Requested: Some general advice.

  • Thread starter Thread starter Bert0529
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Bert0529

New member
Hello All,
I haven't done any home recording since I was proud of my new PortaTwo. Now I have a smokin' computer and am looking to do some direct to hard drive work. I looked at the Sonar page and liked the product I saw, however, I'm not sure I have everything I need to plug in a guitar and start recording. Can you folks clue me in to a very basic setup to get up and running? I'd like to mix real time playing with sequenced stuff and add samples. Also, what are good sound sources to use with a sequencer these days. I'm looking forward to getting current on all of this. I appreciate your help.
Thanks,
Bert
 
I'll give you my set up. It isn't exactly a "pro" setup but it gets the job done and you can't beat the price.

First you need to cover your computer equipment. Max out your memory at 512MB or higher if you can. I would say you should at least have a Pentium III 500mhz cpu. You also need a decent hard drive 7200 rpm at least 20 gig.

SBLive Platinum 5.1 sound card. The key here is to get the expansion pack which has spdif, optical and rca inputs.

Then you need some sort of small mixer something with XLR inputs and 1/4". Something, preferably with spdif out (rca-out will work fine but lower quality). I have a vs1680 which is nice because I can add lots of effects before I send the signal to the computer if I want to.

Get some mics and some cables and you're ready to go pretty much.. Of course you need Sonar too. ;)
 
Thanks! I couldn't imagine that it would be so simple in terms of equipment.
 
Hi Bert, welcome to HR! Can we assume 0529 means you were born in May of 1929? Very brave of you to start home recording now:p :p .

I'm not sure I have everything I need to plug in a guitar and start recording.
Click to expand...
Well, what DO you have already? E know you have a guitar, any mics, amps, stomp boxes, etc?
Also, what are good sound sources to use with a sequencer these days
Click to expand...
So many choices. SONAR XL comes with soft synths, which are software versions of synthesizers. Some complain about latency( timing issues) and cpu power. I have a meek 566 celery puter, so I use Roland and Alesis Sound modules, works for me.

Basically, you will need a soundcard, probably something better than the one in your off the shelve puter, if that is what you have. You will also need a preamp or some sort of D/I box, depending if you are miking the guitar or just pluggin her in.

Let us know what you own, Cheers
 
It was good advie. Here are my specs:

Computer:
AMD xp1900 (1.9 G speed)
80 meg hard drive
Soundblaster Audigy Platinum
PLenty of extra slots and ports

Other digi-stuff:
BBE sonic maximizer
Rack Effect (I forget which, one of the guitar rack units about 5 years old.)

PortaTwo (maybe use as a mixer? you tell me.)

I need Mics and new cables all around, and a keyboard controller.
 
Bert, you have a good start. Obviously most people here like SONAR a lot, or else we wouldnt have bought it! To me, it is easier to learn than Cubase, which I also looked at.

A cheap Keyboard controller is the MK-4902 from Kaysound, Roland makes the exact same one, they call it Evolution I think. 49 keys, does everything you need, $100 bucks.

Porta-2 will work as a mixer. Wont be a GOOD one, but it will work. You are just getting started, it should be fine for learning. I assume the porta-2 has some sort of gain knob to boost the signal of our guitar.

You will need a cable (wire) from the Porta2 to the audigy. I dont know the audigy, but I would guess at has a 1/8 inch input? If so, head to Radio Shack and get one, but make sure it is a stereo input.
Best of luck, and keep hanging around here, lots of answers from very smart people.
 
Thanks for the advice. Before long I'll be able to post more specific questions.... and maybe answer a few.
 
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