user because it works for me. Take the time to download trials and decide for yourself what DAW (digital audio workstation) works-for you.

Your computer power will be the limiting factor involving amount of tracks or instruments you are able to work with.