total newbie question

[Doctor Gnosis]

Ok, so I finally purchased my first synth (after 35 yrs of playing piano) -- a used Alesis Fusion 6HD, and I am absolutely amazed at what it can do. Talk about being behind the curve.

My question is: how do I get the songs I record on the synth onto my computer so that I can burn a CD? The synth has audio (L/R and Headphone) outs and a midi out. It has a USB out but that is only for updating the synth's hard drive.

Before I buy a more expensive newer synth (the Fusion seems to do everything I want right now, though upgrading in the future will definitely occur), can someone please WALK me through what I need to do to get my music onto my computer for copying into my iTunes and, subsequently, burning it onto a CD? Is there a program I need to buy and install on my Windows XP computer? Is there a special cable I should buy? What the HECK is a SCSI port, and does my machine have one (can't find anything in manual about it)? Do I need to buy something like a Boss Digital recorder with CD burner instead of trying to get stuff onto my computer?

Thanks for your attention

 

[KineticSound]

Dr.G: Welcome! Let me preface my response with the fact that before you purchase anything, think about what your recording is for and what quality you need:

How do I get the songs I record on the synth onto my computer so that I can burn a CD? The synth has audio (L/R and Headphone) outs and a midi out.

You can get away with simply plugging the L/R output of your synth into your computer's line in jack. A y-cable from RadioShack (two 1/4" phono plugs to one stereo 1/8" phono plug) can do this. You won't be blown away with the quality of a PC's built-in soundcard, but it's a starting point and doesn't involve the need to purchase any fancy interface.

You'll need a software program that can capture the audio you've just plugged in to your PC. Run a search on these forums, and you'll find a million options. If you're a beginner, Cubase LE is a simple program to start with, although there are many other quality software programs out there.

If, on the other hand, you want something a little more powerful (and with better sound quality), you might check out a simple USB audio interface, such as http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Lexicon-Omega-Desktop-Recording-Studio?sku=245505

That again, is just an example. There are plenty of quality interfaces out there that won't break the bank. If you go the interface route, most beginner kits will also include some basic recording software. Pretty much all software on the market right now will have .mp3 encoding functions for exporting songs to iTunes, and many also have direct-to-CD burning functions.

What the HECK is a SCSI port, and does my machine have one? Do I need to buy something like a Boss Digital recorder with CD burner instead of trying to get stuff onto my computer?

Side note: SCSI is typically used as a file-transfer standard for connecting external storage drives to computer-based equipment. Some machines still use it; most have gone to USB.

If you have a decent PC and are comfortable producing your recordings on it, there is no reason you would need to purchase a standalone recorder. There's nothing wrong with going the route of a standalone (heck, I have three of them), but they're definitely not required for what you're doing.

 

[Doctor Gnosis]

Thank you SO MUCH for this. I am off to Guitar-Center to look at programs and such. You are a newbie-saver.