Hey, I'm new to home recording and could use some advice. I read through the other threads and didn't find exactly what I needed.

I work with computers so I understand a little bit about software, but I'm not much of a hardware guy. I know I'm going to need a good sound card with the right inputs and was wondering which ones you all thought were good. I do know that after the sound card I want to get a mixer, so I'll want to be thinking ahead and make sure the card I get will work well with that also.

I want to do this right, so I'm not afraid to spend a little money, either.

Thanks for the help.
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-B. N.

Well you will want to get a mac. I like the feel of PC's more because I was raised on them but the standard for recording seems to be macs. http://www.apple.com/imac/ I am not super knowledgable so I would suggest another opinion but I am pretty sure something like thats what youd want.

bradleynash you have lots of options available to you and if you have always used a PC I would stick with it. If you know the PC workflow stick with it, all the menu systems and configuration will feel the same to you.

PCs are just as common for audio processing as any other type of computer, they are also generally far less expensive and very easy to upgrade yourself and tweak. You will also find numerous software for free and various hardware available from multiple outlets.

I've worked in various studio, and in sessions with known signed popular bands, where the PC is the main tool.

Regarding the specifics of hardware needed have a read around the forums and see what other people are using.

As you are thinking sound card (audio interface) and mixer, I would suggest looking at them integrated into one box right off the start. Perhaps a USB mixer might be a good place to start looking.
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Recording Studio Suntans

PC or Mac will both work depending on your budget. Some minimum requirements i would suggest is a good CPU card minimum of 2.4 Ghz processing or higher. That is the most important thing when your running a DAW system with multiple plug-ins and multiple tracks. The dual core is good and the quad core is excellent. Ram is basically your amount of things your computer processes at a time but your CPU is how fast it will actually process it. your hard drive i would suggest a minimum of 80 Gigs with an external hard drive for storing your projects when completed. I'm not too familiar with PC sound cards but i do know that if you want the best sound its best to get an external sampling system thats dedicated to only audio such as an audio interface or recorder. These usually have larger computer parts that handle audio more efficiently. I've used several different ones and these can get pretty costy for the better sounding ones. The ones that come in packages such as the M-box Protools setup are ok but not the best. Good mics with a good pre-amps are a must for good recordings so working these into your budget is tricky as well. Make sure you choose the right mic for what your recording before you buy any mics. I would recomend a minimun of a good large diaphram condenser and at least one good dynamic. If your recording drums then i would not recomend buying the cheep $200 drum mic package for professional quality. You might be better off renting some better mics for the time being. Most audio people i've talked to prefer Tube preamps due to the warmer sound. Hopefully this info will help you out but i don't know your budget so best of luck to you.

I didn't find exactly what I needed either. I'm hoping you know now.

Before I go off half cocked, I want to be sure I'm heading in the right direction. I believe I have the computer I need. I just ordered CAKEWALK program for PC recording but have NOTHING in the way of periphreal hardware.

Conceptually, I'm in the dark. Can't even grasp how the instruments are going to be recorded through to the computer program. Am I looking at lots of equipment? What's the best vocal mic to buy that's affordable?

I'm looking for simple high quality tracks that I can transfer to another working studio for assembly and shine. All info greatly appreciated.
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/N

bradleynash wrote:

Hey, I'm new to home recording and could use some advice. I read through the other threads and didn't find exactly what I needed. I work with computers so I understand a little bit about software, but I'm not much of a hardware guy. I know I'm going to need a good sound card with the right inputs and was wondering which ones you all thought were good. I do know that after the sound card I want to get a mixer, so I'll want to be thinking ahead and make sure the card I get will work well with that also. I want to do this right, so I'm not afraid to spend a little money, either. Thanks for the help.

There are so many options it can be overwhelming. I can only talk about my experiences. USB 2.0 audio interface seem to be what the manufacturers want you to buy and Firewire is good to, but my experience has been that PCI Audio interfaces are more stable. I hear all kinds of trouble people have with all types of cards but more so with the firewire and usb type. I have both PCI and USB 2.0 interfaces and I get the least amount of problems with the PCI (well I have no issues with my PCI cards).

I currently use the M-Audio 2496 and the Audiomedia III PCI cards
I use the Tascam US1641 USB 2.0 interface when working with live bands. (it freaks out after about an hour of operation)

The number of inputs you need really depends on what you think you will need at any one given moment.

If you are new, then I recommend you go for the M-Audio PCI products they sound awesome and are priced within reach of most. (this is just my opinion based on years of quality service I have gotten with those products)

I can mix 50+ plus tracks on my PC using the M-Audio Audiophile 2496 PCI card along with several plugins and VSTi's

It also helps to tweak your PC so that it can run audio/video programs better.
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hello everyone !!!


i am basu from bangladesh ....


i am new in this forum and i want to learn from here.....


i wish you guys will help me......


thanks.....
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