question about getting started

[a friend]

I am looking to start recording using my computer and want to know what is the best program to use for recording at home on your computer. I have a band and want to start recording our music from home. I have been using a Zoom MRS-802b and I have all of the mics. I just want to know what else I need to get started recording on my computer. Do I need a mixing board? What are the best kinds for the computer? Most importantly, what is the best program for my computer to get started?

 

[gbondo9]

Everyone has their preferences. A lot of your Digital Audio Workstation and Audio Interface choices will probably bank on what you want to spend and the level of quality you want to achieve.

Personally I've used Audio Interfaces (they perform the function of getting Audio into your computer - and often do the Analog to Digital conversion - and back again) by Event and M-Audio. I liked em both.

Currently I'm using a M-Audio Delta 66. It's considered Pro-sumer gear (or maybe just straight up budget gear). It does everything I need it to at a fairly high quality level (24/96) with good transparency. It has 4 inputs and 4 outputs. I run most of my mics through outboard preamps and I also have a 10 channel Yamaha MG mixer for running more stuff if I want.

As for computer programs - most of em have demos. Check out Cubase, Sonar, Protools, etc. Audacity is free if you want to try that. I use Sonar 4 for multitracking, and I like it a lot. I use Sound Forge 8 or mastering (sort of) and single file editing.

Hope this helps.
Good luck!
Todd