What do I buy?

  • Thread starter Thread starter zeek
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zeek

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I am a guitar player in need of advice on what to buy for recording gear for computer.
I would like to get a multi track recorder, but I need the rest of the instruments to play along with Bass, Drums, etc..
Also I prefer not to have the midi sounding tracks, would rather have realistic instrument sounds.
And last of all, money is an issue so under $1000.00 would be nice.
Any help would be greatful........thanks.
 
It sounds like you need three things: (1) A soundcard or interface to record your guitar to computer; (2) recording software including a loop or sample-based program; and (3) a collection of drum beats, bass sounds, or other sampled instruments on CD. It would help if you could say something about your computer (type, RAM, storage capacity, processor speed, etc.) and a little information about your guitar setup (acoustic/electric, amp, etc.).
 
I have a P-4 Celeron, 40gig drive, 256 ram, Sound Blaster Live sound card. Puter is new running windows XP.

I play electric,(rock&blues), Marshall 4x10 cabinet, Traynor 200w head. Alesis SR-16 Drum Machine, Yorkville 100w mixer amp.

Hope that helps.
Thanks for the reply
 
I'm not a PC expert (Mac guy, sorry!) but it looks like you will eventually need more RAM and perhaps additional hard disk space. 256mb may limit your performance and I think most people use a minimum of 512 and up. Your 40 gig drive will fill up after a few months of recording unless you plan on a limited number of tracks per song or have some type of external storage device. It's also ideal (though not required) to have recording software and song files on separate drives. I can't say much about your Celeron 1.7--again, I don't use PC's so I don't know if this processor is suitable. Hopefully, a PC user will chime in an settle this!

You didn't say (or I didn't ask) if your PC had a free USB port, a firewire (IEEE1394) card/port, or an available PCI slot. You will need one of these to record into the computer. And what you have available will determine which type of soundcard or interface (USB or firewire) you will use. Again, I'm no PC expert, but I assume (for quality reasons) you don't want to use the existing Soundblaster card. Many people use soundcards and if you are comfortable with the installation check out some of the possibilities:

http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/cat--PCI-Audio-Interfaces--2421

The key is to find something that meets your needs in terms of INS/OUTS and works with your computer, processor, chipset, etc. If you don't replace the soundcard, the other option is a USB or Firewire interface:

http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/cat--USB-Audio-Interfaces--2424
http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/cat--Firewire-Audio-Interfaces--2420

Browse through these options and do some research on this board regarding issues with specific interfaces.

Once you tackle this, you will need some recording software. If you are on a tight budget, check out N-Tracks. You may also get free/bundled software if you buy a USB or Firewire interface. Digidesign's Mbox, for example, comes with ProTools LE and MOTU Firewire devices usually include AudioDesk. You can also choose from a wide variety of other options including Cubase, Digital Performer, Logic, etc. There is a long list of possible options and many offer approximately the same quality and options. Take a look around this BBS. Someone is always asking for advice on the "best" software program. The key, IMHO, is to make sure the software is compatible with your interface/soundcard and your system. Many programs can be downloaded as demos, so be sure to test before you buy. After that, I would argue that almost every software option is going to have a steep learning curve. So you need to jump in, read the manuals, and find a good users group where you can ask questions.

After you get this mess sorted out, you will probably want a stand-alone recorder!
 
WOW! and I thought it woud be as easy as going out and buying the Line-6 POD, getting cakewalk, and I would be set. :)

I don't want to make my own CD's, I just want to be able to sit at home, and have fun with different ideas and songs, record the ones I like so I don't forget them.
I just don't want the midi sounds. Beefing up my computer is no problem.
 
I really want to thank you for your replies....

I hope I did not waist your time. The Pod, plus cakewalk sounded like it would do the job. But I have never done any recording before and I didn't want to sit back and listen to my real guitar being accompanied by immitation instruments. Or go out and buy this stuff and find out that these companies are just out to sell their product, and then I would be dissapointed.
It's the real sound I'm after.

Thanks again....
 
The Line 6 POD (at least the newer models) has a USB out connection and, according to Line 6, you can use it to record to a wide variety of software packages. Line 6 provides software drivers for this purpose but I'm not sure if they offer any type of recording software (They have something called GuitarPort software which may or may not get you what you need). At any rate, check out the following link and take a look at the downloads section:

http://line6.com/support.asp

The Line 6 POD retails for about $399, which is in the same general ballpark as a generic USB interface. The POD has it's detractors who prefer the sound of real amps versus amp modeling. And I've heard people argue that it can be noisy or that it does better with clean rather than distorted tones. It is limited to a 1/4" input (no XLR) and no phantom power which might be an issue if you ever wanted to record vocals with a decent mic. Also, the single input would keep you from recording your SR-16 in stereo (Sometimes it's nice to record in stereo and pan bass and snare sounds to different tracks for more exact editing). If you are just playing around, it might do the trick--especially since you could use it as an effects box with your Marshall amp. On the other hand, if you get the recording bug (and it's very easy to catch) you want something with more flexibility that will grow as your needs change.
 
Wheelema:

Thanks for the pat on the back! I once worked in a factory where the foreman would give you an "ATTABOY" for a job well done. I asked him what that meant and if it would improve my pay, job title, etc. He said that if I received 100 ATTABOYS I would become a "leader of men." Maybe this BBS needs an ATTABOY system!
 
OK! just so I got this right to do it properly....

I need an interface ( MBOX, LEXICON omega studio,etc.) which should have the recording software included. Do an upgrade of the puter, buy CD tracks for my other instruments and I should be all set right? Or do I still need a stand alone recorder?

I don't want to sound stupid, just want to make sure I do it right the first time, and that my options are expandable, just in case I get THE BUG! which of course I will :)
 
Your current computer will be fine to get started, with a new soundcard. More RAM will help, but your HD is big enough for now.

Get a PCI soundcard with breakout box (Delta, Echo). Grab your POD, use Cakewalk if you like, and explore the use of Soundfonts for Drums, Bass, Piano, Strings, etc... You will use MIDI to sequence these- but they wont soundlike the MIDI files you play with your SBLive's built in synth.

And get to work :)
 
Zeek:

Sorry. I didn't mean to imply that you need a stand-alone recorder to go with your computer setup. I meant that if you got fed up with all these computer-related issues, you might decide to get a stand-alone recorder and be done with it. There are so many choices from soundcards/interfaces to software that sometimes the easiest way to start recording is to get a portable digital multitrack like the Fostex MR8.
 
Thanks for all your help! I really appreciate it.
Now to go ask for a raise.....:)
 
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