What pc hardware do I need to start recording!

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jack Ransbottom
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J

Jack Ransbottom

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Hey, I just recently purchased a new pc and I have plenty of power to install recording hardware and software. Problem is, I am a novice at computers and I need to know what type of hardware and software I need to start recording. I have a Pentium 4, 2 Gig processor and 256 megs of RAM. What do I need to start my own home studio? I have an extremely limited budget. What do I need (bare bones) to start. Any assistance will be extremely helpful. I have searched catalogs and have no idea what I need. Your help will be appreciated!
 
Your computer sounds good to start with. You will most likely want a better soundcard than the one that is stock in it. Not that people don't get by with SB's and the like, but be prepared for lots of problems. If you want to record more than one instrument at a time then you definately want to upgrade that card and they run anywhere from $200 to $1000 depending on what you need.

Software...well there are lots of programs out there and again it depends on your needs. Home recording rograms run from $75 to $600 ish, and then you can go real high end Pro Tools or Nuendo which it doesn't sound like you need. Again , the price is based on what you need.

Then just build from there. Mics, monitors, the list goes on and on.

It's kinda like a black hole for money :D
 
Jack Ransbottom.......

What kind of music are you creating?

What kind of instruments will you be recording?

How many instruments do you need to record simultaneously?

Peace...

spin
 
Bass Master "K" said:
If you want to record more than one instrument at a time then you definately want to upgrade that card and they run anywhere from $200 to $1000 depending on what you need.

Software...well there are lots of programs out there and again it depends on your needs. Home recording rograms run from $75 to $600 ish, and then you can go real high end Pro Tools or Nuendo which it doesn't sound like you need.
Click to expand...

In many instances, a soundcard specifically designed for recording will come with recording software, saving you a little cash.

Also, you can download the N-track recording software demo for free, and the full version is $45. The manual is geared to people who are new to computer recording. www.fasoft.com

Cy
 
Very true Cyrokk, I forgot about that. That could be some extra savings for him....

My Aardvark Q10 came with Cakewalk Pro 9.0 and while I don't use it, I have seen it in action and even though it's a bit older, it is definately a usable program.
 
I am completely new to PC recording also and I was wondering... How/Where do you hook up instruments to your PC? I don't understand that part. I know you have to buy a soundcard.. and software..

.. but where do you hook up instruments?
 
I would upgrade to 512 mb ram. Recording programs demand a lot, it's better to have more to avoid crashes. And yeah, you need soundcard.
 
RED beearrrd said:
I am completely new to PC recording also and I was wondering... How/Where do you hook up instruments to your PC? I don't understand that part. I know you have to buy a soundcard.. and software..

.. but where do you hook up instruments?
Click to expand...

You connect them through your soundcard.
 
some light version of cubase or
if you can find cakewalk pro 8 or 9 it's more than enough to start you off lovely.

but first thing ,more RAM is in order as suggested above at least 512

and keep those links from Spin1

Easy-
 
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