Software for computer recording

[total noob]

Ok, as my name implies, i am very new to recording. I am going to record myself on the drums and a friend on the guitar (for now). i'm planning to buy a mixer (probably a 1202 or 1404), 2 overhead mics, 1 bass drum mic, and a 'Edirol UA1X USB Cable Audio Interface'.
I am wondering what software i would need to record onto my computer asically through the mixer, through the ua1x,into my computer USB port.
thanks a lot

 

[tamias]

Total!

I'd go with something that always functions well. Maybe, Acid. I've know a drummer that uses that for live drum records.. and it sounds nice. Although once you understand and setup a midi interface with a synth...you could get some incredible sounds. But me..yeah I love the live drum sound! Good luck..What kind of mics are you using? IMO record via sound card rather than USB. Just keep it simple. Then build on that!

 

[Kevin Deschwazi]

Loads of software to choose from. I like Cubase because you can start off with the basic package (SE) which costs $99 and then upgrade (to SL or SX) if/when you feel you need to with the price of the version you have deducted.

Any reason why you need a USB interface? That card also only records at 16 bit which is a bit limiting. For another $20 you could get a M Audio Audiophile 2496. I haven't used the edirol but the M Audio looks like a much better card on paper. PCI cards are a lot more stable if you have a spare slot.

 

[Tifstorey]

Yeah, i agree with Kevin. If you can do, PCI are always the best choice for desktop set ups. Much faster in transferring signal, plus the 2496 which Kevin recommended is a great card i believe. You might want to look into that?

Good luck!

 

[total noob]

Thanks for all your responses. What are the advantages of a pc soundcard verses the USB?
In regard to the 16-bit comment (and its limits), i have searched more to find a new (i want to say 24-bit) USB... the Yamaha UW10 and it includes TWEplus wave editor. If i were to buy this, is the TWEplus the only software i would need?
My final question... in the softwares you mentioned earlier, how would one go about selecting the USB interface as the device to record off of? Would it automatically detect it, or would i have to select it somehow? if so, how?

thanks again for all your quick responses. Keep 'em coming!

 

[Tifstorey]

Simple enough to select the soundcard you want to record/playback with. Just go to the options and change it. Nothing difficult. All differs depending on what software you use.

PCI soundcard is much faster in transferring your sound than USB which results in lower latency. Not just that, ive heard nothing but good things about the 2496 card which Kevin recommended. Its pretty cheap and a decent card.

 

[Monkey Allen]

Presonus Firebox is a firewire card. Very good card. The difference in latency between this card and a PCI card is not noticeable. Also, I experience no latency concerns ever due to the fact that I never monitor incoming sound as I record it.

 

[total noob]

Change of plans....

Alright, screw computer recording.
I've realized that bringing a computer to record to record live music isn't gonna work out too well. I'm probably going to start recording live "for-hire" (once i get all my equipment of course).
So, I think I will instead buy a 'removable media' recorder. (Such as an MR8) I'm leaning toward the MRS-4b because of its price and basic functions. (about $180 US). Would anyone like to provide reasons why I shouldn't get this recorder?
Also, i'm going to need microphones to mic my drum set. I was thinking 1 OH and a bass drum mic for now. I'm going to stick with the mixer i mentioned above and run that into the recorder.