Thinking about gear to buy ... again!!!

  • Thread starter Thread starter Heavy T
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Heavy T

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Ok, here goes --

Just because there's a PC in the house, doesn't mean you have to use it for making your own music, does it?? I used to think so!

What I mean is this:

Why bother killing yourself over recording to a PC -- why is it necessary to get the awesome soundcards, software, etc. Then troubleshoot your system, and maybe it will work??

I'm thinking of what the minimum amount of equipment is necessary when first starting out with home recording -- if you want to go digital.

Can't you just get a mackie mixer, some workhorse mics, one or more ADATs, and a CD burner? What about the A/D converters -- where do they fit in?

Forgive my ignorance -- I just want to know is there another way to record without going into computer never land ...

I would just consider using the PC for some finishing touches, and possibly burning off a dozen copies of the demo songs.

Sincerely
 
I know/think that the computer route is cheaper...

But we will see what everybody else says...
 
The recording scene is changing. IMHO, "IT" will eventually go to computer based.
 
BUT, WHEN IT'S ALL SAID AND DONE...

It breaks down to what works best for you...... :)

peace...

spin
 
Hey Spinster, seeing those three revolving balls spinnin' at the same time is pretty cool looking!:D
And Heavy, have you done any price comparisons on the two modes of setup? If my little angel wins the lottery.......I'll fill two racks with ADAT units, Tascam burners and a digital console. A BIG DIGITAL CONSOLE!
But realisticly, being of a more restrained finacial consciousness (my new buzz phrase for being broke!), I can't rationalize a stand alone machine that I may not be able to upgrade later, when I can pack my computer with compnents and software for less than the cost of a comparable "all in one".
You're one step ahead also by keeping the signal internalized.
Different strokes, I guess. The desk top recorders just seem to lack the flexability of a computer rig.

And there you have my .02 at a bargain price of absolutely nuthin'! :D
 
it depends on how you look at it. Some people buy a computer just for recording. Not that they have a computer and decide to buy a soundcard. i bought my soundcard, monitors and microphone before I bought a computer.

REALLY, the computer is the way to go. Editting a multitrack recording on a pc is so easy that a newbie could be doing it in 3 hours. Its so powerful that you don't have to make do, and its so limitless that you don't have to bounce tracks. You can have 70 tracks if you need.

But to compete with standalones, you have to have a decent soundcard.
 
getuhgrip said:
Hey Spinster, seeing those three revolving balls spinnin' at the same time is pretty cool looking!:D
Click to expand...

It's also a pretty good way to increase your postcount. ;)
 
giaschel said:
It's also a pretty good way to increase your postcount. ;)
Click to expand...

And why did you say that, huh?? :D

I would go the computer-way too. Unless you work all day on a pc, and really don't want to see another one at home, or you want to keep it portable, so you can record anywhere, and you still live (partly) with your parents and don't have a place where you an build a studio. That's about the reason why I bought a VS1880... And now I want a VS2480. Or maybe a...... hehe.
 
Thanks for the replies!!

Yeah, I don't have the resources to build that huge digi-workstation ...

So the computer is the easiest & cheapest way to go.

You might say I was just having some doubts about being able to troubleshoot and set everything up.

Anyway, I'm seriously thinking about the Delta soundcard + windows 2000 + n-track combo, and probably a Mackie mixer. (I already want a more powerful program than n-track, though.) We're going to be recording elec guitar, bass, sax, vocals, and drums.

Thanks for the feedback, and for helping me figure this stuff out!

Sincerely
 
I'm convinced the computer is the way to go. The ability to edit precise parts, cut and past multiple takes into one seamless track and all the other computer applications have become so user friendly. The ability for the system to grow with your needs/skill is limitless (within financial restrictions)

Having started (a long time ago) on a 4-track cassette system, moving up to 8 tracks on 1/4" tape, then on to ADATS, and finally hard disk (via Layla/Cakewalk) - I'm a convert to computer recording. Although I've kept my ADATs as back-up.

But, it all depends on what you want to achieve. If you just want to work on song ideas or record for fun, a stand alone unit may make sense. Remember, by the time you add in a decent mic, probably a mic-pre, cables, etc. - you've added an extra $500-$1000 to whatever your planned budget may be.
 
Both options are really nessesary because you may want the portability of a standalone when you are doing live recordings or doing drum tracks elsewhere.

the trick is to digitaly dump them into the computer on vegas or something and sync them up.

then at home you can use the computer to do it all.

thats my route and my opinion. anyone else out there use both?
 
my.02 cents.

