Recording equipment for computer

[geforcemx2000]

I was using a multi-track tape recorder for my demo's but have now decided to make the switch to the computer. Since I'm new to recording on the computer I really don't know were to begin. That's why I'm here.

I've been reading some messages on this forum as well as looking at other web sites to get an idea of what I need but I'm kind-of confused on what to get. There is just so much stuff out there.

My system specs are as follows: AMD XP 1600, WinXP, 512 Ram, Integrated sound chip, 40gb 7200 rpm drive, and cd burner.

What I'm looking to record are guitar and voice tracks. All can be done separately so I don't need any simultaneous recording. The rest of the audio tracks will be done using midi music. This includes the bass and drums.

Now since my computers intergraded sound chip sounds like crap when playing back midi, I'm looking for some way to play sampled sounds in it's place. After looking thru some sites I found something called soundfonts that can supposedly do this. But my system, as far as I can tell, can't play them. I have some VIA audio (wave) crap on board.

The other thing I'm looking for is an input device that hooks my guitar and mic with my computer. It sounds like crap if I hook it the way it is now. And I'm only hearing the sound in one speaker.

So I began a search for something to hook my guitar and mic up with. I came across something called the M-Audio delta 44/66. The device looks more then adequate for the job but is this really necessary? It's quite expensive. Is there something cheaper I can use with similar recording capabilities? I really only need one input and not 4 like the M-Audio delta.

I'm also using an older Digitech Pre-amp for my guitar distortion and clean sound. It has a built in cabinet emulator which sounds pretty good. But I was reading on some site about something called a Direct Injection Box (DI). But I'm not clear on what that is. Is that like a cabinet emulator? And do I need it?

So to recap, I'm looking for the following:

Recording software to record guitar and voice and can also play midi tracks.
Sound card to play sampled sounds for a better sounding midi track.
And what ever I need to hook up my guitar and mic for recording.

Any suggestions?

 

[klytus]

Same boat

I have a rig similar to the one you are looking for, and it all works great together:

1. Software = Cubase SX 2.1, does everything audio/midi-wise you'll most likely ever need, cant say if it's 'the best' as I've never used anything else.

2. Soundcard = RME Hammerfall (Lite), ultra low latency, rock solid, loads of digital connections for future expansion of your studio, no frilly bundled DSP software here, just 100% reliable performance.

3. Edirol UA-5 audio interface (2 channel pre-amp for mic/guitar). Can be used as a soundcard as well if you want (via usb), small and solid, great sound quality for the money (£200), tho I have mine hooked up to my hammerfall card via 1/4 inch jack leads.