Sort of a newb question

[thebigcheese]

I can't say I'm exactly a newbie, as I've done work with mixers and audio programs before, but I haven't tried any REAL home recording (just like two crap mics on a drum set and guitar). I've got some software, but I've been thinking about actually buying it, since my plan is to start a video and music production company, and I have to actually own the software for that. We've got Audition here at school (which, from what I hear, is basically just Cool Edit?), and I've got Acid Pro 3.0 and Fruity Loops 3 on my computer, but what I want to know is what I should actually be looking to learn if I want to record bands. Acid is simple enough, but I learn fast so pretty much anything will do. Do any of them do multitrack recording if I have enough inputs? I've got a decent enough mixer (well, it's a Sansui, but it's 12 inputs with EQ and I got it for $70) that I can use and I'm gonna buy some drum mics soon, but what software (and hardware) is going to serve me best in the long run? Well, what can I get for a reasonable price that I should look to buy eventually? Thanks.

 

[Farview]

If you want to shoot for professional, look at CubaseSX for software. Acid and fruity loops are not designed for doing bands.

I got news for you, you are supposed to buy the software even if you don't use it to make money.

 

[thebigcheese]

Yes yes I know, that's why I'm asking. Doing my best to make up for it, cut me a little slack here. Also, will that do the multi-track recording? And is there anything cheaper that will? And do I necessarily need the latest version? I was really lookin' at the somewhere in the $100-$200 or less range, and I don't care if I have to get it used.

 

[Kevin Deschwazi]

Also, will that do the multi-track recording? And is there anything cheaper that will? And do I necessarily need the latest version? I was really lookin' at the somewhere in the $100-$200 or less range, and I don't care if I have to get it used.

You should be able to get Cubase SE for that (US$150 I think). It's what I use and I'm very happy with it. It does't have as many features as SX but for basic multitracking it's great.

 

[thebigcheese]

Ok, so it can multitrack... good... I went with SX, which I found on ebay for ridiculously cheap (like, $20...), which I'm a little worried about, but I've got buyer protection and stuff, so if that doesn't come through, I'll look into less sketchy options. If it does come through... d***

BTW, that cat pictures almost scares me. Craziness.

 

[Kevin Deschwazi]

Ok, so it can multitrack... good... I went with SX, which I found on ebay for ridiculously cheap (like, $20...), which I'm a little worried about, but I've got buyer protection and stuff, so if that doesn't come through, I'll look into less sketchy options. If it does come through... d***

BTW, that cat pictures almost scares me. Craziness.

SX3 for $20 would be an illegal copy, that's $600 worth of software. An earlier version could possibly be had for quite a bit less but $20 still seems very cheap.

 

[thebigcheese]

Yeah that's what I'm figuring, but I guess we'll see. Never know what sort of luck you might come across. Speaking of earlier versions, am I really gonna be missing out on anything if I go for one?