[ChrisPcritter]

I know it's probably asked but I'm looking to start doing recordings and am wondering a few things..

1.What do I actually need
2. What are nice extras to have
3. which software is easiest to learn to use
4. Are there good tutorials online for the software
My eyes are kind of messed up so the more online tutorials and
such something has the better. Spending hours reading a manual
won't work for me..
Thanks in advance for any help

[KholdStare]

Well, for starters, what computer do you have? At least 2Ghz (dual core) and 2GB RAM
is recommended for good performance.

Then, you'll need an audio interface- something to plug in your microphones,
guitars, whatever. If you're just experimenting and starting out, I highly recommend
the Presonus Firebox A really great little interface that's not expensive!
Depending on what you're planning to record, grab a Shure SM57 if you're miking
up a cab. For monitoring headphones, I also highly recommend the AKG K240ST's...
you can get them new for $70 on ebay, and they are used throughout the professional
music industry- it's funny how almost every time I watch an in-studio video of an
artist, these headphones will be there- the sounds quality is stellar.

About nice extras, if you can afford it, get yourself two widescreen monitors
to work with! It keeps everything less cluttered in your program, and you don't
have to go searching through tons of layers of windows to find what you're looking for!

About software... I really don't know which is easier to learn, since I just took
the plunge with Cubase. Using Cubase SX3 at the moment, and couldn't be
happier with it!

Before we can help you more specifically, could you tell us your overall intentions,
what your current computer is (PC/Mac?), or do you want to buy/build a new system?

Hope this helps

[7slinger]

agreed, can't recommend the firebox enough, I've been very happy with mine.

I'm using cubase sl3, but the firebox comes with a stripped down version of cubase that should be perfect for starting out with

[ChrisPcritter]

That helps thanks.
I have an athlon 2800, 1gb of ram at this time but will upgrade if needed.
Which means either pc or mac would be fine if it's a real advantage. If there isn't a real advantage to go to mac, I'd rather stick with pc.

I already have a few mics sm57, beta58, nd257,
I also have the Sony MDR 7506 headphones since a lot of folks
on here use them and swear by them. If the AKG's are better I'll get them.
I'm not rich but I don't spend money on anything else so if I need to sell a
guitar or two to pay for recording stuff thats cool..

What am I wanting to do. Record full songs and possibly learn enough to make myself a small studio for home use.....
I'd rather pay a little extra and get stuff that will work for me as I get better. I don't want to make a starter setup and then have to upgrade shortly there after.

Also what interface does the computer have to have. I don't have firewire now either..

[Azathoth43]

You could get a Delta 1010, it's PCI 10 ins 10 outs. You would need mic pres with it but it's bad ass. Otherwise go firewire, try to get a motherboard with it built in, or a card if you have to. I've noticed allot of company are not putting them on anymore. Look for TI chipset also. I would stay away from USB just because of the CPU overhead. And the bus getting shared with any other USB device you have hooked up.

Hope that helps, keep us posted.

[Nick]

so, instruments aside could i get hold of a good spec pc a firebox some monitors, cubase, reason and drumkit from hell (as i cant play drums) and record a full track (taking my level of skill at mixing etc out of the equation also)

[KholdStare]

Originally Posted by Nick

so, instruments aside could i get hold of a good spec pc a firebox some monitors, cubase, reason and drumkit from hell (as i cant play drums) and record a full track (taking my level of skill at mixing etc out of the equation also)

Hell yeah! That's all you'll need!

Chris, will you be going the desktop route? If so, probably better to go with PC,
and build your own rig, it will be a lot cheaper than buying a prebuilt from Dell/HP
or buying a Mac. Of course, if you don't want the trouble of assembling
(which can get nerve wrecking sometimes ), then choose anything you want (within reason).

I'd say the firebox is all you'll ever need if you're recording guitars. You seem
to have 3 mics, so if you want to use them at the same time, you'll have to
get something with more inputs (the firebox has 2 mic inputs).
You could always get the FP10 (aka Firepod), which has 10 mic inputs.
All these are firewire, but seeing that your pc is a bit old and you should upgrade,
you can easily get a motherboard with firewire on it

[7slinger]

Originally Posted by KholdStare

You could always get the FP10 (aka Firepod), which has 10 mic inputs.

8 mic inputs

everything else you said I agree with completely though

[ChrisPcritter]

Sweet, thanks.. I've built quite a few computers. Not since Vista came out though but from what I understand, I should put XP on it anyways correct?

Thanks for the info....

[KholdStare]

Originally Posted by 7slinger

8 mic inputs

Oops Sorry about that :P