Temporary Living Situation, need Compact Recording Solution, also just starting out.

[pandatom]

I took a few classes for recording arts about 7 years ago at the community college, one was MIDI Tech, where we used Reason (which I became very fond of) and Cubase. We didn't use Cubase for live instrument tracking, just used it with Reason to track our Midi Projects.

I have used Cubase in the past, on loan from a friend with misc. recording gear I bought from online retailers, including 2 channel audio interfaces, and basically a starter kit for microphones that gave me a condenser mic? and a smaller tubular microphone? Excuse the foot in the mouth, I basically got by pretending I knew what I was doing. I also played some music with a few different bands, and logged some hours in a few studios. Monkey see monkey TRY and do haha.

My point is that I have some money saved up and I'm thinking about purchasing a new laptop. I'd like to also use that laptop to track some music, guitar tracking mostly, but I'd like to have a good option for tracking some vocals if I wanted to. I need some advice on what laptop to go with, also what other reliable and decent equipment I'd need, without spending too much on unnecessary gear. Interface? Mics? Software? I eventually do want to upgrade when I get my own space again and start looking at monitors, desktops, but for now it's just personal on the go recording.

Thanks

 

[mjbphotos]

'On the go' recording - maybe a small portable recorder like the Zoom H2n would be your best bet at this stage?

Otherwwise, most (non-bargain basement) current laptops will fit the bill, then you need an audio interface, etc.

 

[ecc83]

If you wanted to stick with Win7 for now (and I would!) this looks good to me?

PSCG7E-02E042EN | Toshiba Satellite Pro C50-A-1E4 - Core i5-3230M 2.6GHz/3.2GHz/3MB 4GB DDR3 500GB 1 - Laptops Direct

I had a Toshy Sat' for a few months and even tho' crippled with Vista Business it worked pretty well for audio. Though that might have been down to the interface and its drivers (patience!)

That said I have a W7/64 HP i3 that works very well, runs 20tracks of Cubase LE6 no sweat and is quiet enough to make acoustic guitar recordings possible.

The interface is the Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6. I doubt you will find better under £200 or a good deal more.

Dave.