what to buy?

[nomis]

I want to start recording some music (piano, guitar stuff). I already have a pretty decent computer with a big hard drive. It came with a Soundblaster Live soundcard. And I have n-track, cakewalk, etc.
I was considering getting a digital 8-track (Boss BR-8), but I don't know if that's the best idea since I already have a computer to store and mix stuff with. Is there a better option? A different kind of sound card or something?

 

[giaschel]

How much money do you have available?

How many tracks are you looking to record simultaneously?

How are you?

 

[pvolcko]

If you have the computer already and you were going to drop the cash for the BR-8, you can definitely opt out for an 8 or 10 I/O interface, such as Delta 1010 or something similar. You will need a small mixer to go with that or at least some kind of pre-amps since those units tend to have line inputs. There are some units, such as the Digi001 that have a couple mic inputs and even direct inputs (for plugging a guitar or bass straight into the jack). Look at:

www.midiman.com
www.echoaudio.com
www.motu.com
www.digidesign.com or www.digi001.com

Motu and digidesign stuff are going to be more expensive, but it may be worth it for you. Do some research, head to a local shop and play around with stuff.

 

[dachay2tnr]

Personally, I would invest in a good sound card (Delta 1010 maybe) and a small Mackie mixer. I'm assuming your CPU is 800 MHz or better, and you have at least 256 RAM.

The Delta 1010 will give you 8 simultaneous tracks and 24-bit capability, and Cakewalk gives you a multi-tracking program that allows for (essentially) unlimited track count without the need for bouncing tracks.

The Mackie will give you the necessary preamps, and a lot of flexibility.

Keep the SB Live for midi.

I don't know what the BR-8 goes for, but the above can probably be had for $1300 or so. Plus you have a good upgrade path for the future.

Later on you could consider a second hard drive.

You could also start with just the SB Live, but this will limit you to 16-bits and only two simultaneous tracks. You'll still need pre-amps, which you buy as standalone's or go for the Mackie.

A lot comes down to, as giaschel said, how much $$ you looking to spend?

 

[dachay2tnr]

Whoops, simultaneous post, pvolcko. Looks like we were pretty much thinking along the same lines, though.

 

[nomis]

more info

I have a p-800 with 256mb RAM.

I can get a used BR-8 on ebay for $4-500 so I'd be looking to spend less than that.

I would only need to record two tracks at a time.

 

[giaschel]

Get a Delta Audiophile soundcard

http://www.midiman.net/products/m-audio/delta.php

and an Art tube MP preamp.

Do you have mics yet?

If not, get a Studio Projects C1 or a Marshall v67.

I feel like I'm doing Gidge's dirty job.