Need major help. Home setup advice. V...

Need major help. Home setup advice. Very clueless.

Posted on Feb 26, 2004 02:43 pm
kivi
Member Since: Feb 25, 2004

Ok. I am just getting back into some home recording after about a 4 year break. I need alot of help with what to buy, some basic advice, and so forth. I am on about a $2000 budget ( which I know isnt much ) so I have been afraid to buy anything I would regret. I have Acid Pro 3, that I havent used since I got it way back when. I liked the ease of it, but I dont do much sampling except drums.

Here is my plan...

1)Use my PC to record.

2)Buy a couple decent monitors.

3)Need some software advice.

4) With right software do I need to get a mixer?? Keep in mind I wont be recording live, just track by track so I dont need anymore then like... 4 inputs.

5) Need a good effects set up. I have been reading about Propellerheads Reason software. Is that just for effects?? Or does it record as well.

I know these are all novice type questions, but I do seriously need some advice on a couple set up options.

Bare in mind, I dont need any instruments, mics, or anything else. All I am concerned with here is the production step.

Thanks in advance.

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dbmasters
Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002

Feb 26, 2004 04:16 pm

Since you record track by track like many of us do, I would suggest your first step be a good sound card. Considering your method, Iwould say the M-Audio Audiophile 2496 or the Delta 44 both great cards and under $250 or so.

Second, software Acid Pro would be a good one to use, you can do anything in it, it's not just for samplers. However, you may want to check out Multitrack Studio www.multitrackstudio.com/ a great app for a great price ($120 for the best version) easy to use and powerful. Sonar is another good one but it and many other comparible apps are MUCH more expensive. Even with good software a mixer is still useful for preamping the signals from mics, so, either get a mixer (we love our Behringers around here) or a mic preamp, one of the two is required.

Monitors...there are tons of 'em, I like my JBL 4206's personally.

Check out "The Gear Bag" section of this site to checkout any of the gear I mentioned. And Welcome to HRC.

deeps
Member
Since: Jan 26, 2004

Feb 26, 2004 10:59 pm

Reason is good for making beats and what not. I know its alot more powerful than that, but I know some of the people in the industry use Reason to produce stuff (great synths and soundbanks). Fruityloops is another program that can be used for creating beats. Project 5 which I have not touched yet is also great for producing beats.

Moniters - heard Event are good and are under 300 I believe. M-Audio also makes some comparable monitors. Do a search on monitors on this site and you'll see a good listing of Q&A's :)

Jamie Garrett
Contributor
Since: Sep 09, 2002

Feb 27, 2004 12:12 am

$2000 is plenty to get you started.

also, what software you need depends greatly on what kinds of music you'll be making and how you'll be making it.

Sonico
Member
Since: Apr 19, 2002

Feb 27, 2004 10:03 am

- I second the Audiophile 24/96 recommendation, excellent card for a one stereo or two mono simultaneous tracks ($149).

- I'd get Sonar 3 Producer Edition, excellent multitrack software with lots of very very good quality effects and software synths. You can do everything production wise inside Sonar ($500).

Very very important to get good quality in:
- A good condensor and an SM57 mics ($300).
- A good Mic preamp/compressor. Check the Focusrite Platinum Twin track Voice Master Pro. ($600)

- I recommend the M-Audio BX8 monitors (480).

Total of US $2029, and excellent quality studio gear. You'll find lots of equipment within this price/quality, so prepare yourself to do some research and you'll be ready to rock.

kivi
Member
Since: Feb 25, 2004

Feb 27, 2004 11:35 am

Thanks all. I do appreciate all the advice and the links !

Noize2u
Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Mar 01, 2004 02:27 pm

I will just add that Sonar 3 does have loop creation software aboard that can use Acidized loops as well as create them. There are some good synths as well included in the Producer package which will give you a great start.