What to buy?
Home > Home Recording Forum > Recording Techniques > What to buy?
Posted on Sep 15, 2004 10:28 am
Drako
Member Since: Sep 15, 2004
Hello -
I am an experienced musician that is beginning to research home recording. My experience is very limited, although I feel like I will be able to learn fairly quickly. I will not be recording acoustic drums, as I have just purchased a Roland V-Drum kit. I'm looking for near professional quality. I have no real need to record several tracks at once. I'm looking for advice on what to purchase. Two items that appeal to me are the Roland VS-2000CD and the BOSS BR-1600CD. Any suggestions? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
[ Back to Top ]
vdalehubbardLost for words with all to say.Contributor
Since: Sep 12, 2003
Sep 15, 2004 12:22 pm Welcome to HRC!
Well, if you are in no real need to record several tracks, sounds like you are a one man band for this, there are much cheaper ways to go. Have a PC? Use a computer and a soundcard (which we have sugguestions in the Gear Bag area of this site....I love M-Audio's equipment). You can start there, that's just my suggestion.
Sep 15, 2004 01:10 pm I'd have to agree. If you have no need for several tracks at once, it would seem a waste to spend that kind of money on a multitracker. As vdalehubbard already said, get a good soundcard for your computer, and recording software. Invest the rest of the money you would have spent on the multitracker on a good quality mic, compressor and mixer/preamp. You'll end up with a much more versatile setup for less money (seeing as how you'd prolly need the mic and compressor even if you chose one of those multitrackers). Plus, there are tons of plugins online that you can use. Many are free!
vdalehubbardLost for words with all to say.Contributor
Since: Sep 12, 2003
Sep 15, 2004 02:20 pm Yes, PC is the way to go. So much functionality for alot less money!! Don't know why any recording studio still invest in any other way. Course, that's just me talking.
DrakoMember
Since: Sep 15, 2004
Sep 15, 2004 03:14 pm Thank you all for your advice. So all I will need is a good soundcard and software? How many inputs generally are there in a good soundcard? Can you list a few specifically? What software packages are good?
vdalehubbardLost for words with all to say.Contributor
Since: Sep 12, 2003
Sep 15, 2004 03:59 pm Pretty much. Look at my profile for example for the stuff I use, I like to think I'm getting along pretty niceley ;). The two I am thinking about is from M-Audio.
The 2496 has 2 analog in/out along with a digital in/out:
www.musiciansfriend.com/s...ase_pid/701341/
The 1010LT is up a scale or two in the M-Audio line up with 10 in/outs, what I suggest and alot of folks here use. Virtually have all the capabilities you will need for now and the future:
www.musiciansfriend.com/s...ase_pid/701376/
Check out our Gear Bag section for descriptions on all different types of soundcards. These are just two that came to my mind.
Software:
I love Cakewalk Sonar 3. Some here use a free recording software, but I can't remember the name of it, someone here will. Many use Cubase also. Really no wrong answer here, they basically do the same thing just whatever you feel comfortable using.
Sep 16, 2004 11:06 am The free software is named Kristal. I've never used it, but I hear it's pretty good.
Sep 16, 2004 12:01 pm One reason I use a DAW instead of a PC is that I really like the control surface of the 2480 with automated faders it seems more intuitive in many ways. I realize controllers are also available for PCs, but these can also pricey. If I did use a PC it would only be used for recording. I certainly wouldn't expose it to net. Now you can even pick up a virus by simply viewing a JPEG. UNBELIEVABLE !! I'm so sick of all these hackers. Get a life or girlfriend or something!
Sorry I got derailed there for a sec. I'M JUST SO SICK OF THIS CRAP.
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Sep 16, 2004 01:50 pm Don't hold back Karyn, tell us how you *really* feel.
=)
I agree though, my PC DAW barely even gets to see any other computers, let alone the net, for fear it may become infected.
hmm, sounds like something else,
Anyway, If you already own a mid-powered PC, then you could get a 150$us sound card like the M-audio audiophile, beef up a few other things, and be up and running for only a few hunnert bux. Otherwise, I would think if you're only recording one or two things at a time, you may be looking at all those channels and knobs, only using one at a time, and thinking; "boy did I spend a lot for a single channel".
Of course, i'm only thinking out loud here, the console DAW may be the way to go for more intuitive control, like RC mentioned above.
Sep 16, 2004 05:36 pm jeezuz people are scared these days. My PC/DAW is on my home network with 4-5 other PC's and on the internet, it has never been infected by spyware or a virus, it runs rock solid and I have no troubles with it at all.
If people use common sense measures in protecting themselves and stay away from websites that have spyware 99% of the time you are gonna be safe. The typical web sites that use underhanded tactics such as spyware are often warez, porn or other more "underground" sites...obviously some ads and such sneak through on legitimate sites, but it's not common.
If people would quit being so mad and so scared and just be logical and sensible, using logical and sensible protection...it'll be fine.
Sep 16, 2004 05:59 pm Well, sometimes it can be difficult to discern a "legit" site from a shady site. But with a few handy programs I found online for FREE! I havent had any adware/spyware problems. Spyware Guard and Spyware Blaster are awesome programs that really help keep that stuff off your computer. The big key to keeping bugs off your computer is to regularly update your virus definitions. I update my adware and virus software at least once a month.
Sep 16, 2004 06:21 pm Very true, it can be hard, but, with a little common sense and a couple of preventative measures (such as the apps you mention) you can be pretty safe.
www.spywareinfo.com is a great site to get info and stay up to date on all the new threats and such on the net.
Sep 16, 2004 06:45 pm I'm not scared. I'm mad that I have to expend any brain power at all to protect myself from punks that have a beef with Bill Gates and have nothing better to do than sit in their moms basement and write malicious code.
I love it when expert computer guys like Db says use common sense. His common sense about computers I think is probably very different than mine. :)
Now I have to upgrade to service pack 2. This is a 1.8 gig upgrade. What the hec are they doing rewriting the whole OS.
Sep 17, 2004 08:50 am 1.8 gig upgrade? Ummmm, no, it's a 200MB download...takes a while to install too. And actually, those upgrades are mostly security based so you don't have to think about it so much.
Perhaps my common sense is different, I'll accept that, but common sense is protecting yourself. Anti-virus and anti-spyware apps. Of course the number one best way to prevent spyware is to stop using Internet Explorer...Start using Firefox
www.mozilla.org
Sep 17, 2004 01:32 pm I thought I read they want 1.8 gig available. I guess they're 2 different things?
Stop using Internet explorer and start using firefox.....THIS SOUNDS LIKE MORE THINKING TO ME Db. :)
You know girls don't like to think, it hurts.
Jason H.Jack of all trades master of ___Member
Since: May 28, 2004
Sep 17, 2004 03:18 pm Norton Internet Security Professional...
I got a virus and it literally handcuffed me from Adobe Audition...wouldn't boot up...
Needed solid anti-virus anyhow...got that program, cleaned it up, solved my recording program problem now it shields it well and everything is running smooth...
If people wouldn't look @ midget pour+n you wouldn't have virus's...(just joking folks)
