what do i need?

[drumboi]

right now i have a p4 2.53 ghz 512 mb RAM and a 100 gb hard drive. i also have cakewalk's music creator 2003, which is enough for my needs. i use the onboard sound card, and i use a microphone with an 1/8" plug so it fits into the mic input on my computer. i want my music to sound better and more sophisticated. what should i buy first? should i get a better sound card? if so, what do you all recommend? is it necessary to buy a mixer as well? please guide me on what things to buy to improve my home set up.

 

[Ed Dixon]

There are a couple way to go. First, want kind of sound sources do you want to record, and how many at one time?

Ed

 

[apl]

I was in the same situation. In January I bought a Tascam US122 and a Rode NT3, spent $300. Took me to a whole new world. I recorded this with it.

https://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?s=&threadid=118786

A good mic and a good soundcard will make a huge difference.

 

[drumboi]

what kind of soundcard did you use, apl? and i am recording typical rock music instruments like guitar, bass, drums, and vocals. i am planning to record one instrument at a time.

 

[apl]

Hey, drumboi.

I used a Tascam US122.

See http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7...061142718/g=home/search/detail/base_id/105150

It works over the USB. I've had zero trouble with it, but some people don't like USB in general.

It's only a two channel setup, which works for me since I use a drum machine. If you're going to be recording a drum kit, you'll need to think about how many mics you'll use.

Did you listen to my song? If so, please leave a post over at the MP3 forum.

 

[prw]

Sound cards

It all depends how much quality you want to achieve. I use the Echo Layla with 8 in/8 out with Samplitude. You never have to make excuses for using the best. Just my opinion.

 

[newbie70]

I was using cakewalk a few months ago, I tried several really good quality sound cards and it made a little difference but still didnt sound to good. I wound up taking it all back and spending $500 on the MBOX with protools and it sounds great. If you're recording only one thing at a time its perfect for you. The MBOX runs playback through the interface so it doesnt matter what type of sound card you have. If you want to try ProTools for free there is a free download on the protools website its fully functional but they limit your tracks. It works great for me good luck.