Starting out.

[MGlennon]

Hi everyone,
A friend of mine would like to record the next "Graceland" via keyboard, soundcard, sound module and sampler.He is running an 800Mhz ,256Mb with 10Gb and 40Gb IDE drives.The only audio he wants is for voice. He wants to use "tools" which have very realistic soundsets, pro-level infact.
He is thinking about an MK149(keyboard), Soundblaster Live! Platinum, JV1010(sound-module) and Gigasampler(sampler).
Your views on this combination would be very much appreciated as would other recommendations.His preferred sequencer would be Cubase VST.
Thanks!

 

[Roel]

This setup could be used I guess. (I'm not in favor of using computers, but it's a personal matter. I hate 'em after watching the screen a whole day.)

However, I think you need a mixer, amplifier and decent speakers too. The mixer is needed to listen to the soundblaster (your sampler) output and the JV1010 at the same time (I suppose you will be sequencing and writing songs using both of them...)

Amplifier and speakers are needed to mix it.

And ofcourse, if you want to get your vocals in your computer, you'ld need a decent mic and a preamp (which comes with the mixer, make sure the mic-pre's in the mixer are good enough).

One more thing.
<quote>The only audio he wants is for voice. </quote>
The output of your JV1010 is audio too, and you'll have to record it with your pc if you want to mix it internally and record CD's. But that's not really a problem, you can record the JV1010 and the vocals in seperate takes, you're sequencing anyway.

And yet one more other thing. If you're buying a keyboard and JV1010 at the same time, take a look at the xp10 keyboard and others... I don't know the prices for all of this, but this is basically the same as a JV1010 and a keyboard in one box. Could be cheaper. No idea. There is also a new version coming out of it.

 

[Stratamatic]

Actually with the intended setup I don't think you'd need an external mixer. Everything is going to be run through the computer and Cubase has a mixer that you would be using. One nice thing about an external mixer is having actual knobs and sliders to play with, Usin the mouse gets old. You could go with something like the EZ Bus from event electronics that is a digital mixer, but sends cc midi so you can control your DAW (Cubase in this case) settings and levels with it.

You will need a set of good powered monitors as well, those crappy multi-media speakers they sell with computers SUCK and would be TERRIBLE to mix on. I'm using my home stereo speakers for now till I can afford some good powered monitors.

You would also need a midi interface and good sound card, reports for usb midi interfaces vary so get a usb midi interface at your own discretion. Many reports are not good on them though I've read they are ok with smaller midi setups, something to keep in mind. AS said above, actually EVERYTHING you record is going to be audio, not just the vocals. It starts off as a midi sequence but you will be recording audio in the end.

I could go on and on, there's a lot to consider when first building a home recording setup, especially if you really want a pro sound. These are just some things to keep in mind. I'm sure others will throw in more.
Good luck. Phil.

BTW I would also suggest something like the XP-10 as opposed to the MK149 and JV1010. I think that would be a better set up in the end. An XP 30 would be even better, comes with a huge sound set these days.

 

[Gidge]

If you want pro level, Soundblaster Live isnt it....in that price range, the only thing remotely resembling a pro sound card are Delta Audiophile2496, Delta 44, Echo Mia......and no, you wont need a mixer, just go straight to monitors or amp to monitor.....