What format should I use?

[volcano_lance]

I'm looking to get into computer recording. I was wondering what format should I use? ie. Cakewalk, Pro Tools, etc.
I have to get a computer, as well. Can anybody suggest if I should get a Mac or PC?
Its for my band and my studio. The most tracks I would need are like 16 to 24.
I already have mics, mic pres, outboard shit, etc. I'm just looking to upgrade from my tascam 488.
I guess my price ceiling is like $2500. Could go a couple hundred higher, if it really makes a difference.
Yes, I'm an uber newbie to computer recording.
thanx!

vl

 

[Doink]

I just designed a new PC for my dad, here's the rundown:

Asus P4PE motherboard
2.0 GHz Pentium 4
516 megs of Crucial RAM
60 gig Seagate ATA100 7200 RPM drive

That, plus a few little things, came to about $800 total. That's one killer machine, for a good price. You'll probly need to ad a monitor to that budget.

You'll need a good soundcard. If you plan on recording full drumsets, you'll need something like the M Audio Delta 10/10, which provides 8 analog ins and outs, plus SPDIF, and runs at 24 bit/96 kHz. It costs about $600. There are less expensive versions that have fewer ins and outs.

Then you'll need the operating system. Windows XP can be found for about $100.

As for audio software, I suggest going to all the companies websites and downloading the demo versions, then pick the one you like the most. Personally, I like Cool Edit Pro 2.0. It costs $250.

So figure a little over $2000 for the whole kit'n'kaboodle.

 

[Nosferous]

blah!
nevermind, sorry.

 

[Stealthtech]

I just designed a new PC for my dad, here's the rundown:

Asus P4PE motherboard
2.0 GHz Pentium 4
516 megs of Crucial RAM
60 gig Seagate ATA100 7200 RPM drive

That, plus a few little things, came to about $800 total. That's one killer machine, for a good price. You'll probly need to ad a monitor to that budget.

You'll need a good soundcard. If you plan on recording full drumsets, you'll need something like the M Audio Delta 10/10, which provides 8 analog ins and outs, plus SPDIF, and runs at 24 bit/96 kHz. It costs about $600. There are less expensive versions that have fewer ins and outs.

Then you'll need the operating system. Windows XP can be found for about $100.

As for audio software, I suggest going to all the companies websites and downloading the demo versions, then pick the one you like the most. Personally, I like Cool Edit Pro 2.0. It costs $250.

So figure a little over $2000 for the whole kit'n'kaboodle.

Good reply Doink....cant add much to that

 

[maestro_dmc]

blah!
nevermind, sorry.

Nice BUMP!

(Look who's talkin')