PLEASE - Help me!!!

  • Thread starter Thread starter Tansy
  • Start date Start date
T

Tansy

New member
I've just started using this site and am really impressed with the friendliness I'm seeing. I'm a singer/songwriter who wants to start using the computer to record acoustic guitar, percussion (djembe), multitracked vocals (loads of harmonies) and midi keyboard. I'm fed up of bouncing between two crappy cassette recorders especially since I once owned a 16 track analogue studio - I'm used to twiddling knobs! I haven't got a clue as to what to buy but my computer has a 30gig hard drive and cd-rewriter already but a crap soundcard.
I want to buy something I can just download and get going with the many multitracked sounds I've got in my head! It all looks really complicated - is there something really easy (idiot proof!) out there?
I'd be really grateful for any help in starting out.
Cheers,
Tansy
 
Yo Tansy Dansy Recordsy:

Something simple to use to "just" record some "decent" sounds?

The Yamaha MD8, [ I have one ], is ready to record out of the box. Oh, there is a learning curve for the nitty gritty of editing, etc. But, that won't come into play for basic recording. It has 8 tracks and pretty good [not CD quality] sound.

Want to get into a unit that has more headroom than a convention of bald men and women, it's the Yamaha 2816/ or its brother of firstborn, 4416. This unit does it all; 16 tracks, stereo mixdown, and then a CDR or CDRW all in the digital domain.

BUT THERE IS A LEARNING CURVE WITH EITHER UNIT.

[2816 is a bit easier; I have one] My MD8 experience was very helpful.

Or, marry a rich one and let that person pay for a professional studio to do your "stuff."

Happy St. Patrick's Day
Green Hornet














:D :D :p
 
When you're talking about multitracked vocals, how many tracks do you need to record simultaneously?

If you're by yourself, a decent soundcard supporting MIDI will be needed. A Soundblaster Live is cheap to start with. A Delta Audiophile 2496 is more expensive but better sound. You get what you pay for.

What other recording equipment do you already have? Any software? How much money can you spend?
 
Cheers guys!

Thanks Greenhornet and Giaschel!
I'll certainly investigate and follow-up your advice. I've currently got no software at all and can afford about £500 to set me up with soundcard, software and peripherals (is that how you spell it?!) like decent microphone etc. I'll need at least 8 tracks but will have to bounce about among tracks - 16+ would suit me much better. Can you tell me if I'll need an external drum machine if I want drums or will they be built into the software. Also, should I get an external mixing desk or what!

Happy New Year and Happy St Patrick's Day to you
love
Tansy
 
Paris maybe?

Hey there Tansy,

my situation was quite similar to yours, both PC rig and recording requirements.

I got the most basic Paris rig (Ensoniq), hooked up to my PC system... don't know if that's within or outside your budget... but it kicks ass and does loads more than I need it to.

That combined with various sample CDs for percussion loops, prepared through Acid, Recycler and sometimes Fruityloops, is awesome.

Expandibility is endless. Most of the audio processing is on the Paris card and doesn't bother my CPU. Can record up to 4 simultaneous tracks, more than I need. Oh, you'll need a mic preamp though... I've used a Joemeek VC6 but haven't been happy with it as my "sole provider"...

If this sounds interesting, don't hesitate to email me!

cheers /Tommy
 
One last thing. You may also get a Delta Omnistudio which includes a 4 in/4out with spdif soundcard, an internal virtual mixer and two preamps.

All that's left to buy is software and mics.

I personally use it and it's great.

Your crap soundcard may be able to handle MIDI.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top