Recomendations for my new Desktop recording & multi-media PC

[jonddagang]

Hello, I am a newbie. I NEED recommendations from folks here about what I should look for in a new desktop PC that I plan to use in a small home recording studio. I'll also be purchasing an audio interface.I have used Roxio, Pyro Cakewalk and Music Studio 10. I plan 2 record & edit vocals & acoustic guitar & then add MIDI + some plug-in effects. I need 2 B able 2 dupe & edit recordings for my cousin's Rock band as I make all the promo CD's 4 his classic rock band. I also have a home surround sound theater & currently use it with my Windows XP media edition Dell 5100c- from 2005. I have a new HD monitor & my Sony LCD HDTV has PC input. I regularly view Internet content on HDTV via Sony blu-ray/DVD player & hope to be able to burn DVD-R's. THANKS much for any and all input! jonddagang@gmail.com

 

[Bobbsy]

My advice would be to check your local Yellow Pages and see if there are any places near you that offer to custom build a desk top PC for you. If there are, this can be a good way to get what you need and not lots of other bits and pieces.

However, there are a few things I'd suggest you try to get on whatever you buy:

-A good fast processor plus plenty of RAM--at least 4 gig.
-Two HDD, one for the OS and software and the other for data, i.e. your tracks. Get disks as fast as you can afford...at least 7200rpm and preferably 10 or 12 thousand rpm.
-Your video card only needs to be mid range for audio use...but it will be very helpful to you to have one that can support two monitors with the output spread between the two, not the same on each.
-USB connections for your interface(s). At least some USB2 and, if possible some USB3 to future proof you.
-A low speed, high volume fan for cooling to keep noises down.
-Since you'll be using an external interface, any built in sound card only needs to be the most basic.
-A good CD drive ...or perhaps 2 for duplication
-OS to match and be compatible with your desired software packages.

Bob

 

[cobaltaudio]

I'd just think twice about what software you are most likely to end up using before you do anything else.
I've personally found cakewalk very clunky in a studio environment. If you think you might end up with something new like Pro Tools, then you MUST check their websites for their compatibility requirements.
They may seem stupid, and often specify details down to precise motherboards and processors, but without those there is no guarantee that the software will run smoothly.
Not only that, but technical support won't want to help you because they can just say that the pc you've bought just isn't compatible, and of course by the time you find that out it's too late. You won't be able to get your money back on the pc or the software either.

My advice... be careful and do your research first. I found out the hard way with my first installation.

 

[jondagang]

RE: NOW Need advisement on external audio interface to purchase for new PC

[MP3][/MP3]Thanks much for the advice I have received from the good folks here. I at last made my decision and purchase of my new PC for recording... Yes a PC and not a Mac.
I have gone with a Dell Studio XPS 7100, Windows 7 home premium 64bit, w/ AMD Phenom II X4 945 processor. Has ATI Radeon HD for graphics. Memory is 8 GB Dual Channel DDR3 SDRAM @ 1333MHz - 4 DIMMs, A built in 1 TB hard drive. SATA 3.0 Gb/s,16MB cache with room for an additional inside HD and a 3 TB external back up hard drive. Got their THX TruStudio sound card for PC and a 16X CD/DVD Burner wi/ Roxio Creator 2011.
A long-time computer experienced friend who is an engineer at Arnold Engineering Dev. Corp. and AF Base in Tullahoma, TN said "that should take care of all you want to do... "...
I am YET to select OR purchase an External Audio Interface for the PC. That is what I need most assistance on NOW! Help Help if you can make suggestions for what to research.
Thanks so much for all input!!! And thank you in advance for all audio interface suggestions!
Jo

 

[Armistice]

No kick-ass recording PC is truly complete without one of these babies:

 

[jondagang]

LOL have one on me

 

[GeoffryMcDonald]

Liquid cooling is always better than a fan. (It's way more effective and silent)
And on PC, any graphics, even built in, allow you to do the dual monitor thing.

 

[Florida4300]

atleast

quad core cpu,

4gb ram

^^

you can find that 600$'s for desktop.

 

[arcadeko]

I am YET to select OR purchase an External Audio Interface for the PC. That is what I need most assistance on NOW! Help Help if you can make suggestions for what to research.
Thanks so much for all input!!! And thank you in advance for all audio interface suggestions!
Jo

This should answer your questions:
https://homerecording.com/bbs/gener...ltitrack-computer-interface-recording-323561/

 

[jondagang]

I appreciate the link over to the main page a newbie needs to read. I had read it, I have long looked at all of the aforementioned audio interfaces. I guess I need to get my question more specific. I have $200-$500 to spend on the interface. What I need to know is which is best for my planned recordings. I will be recording vocal track (s) and acoustic guitar. Will also be adding MIDI tracks to that. I am learning as I go. I have worked with Roxio a bit and Pyro Cakewalk. I am uncertain how much $$ to put into the audio interface and very uncertain about which to purchase. I have been thinking about M-Audio.. and I love what I have read about the "ultra" model.
Also - I really need to know which editing software is best for enhancing vocals. My voice sounds lousy compared to my guitar playing but I have had success with recording my harmony vocal and adding to the track making it sound better. I got a lot of my first experience using a 2000 Gateway and a very limited Soundblaster sound card & program for recording pre- installed in the computer. It was my first attempt at PC recording and wasn't too pathetic considering the limitations on the old Gateway PC. I always knew I wanted to try again with equipment that would allow me to tweak it a LOT! I have been into recording music since I used to record on 8 tracks!LOL Yep I am getting old! But computer recording is such fun compared to back then! Music is my sustenance in life. My Fav is Contemporary Christian.
Anyone have thoughts or suggestions on which audio interface will be the most useful in my type of recordings? Thanks for your replies in advance! Jo