Where to start?

[TMA]

HI guys

im frm HK (hong kong), its currently around 1 AM here. YAH, ive spent the whole night researching my ass off.

OK, first of all, i have a budget of around 8000 HKD, which is around 1000 US; and me and my friends want to record our first demo at HOME.

I actually already bought a Cubase SX, so i guess that solves the problem of buying a digital recording program.

I am going to use a laptop to do my recording because the drumset is no where near my comp. Dont worry about how good my laptop is, its got 3Ghz, 1024MB ram, and 7200rpm hrd drive. However, one thing i need to know is that would i need to buy a new sound card, if so, why, and which one?

I will be needing 4 mic inputs (those things with 3 legs) so im wondering if theres anything i could just plug into my computer that has 4 mic inputs and guitar plugs OR do i have to buy a mixer?

So basically, i need to know what i need to buy that could provide:

- good sound quality recording
- 4 mic inputs
- guitar plugs

btw, does Cubase SX support all mixers or only MACKIE and cubase products?

thx this is a lot of help

 

[dazza]

Yeah, you've gotta use an external soundcard if you want to record each mic on a separate track in Cubase. You create 4 mono tracks in Cubase and set the input for each track to each input on your soundcard.

There are many soundcards that have four XLR (those things with 3 legs) inputs, but I can't think of any off the top of my head. Actually, I think the Echo Layla may be one.

A mixer is a device that combines many audio signals into a single signal. So if you are going to use a mixer, remember that it mixes the sound. This means that you won't be able to adjust the levels of each instrument/vocal after it has been recorded.

As part of your budget are you including the price of microphones/ cables/ monitors/ headphones? Or just the soundcard?

Hope that helped.

 

[TMA]

hi

thx for making a comment

i already haf 2 mics and r planning to get 2 more, but im not sure if those sound cards you were talking about could fit into laptops, because i will be using laptop to record.

 

[Alejo]

There are tons of external sound cards according to your input needs in the market now. USB or Firewall, most of them are designed for laptops.

Check this forum for good advices about which one is the most reliable for you: https://homerecording.com/bbs/forumdisplay.php?f=14

As dazza said, you may want to skip the mixer for multiple recordings at the same time with your group. You will not be able to control every instrument.
But if you buy a SC with many inputs, you will be able to control the signal of each instrument separately via sofware, and have them recorded in different tracks.

Anyhow, I keep the mixer for projects I want to do by myself on my studio, when recording every instrument one by one. I found it very handy.

Good luck,

Alejo.

 

[ahuimanu]

I will be needing 4 mic inputs (those things with 3 legs) so im wondering if theres anything i could just plug into my computer that has 4 mic inputs and guitar plugs OR do i have to buy a mixer?

So basically, i need to know what i need to buy that could provide:

- good sound quality recording
- 4 mic inputs
- guitar plugs

You might want Tascam's US-428.

Wanna buy mine?

 

[Blue Bear Sound]

I actually already bought a Cubase SX, so i guess that solves the problem of buying a digital recording program.

Yeah right...... in the other thread you posted, you've already admitted to having only a crack of Cubase......

You haven't gotten off to a very good start at this site.........

 

[TMA]

lol hahah yeah, but w/e

let people think what they want about me

 

[ahuimanu]

lol hahah yeah, but w/e

let people think what they want about me

Ouch...

here's a start - go to steinberg.net and ask for a "dongle crack." If you give them your name and info, I'm sure they'll help you get started with what you need and find ways for you to use your $8,000.00 HK.