Really new to this.

  • Thread starter Thread starter Slash1337
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Slash$- By chipset all that is meant is one or more integrated circuits (ic) chips that are used for some purpose. In this case dastrick was wanting to know about the chipset that controls the firewire interface. There are quite a few manufacturers out there, and some firewire chipsets are a bit finnicky with some devices. In a perfect world compliance would mean things are compliant. But implementing any standard in the computer world means lots of different flavors.

Either way, you shouldn't worry about your chipset until your recording setup doesn't work they way it should, then you'll be at these boards talking about chipsets on firewire devices.
 
+1

Don't worry about it until it doesn't work. I was just throwing it out there. :)
 
I only asked whether you had a firewire port because the audio interface market is flush with firewire devices that fit your needs. I'm not going to suggest any specific devices to you. But I suspect whatever audio interface you get should have at least:
8 analog inputs with preamps, and at least one with hi-z instrument input.
2 analog outputs
phantom power
either 2 headphone outputs or more analog outputs
24 bit/96 kHz conversion

You probably will never care about s/pdif, adat lightpipe, or other in/out options. If you need midi, it's hard to avoid it in most prosumer stuff. Your price range of 500-700 bucks is exactly where the market is at for those interfaces.

You won't need a mixer. You will be tweaking the gains on the audio interface and mixing in your box.

I have no suggestions for monitors, but you do need some. I'm a Logic user, so I have no suggestions for software, except that you should try out some demo versions.

With respect to mics, the folks in these forums are sm57 lovers. I am a hater, but you can do far worse than a 57. Buy mics you need at first, then get addicted as your engineer's ears develop. Try to borrow mics from friends and do shootouts for fun. It can take a long while to learn to listen to mics and gear. Learn micing techniques through reading and experimenting.

Never mix while stoned, it never works out.
 
ekwon is right. You don't NEED a mixer. However, a control surface will make mixing a lot easier and more fun. I spent $60 on the Korg NanoKontrol and it blows away mixing with a mouse. :D:D:D
 
If I were you

I would remove iTunes from the machine before you get started. It can wreak havoc with your audio files.

Use a mastering program like WaveLab to render your mp3s.
 
Alright cool. So I was looking at different interfaces, and some have numbers and diff. firewire numbers? I was alittle confused or maybe I read it wrong.

My firewire is OHCI Compliant IEEE 1394 Host Controller, so is it "universal"? I don't want to buy a interface that wont work with my computer...

And for the mics, I have ZERO friends who have mics, and I don't know anyone at a studio, but my works sales rep friend owns one.
 
Slash1337 said:
My firewire is OHCI Compliant IEEE 1394 Host Controller, so is it "universal"? I don't want to buy a interface that wont work with my computer...
Click to expand...

Most interfaces will have a list of compatible or recommended IEEE controllers in the manual or on the box. What interfaces are you looking into, and what DAW will you be running?
 
lol.. sorry about that.. DAW == Digital Audio Workstation ie. (for example :P) Cubase, Sonar, Logic, Protools.

I really like the Presonus Firestudio. I own one and have had good experiences with it tracking. It's got a built in software mixer that you install, which is a pain in the ass until you learn how to use it. The pre-amps sound much better than many other comparably priced interfaces.
 
What DAW would you recommend with presonus? Cause thats probably the one Im going to get. A friend online told me to take a look at Calkwalk. But I dunno...
 
I've played with Cubase, Sony Acid Pro, Sonar, and Protools.

I primarily use Protools, but that is not an option for you in this case... I would probably recommend Sonar. It has high bitrates, comes with a bunch of plugins out of the box, and is very versatile software. It's great for midi programming, tracking, and mixing. My advice would be to google a little bit about your options and find the features that mean most to you... Weather its track count, or included plugins, or bitrates. Hope this helps. Looking forward to hearing your first piece once you're all setup!

Good luck,
Nick
 
Well, basically I want something simple at first. Nothing that I'll want to smash my head through the wall... which will probably happen setting everything up.

I know that the presonus interface has a Control Console Mixer, and I just watched a video of that and it looked super confusing haha. For a DAW, I want something easy, not too many hidden things. and i don't know what Bit Rate, Plug in's, and track counts. Haha, I feel so stupid but I must learn!
 
Slash1337 said:
Well, basically I want something simple at first. Nothing that I'll want to smash my head through the wall... which will probably happen setting everything up.

I know that the presonus interface has a Control Console Mixer, and I just watched a video of that and it looked super confusing haha. For a DAW, I want something easy, not too many hidden things. and i don't know what Bit Rate, Plug in's, and track counts. Haha, I feel so stupid but I must learn!
Click to expand...

I foresee plenty of head smashing, and hair pulling in your future :) Just be willing to do some research on your own, and ask educated questions here to the best of your ability, and we'll try and help fill in the blanks!
 
Alright, last question for the day.
Would you buy a used Interface? I'm just looking through my local craigslist and there are some on there.
 
Sure, why not? Just make sure if you do buy used, and locally that you can check it out and test it before purchasing. Make sure you get the manual, firewire cable and disk that comes with it. Make sure you test all of the pre-amps and make sure that you can get signal from a microphone from all 8 channels. Be listening for cracking, hums, or pops or no sound at all when you test it. Maybe that'll also give you the chance to pick the sellers brain for info on how to run the mixer, and set everything up ;)
 
That's actually an awesome idea! Haha, good on you man. Yeah, mine as well right. And then maybe he might have stuff set up and he can show me how to set it up too! Perfect. Well, it looks like my whole stufio should be done by new year. Maybe I can get some mics and whatnot for x-mas! MMMM.
 
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