Opinions on a Computer Home Studio Purchase
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Posted on Jan 03, 2007 11:45 am
raythemetalhead
Member Since: Oct 11, 2006
Hello Everyone
I have spent hours in the different forums reading up on this and decided to ask the dreaded question:
What should i purchase?
I have a buddy who can build me the computer which will be didicated just for recording ( no boobies ).
Suggestions on brand names would be welcome for mother board, memory....
I have a behringer mixer with 8 outs/ 4 sub outs.
I would like to use this with a 8 input interface.
Or would i be better off buying a new firewire or USB mixer and avoid the interface purchase?
And of course recording software.
My main concern is something that will work with the computer, is easy to use, compatible with many other programs/software.
I'm looking at a ballpark figure of 1000 dollars give or take.
I really hope this isnt too long of a question/post.
If it is I apoligize.
Thanks in advance.
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meltdown5Faze 2 StudiosMember
Since: Aug 15, 2005
Jan 03, 2007 12:44 pm well, i dont know about the computer stuff, so i cant help you there. BUT i do know if you were to get a 8 channel firewire interface such as the Presonus firepod you wouldnt need the mixer. if you get a firewire interface that has 8 preamps you wont really need the mixer, seeing how you would already have 8 pre-amps that are probabl;y higher quality then the ones on your mixer.
i think a firewire interface would be a god choice though.
thats all i can really say. hope it helps
-melty
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Jan 03, 2007 01:34 pm Oop, had to remove, due to my mis-reading a few specs
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Jan 03, 2007 01:44 pm I had to change, due to socket 939 vs am2. Below makes more sense
BIOSTAR TForce6100-939 Socket 939 NVIDIA GeForce 6100 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
Model #: TForce6100-939
Item #: N82E16813138264
$69.99
eVGA 128-P2-N411-LX GeForce 7100GS 256MB(128MB On-board) GDDR2 PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail
Model #: 128-P2-N411-LX
Item #: N82E16814130069
$49.99
Thermaltake TR2 W0070RUC ATX 430W Power Supply - Retail
Model #: W0070RUC
Item #: N82E16817153023
$39.99
AMD Athlon 64 3800+ Venice 2.4GHz Socket 939 Processor Model ADA3800BPBOX - Retail
Model #: ADA3800BPBOX
Item #: N82E16819103531
$85.00
CORSAIR XMS 1GB (2 x 512MB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWINX1024-3200C2PT - Retail
Model #: TWINX1024-3200C2PT
Item #: N82E16820145450
$135.00
Subtotal: $379.97
I forgot to add HD, figure 150 - 200$ for those, probably 2 SATAII, around 160g seems to be a good mix of size vs speed (something I read somewhere). Plus add your audio interface cost. I'm pretty happy with my ESI ESP1010.
You'll have to add monitors, keyboard/mouse. 2 monitors (screen) is very good.
Also, don't forget the monitor (speaker) solution. Studio monitors can be had for around 200$ / pair, and then go up from there.
Jan 04, 2007 04:15 pm Thanks guys
I should probably add more info
No need for MIDI
Need a system that can handle 8 tracks all at once to record live band.
And then still handle overdubs with no time lag.
16 tracks would be my minimum choice.
The Presonus firepod looks good, but can it use XLR cables?
Dumb question i know but I have like 500 bucks worth of XLR cables already.
And what about the Delta 10/10?
Any comments on that?
Thanks again guys
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Jan 04, 2007 07:43 pm Yep, the firepod has 8 preamps, with xlr jacks. It's connected via firewire, so there's that issue. Many are using them with good results, though there has be a few issues. Most have been good though, i think.
the delta 1010 is a PCI system, but doesn't have preamps, so you'd need to put preamps in front of it. the 1010 is also fair along in it's lifespan, which means it's very stable, and works well with most systems.
Jan 04, 2007 08:32 pm Another question for ya pjk,
I have a behringer mixer with 8 direct outs.
Would that be good enough to use with the delta?
As in the preamp situation.
