please help newbee... first computer studio

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geddyentwistle

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its time to finally get a home computer recording system, and i have a
$2k budget...help, please

i've used a korg unit for years, and already have mics, monitors

so lacking are computer, interface, program.....what else??

i'll need 8 inputs, but would use 20 tracks at absolute most for any individual song

any "package" suggestions are greatly appreciated

thanks

alex
 
firepod or 8pre would work perfect for the interface. Do you need a PC from scratch?
 
Sweetwaters.com has some nice package deals in their catalogue. If not to buy the package, to give you an idea of what they might consider a 'starter package'. I'd go request a catalogue from their web site. The catalogue is to me what the "Sears Wishbook" used to be at Christmas time. (oh the toys!!)

i didn't check, but i'd bet MusiciansFriend.com also has package deals that would give you some ideas.
 
i'll need computer, interface and software, and whatever else

every package i've seen has mics, monitors that i don't need, or are high end pro-tools
 
well the best thing to do is build a PC, get one of the interfaces I mentioned above, and get cheap software. Audacity (free) or the end all Reaper ($50)

PC - $800 round about
interface - $300-$500
software - $50 tops
 
My recommendation, if you don't mind dabbling in putting together your own pc, is hit up newegg for your PC. I'd be happy to review parts with you to make sure stuff works (disclaimer, I am not affiliated with newegg).

I, personally, prefer FLstudio due to free upgrades. It works with asio, so you can record all your audio inputs at the same time. I use it with my MAudio Delta 4/4, but that's only 4. With enough CPU, I'm sure it'll do 8 no prob.

The software is around $150 but is def worth it, and will last you a long time!

The M-Audio delta 10/10 is $200. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829121011
 
My obligatory standard reply-for-newbies that I keep in Wordpad:

First off, immediately get a good beginner recording book (spend $20 before spending hundred$/thousand$) that shows you what you need to get started and how to hook everything up in your studio:
Home Recording for Musicians by Jeff Strong - $15
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/07...ce&n=283155&n=507846&s=books&v=glance
(Wish I'd had that when I started; would have saved me lots of money and time and grief)
You can also pick up this book in most any Borders or Barnes&Noble in the Music Books section!

Another good one is: Recording Guitar and Bass by Huw Price
http://www.amazon.com/Recording-Gui...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1215734124&sr=1-1
(I got my copy at a place called Half-Price Books for $6!!)

And you can get a FREE subscription to TapeOp magazine at www.tapeop.com

Barnes&Noble or Borders are great places to start --- they have recording books and you can go get a snack or coffee and read them for FREE! Don't pass by a good recording book --- this is a VERY technical hobby and you REALLY want to start a reference library!!!

Good Newbie guides that also explains all the basics and have good tips:
http://www.tweakheadz.com/guide.htm
http://www.computermusic.co.uk/page/computermusic?entry=free_beginner_pdfs
http://www.harmony-central.com/articles/

21 Ways To Assemble a Recording Rig: http://www.tweakheadz.com/rigs.htm

Also Good Info: http://www.theprojectstudiohandbook.com/directory.htm

Other recording books: http://musicbooksplus.com/home-recording-c-31.html

Still using a built-in soundcard?? Unfortunately, those are made with less than $1 worth of chips for beeps, boops and light gaming (not to mention cheapness for the manufacturer) and NOT quality music production.
#1 Rule of Recording: You MUST replace the built-in soundcard.
Here's a good guide and suggestions: http://www.tweakheadz.com/soundcards_for_the_home_studio.htm


Plenty of software around to record for FREE to start out on:

Audacity: http://audacity.sourceforge.net (multi-track with VST support)
Wavosaur: http://www.wavosaur.com/ (a stereo audio file editor with VST support)\
Kristal: http://www.kreatives.org/kristal/
Other freebies and shareware: www.hitsquad.com/smm

Another great option is REAPER at http://www.cockos.com/reaper/ (It's $50 but runs for free until you get guilty enough to pay for it...)
I use Reaper and highly reccomend it...

Music Notation and MIDI recording: Melody Assistant ($25) and Harmony Assistant ($80) have the power of $600 notation packages - http://myriad-online.com
Demo you can try on the website.

And you can go out to any Barnes&Noble or Borders and pick up "Computer Music" magazine - they have a full FREE studio suite in every issue's DVD, including sequencers, plugins and tons of audio samples. (November 2006 they gave away a full copy of SamplitudeV8SE worth $150, November 2007-on the racks Dec in the US- they gave away SamplitudeV9SE. It pays to watch 'em for giveaways...)
 
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