Ready to buy PC, soundcard, software, etc. HELPMEPLEASE

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Member Since: Apr 25, 2005

Hi, I'm new

I'm a singer/songwriter.

I own:

Martin D35
Beyer dynamic M88N(C) microphone.
Roland MA-8 stero micro monitors
Sony MDR-7506 sound monitor headphones
Computer, Dell Dim. 2400 series, Intel Pentium 4 at 2.20GH, 256MB DDR SDRAM at 333MHz, 40GB [note: I'm thinking that I probably need to buy another computer and avoid the internet and it's threats altogehter. Although I will, hopefully in time, have something I want to share with others. I also have my old computer in the closet and I think I can reuse the giant monitor and keyboard if that will work.

In the beginning I plan on recording vocal(s) and accoustic guitar, but later when I'm more experienced add drums and other instruments. I don't need a lot of hoopla.

Budget...?...the lower the better of course, but under 2,000.

I would appreciate your recommendations.

V.R.

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Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004


Apr 25, 2005 10:10 pm

soundcard could be a m-audio 2496, or a juli@, dB really likes his. I'd say start with a two channel recording card, and upgrade later if you get more inspired to multitrack, though it doesn't sound like you'll get into that (though you might)

having a mixer is real handy, even for a one man show, but it's not necessary. maybe a better route for you would be a better pre-amp. maybe spend a few bills on that, along with a good microphone. I'm not sure on the beyer, don't know it, but for acoustic and vocals, a large diaphragm condensor mic would be the ticket (in my humble opinion). You could look into some of the tube condensor mics (I would if'n i were you) but also there's quite a few 200$ LDCs that do a pretty good job. Rode, MXL, Studio projects come to mind right away.

for the PC, I'd say start out with what you got. get some of the growing pains out of the way. the PC is more than capable to track what you're looking to do. Certainly you could buy a newer one and keep it clean, but I wouldn't rush out and spend on that right away, until you felt a limitation on the PC as it is.

Software: lotsa people use cubase here, along with some others. I use n-track, others use multitrack studio. there's also cakewalk, of which there's a few versions to choose from. I got cubase LE with my tascam us-122, and looked into it for awhile. I'm partial to n-track, so I'll be staying there for awhile. There's also tracktion that just released ver 2. It's a different kind of interface that you might be compatible with, some are, some aren't.

you may want to get monitors in you're mind now as well. computer speakers and home speakers change the sound, not giving you accurate representation of your sound. this should be avoided, though many people make it work by learning their speakers and adjusting accordingly. basically, the more accurate the monitors, the easier it is to mix and master your projects. these can be pretty cheap (150$), getting decent (300-500$) and pretty good (500-1000$) or very good (1k$+).

A good point to consider in all of this is that it doesn't make sense to have one component WAY better than the rest of the signal chain. Nor is it good to have one component WAY worse than the rest of the chain. For 2K you can have fair to midland quality throughout the whole chain (mic to your ears) and make some pretty darn good recordings. Just remember that knowing your equipment will take you alot farther than having great equip, but not knowing how to properly use it.

Hope this gave you some ideas, i know others will have other ideas to add as well.

Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004


Apr 25, 2005 10:11 pm

oop, forgot you had monitors listed, most of the monitor section will still apply, though you do already have a set.

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