I figure i already have the thing.
The Presonus looks good from what i've seen on their website...
But I want to attempt to assemble a computer based studio that will be simple and actually operate all the time.
I really want to avoid any issues with hardware/software/driver/plug ins.... not working together.
And on that note...
Any suggestions on recording software?
I've played around with Audacity and Krystal.
Krystal seems better ( easier ) than some software that i have from other soundcards i have purchased, plus its free!!!
Any info/suggestions welcomed by this newbie.
Thanks again.
HuePinnipedal Czar (: 3= Member
Since: Apr 11, 2004
Jan 04, 2007 08:45 pm Dang pjk, I think you just picked out the parts for my next box . I was going to go with a dual core job, but due to a few monitary restrictions that have come about, I have decided to go with something that will allow me to use my current RAM, which would mean using a socket939 mb .
Where are you getting your prices from, if I may ask ?
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Jan 04, 2007 09:06 pm oh, that's a newegg list, I can post the actual list, if i can figure out how =)
Ray:
I use a yamaha mg16/4 for my 8 input card. I tap signal from the channel inserts. I think a behringer mixer with 8 subouts would be much more $$$. But it would be good to use with a delta 1010 either way (yam or behr)
As far as software, i've been trying out Reaper, and am pretty sure I'm gonna be staying with it. They've got their full version up as shareware, but even then the home version license is only 40$, so you can't go wrong there. Plus it's full of great big-time features.
www.cockos.com/reaper
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Jan 04, 2007 09:08 pm only thing i was kinda iffy about was the biostar board. i wasn't looking there at first (last year) but couldn't get the board I wanted (abit board) so I started looking elsewhere.
This board was their top line offering, and had the nvidia chipset, so I went with it.
It's been great, though I don't OC or anything funny like that =).
HuePinnipedal Czar (: 3= Member
Since: Apr 11, 2004
Jan 04, 2007 10:19 pm ray, Since you already have the ub2442 w/direct outs, you could save a few bucks by going with the 1010 . You'd be able to DI the inputs of the 1010, then fold them each back into the board, and reroute their output(subs) for direct monitoring, or sending to other... things .
My suggestion for software is Sonar6PE, or anything else Cakewalk... low learning curve, powerful aps, and great customer relations... just my .02 .
Kaos62Kaos is only a form of insanityMember
Since: Feb 03, 2005
Jan 04, 2007 11:43 pm Also consider the ESI ESP1010 I have this rigged up from my UB2442 mixer and i am now using Cubase SX for the tracking. All working fine together and all at reasonable costs.
But hey what do I know I'm only a drummer ;)
HuePinnipedal Czar (: 3= Member
Since: Apr 11, 2004
Jan 04, 2007 11:55 pm heh Yeah, most any 1010-thing will do . ; )
Jan 04, 2007 11:55 pm Thanks a ton guys
This is the BEST site I have come across EVER for this type of subject.
I'll admit I THOUGHT ( keyword THOUGHT LOL ) I knew alot about recording....
I guess maybe I knew a little 20 years ago LOL
I just realize we cant believe the ads in the magazines so I really appreciate everyones opinions.
My computer buddy said I should hold off for a few weeks as Intel and AMD are having some big war.
Dual core prices are dropping because Quad core or something is comming out this month.
I probably have this all wrong but its something along those lines.
Thanks again.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Jan 05, 2007 10:51 pm Yes, AMD is releasing the QuadCore chip in short order so the dual core will be dripping like a rock.
And a side note. I use the ESI ESP 1010 and have been for about 4 years or so. It is rock solid and the drivers are stable as anything out there. Straight froward control panel and a few other software goodies for doing some things in routing that others don't have yet.
Jan 18, 2007 02:22 pm I've got the same ub2442fx-pro mixer you do, and I'm feeding it into my Delta1010. It works great, except that the mixer is kind of a piece of junk (several channels going out intermittently: a common problem I'm meant to understand with this particular board). Functionality-wise, I recommend it whole-heartedly!