I record to ADAT's. 4 of 'em to be exact! I have 3 boards, 4 outboard compressors,2 DSP's,2 stand-alone burners, a plextor burner in my pc, samplers,etc, etc etc.
My point? I work for a Brokerage/Bank and use freakin' computers all day. When I get home, the last thing I want to do is RECORD on a got-d@mn pc. I love to tweak here and there; to try and build impressive racks of outboard sh#t.I love ADAT's and keeps me close to the analog world in the digital realm! I agree that you can record faster and it's cheaper to record on a pc, but if you know what you're doin' with your out-board gear,you can record just as fast. Gimme' knobs, buttons, faders,switches,LED's
etc over a got-d@mn MOUSE and keypad any day if the week!
( I also own Cakewalk Pro 9, bought brand new and must've used it about 8-9 times).
Signed
Dedicated Gear-Slut/Junkie!
Mr.Q
 
Here's the change on your .02 cents, Q

MISTERQCUE said:
When I get home, the last thing I want to do is RECORD on a got-d@mn pc.

Gimme' knobs, buttons, faders,switches,LED's
etc over a got-d@mn MOUSE and keypad any day if the week!
Click to expand...
My point exactly. However... I wouldn't mind having a VS2480 with a monitor, mouse and keyboard hooked up. They are just extensions of the evil little black box inside the pc *shudder*, and could come in handy at times.

But I DO need a REC and PLAY button. And faders. God I love faders. And equaliser-buttons... I hate tweaking EQ on the VS1880. Maybe I should get one of them yamaha digital mixers... And some nice 24-track recorder in the rack... When's the next Anonymous Gear Slut meeting? It was in New York right? Damn. That would cost me too much. I have toys to buy.
 
Yeah Roel, gimme that VS2480 also. But I would'nt use any plugins!!
I don't need to be worrying if I have enuff ram! I'd just use outboard,pre's,comps,dsps,etc, etc,

I'll never give up my outboard gear until you pry it from cold,dead fingers!!!!!!
 
Mr.Que,

I beg to differ.

nothing can come close to the speed of computer editting.

If there is a snaffo that I don't like, simply highlight it and hit delete. gone.

If I want to make precise edits, simply press ctrl right to increase the size, All the way to the sample level.

If I want to punch-in, just select the range, select pre-roll and post roll, and record.

Editting on the PC is extasy.
 
yeah well.. i don't have a computer.. yet.. so here is my theory..

I've already dropped money I didn't have on an outboard mixer.. an ADAT.. a freakin' DAT.. guitars.. bass.. drum machine.. mics (that I ended up losing when I moved).. effects.. etc.. and I absolutely refuse to think of the sickening prospect that I don't need half this equipment when my dream DAW is up and running.. so I've worked out a compromise: my ADAT, in conjunction with the DAT, is going to be my workhorse.. (I too like its resemblance to analog.. makes me feel like I'm in a "real" studio).. thanks to SMPTE I can record on more than 10 tracks without bouncing.. and I will dump my tracks into a pc for mixing and cd burning.. that frees up processing resources on both the outboard gear and the pc.. and maybe too I'll avoid some of the pitfalls inherent in both systems..

I am not giving up what I have already bought. No chance in hell.

Cy
 
Hey CJ, editing on the VS1880 is quite easy too. Waveform view, scrub-play, loop recording, cut'n paste... It's all there. No mouse, which would be handy... (VS2480 has got it!) Typing in names sucks too. (VS2480 can be hooked up with keyboard!)

It takes a while to get the short-cuts in... But when I can just go to a rehearsel with my magic box, put up some mics and headphones, and rec a demo in 3 hours... Man! All them girls go crazy!

...

They do, right? :confused:
 
PC's crash. Go standalone.

Unless you already have a PC and want to build up bit-by-bit. If so, the PC (and probably a cheap sound card) is a sunk cost. Thus, you just need some software, an external pre, and a mic to get up and running. However, this will start getting expensive with a decent sound card, a decent pre, software plug ins, other effects, and possibly a faster PC.

And then you still have to worry about hardware and software conflicts, incompatibilities, and crashes.

The VS-series recorders from Roland include everything you need except for a mic (and talent). They also have buttons, faders, and knobs. These are much easier to reach out and grab instead of sliding a mouse around to click the button on a PC screen. They also don't crash (unless you drop them...).

You can get a used VS-880 for around $650. Excellent system. No crashes.


Matt
 
roland units are great,but dont forget the fostex vf-16. it has double the tracks of the roland vs-880,it also has effects,etc. and is only $799!! you cant beat a 16 track stand alone system for $799!
 
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