starting system

[iskerob]

I am interested in setting up a computer-based home recording system to do demos and my own fun projects without, of course spending too much money. I am in a local band and expect to do some songwriting/recording with some of the band members. I have an Imac computer, a four track cassette deck (Tascam 424 Mk II) and a modest mixer along with lots of mics, guitars, amps, etc. What do I need to buy to turn the Imac into the main recording system? I'm really a beginner here so your comments, including the very basics, would be welcome. As I understand it, I need a good "sound card," some sort of input/output device for connecting mics, etc., to the system, and mixing/tracking software. True? Is there a good starter system out there with everything that is needed? A friend has suggested that an all-in-one Roland 8 or 16 track mini studio might be cheaper than using the computer. True? And finally, my Imac is an early generation 233 mHz machine. Will that work? Thanks

 

[giaschel]

A soundcard will be necessary. In order to determine which one, some questions are in order:

How many tracks do you plan on recording simultaneously?

How much money can you afford?

Also, what kind of inputs/outputs do you have on your iMac?

Do you have a preamp?

 

[Atwork]

If you can connect your mixer to your current soundcard using the right cable all you'll need to buy to record on your Imac is recording software. You can buy this for $50 or less - e.g. n-Track Studio from www.FAsoft.com - A lot cheaper than buying a Roland standalone recorder.

I don't know how well n-Track works on an Imac, if at all. But there's loads of other software available if it doesn't.

Buying a better audio soundcard should improve recording quality.

If you've already got a mixer and a PC then PC recording is potentially the cheapest route to digital recording by a long way

 

[Atwork]

"PC" in the previous post should have been "computer"