Buying a computer for recording

[ShortBuSX]

Im interested in buying a new home computer, I know squat about computers...but from what Ive gathered, if I want a quailty recording I should stay away from the SoundBlaster cards...but I dont seem to see any other options. Then again, maybe I dont need to worry about that...see thats my point I know very little but would like to make a wise decision so I'll have a computer I can grow into.

Any suggestions?

 

[Andy]

If you plan to get serious with the recording part , you might want to check out the built around recording types for example at sweetwater. they are a little more upfront but they are guarenteed and you get 24hr support.plug and play.. atleast use that as a priceline if you start assemblig your own specific system

you can definately build one up..depends on how savvy you are. and most geek shops don't deal with recording oriented machines.

there are so many ways to go with it

 

[sunvalleylaw]

If it was me, and I was just wanting it for home, I would go iMac. It has all you need built in, including a decent recording program. A USB interface makes it that much better, but you don't have to use one. When you look at the overall package and compare how it is outfitted as compared to windows all in ones, it is a good value in my opinion. If you want a portable, then look at iBook.

 

[ShortBuSX]

If you plan to get serious with the recording part , you might want to check out the built around recording types for example at sweetwater.

Oouch!:thwap:
Wow...I may need to reconsider what is actually "needed"

But thanks for you post...none of the geeks seemed to know what I was talking about with the soundcard.

 

[Andy]

well keep in mind that's the top end pro tools oriented stuff.
software, cards ..ect... not necessary for most hobby recording.

I'm guessing your just wanting to record some guitar and mabey vocals?
than you don't need something like that, a mac would be great!

 

[ShortBuSX]

IM thinking I need to look at more simpler means of recording...Im not THAT serious. To be honest a Mac is even out of my league:thwap:

I feel like Im spending a fortune on a desktop PC for $600!:thwap:

Im not so interested in video...I want it mostly music based, but I reckon Im on a beer budget so Im assuming my choices are limited...Id just like to avoid a mistake...and Id also like a computer I can grow with...Ive got no computer recording knowledge, but Id deffinately like to be able to do some, even video, to show off my "mad guitar skills" to mah internet friends.:rockon:

 

[Robert]

How about a Boss Micro BR?

http://www.bossus.com/gear/productdetails.php?ProductId=818

 

[warren0728]

here are some used macs that fall below $600 that would work just fine....

http://www.macofalltrades.com/Apple_Desktops_s/2.htm

these guys have a good reputation....

ww

 

[just strum]

Asking what computer to buy on this forum, is like asking what beer is best while visiting a Busch brewery - almost exclusively one answer.

 

[Robert]

And that's simply because

 

[just strum]

And that's simply because

Where do you find these things? Do you head up a Mac forum when you find time away from Dolphin Street and thefret? Oh, and running?

 

[tunghaichuan]

The short answer is: get a Mac. They usually have everything you need already integrated into the computer.

If you have to have a PC, you'll need a low latency sound card like this one:

http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/Audiophile2496.html

And you are correct, Soundblaster Cards are OK for gaming but they suck for audio production.

If you want to record just single or stereo tracks, Audacity is adequate:

http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

For a full DAW (digital audio workstation) Reaper is good and relatively inexpensive:

http://www.reaper.fm/download.php

I use an older Behringer mic Pre and connect it to a Behringer UCA202 audio bridge plugged into the USB port on my PC. I use Audacity for simple one-track mono recordings, but it will do stereo as well.

I have a couple of older mics and a Shure SM58 which is supposed to be a vocal mike, but it is really an SM57 with a wind screen.

For silent recording I use a Behringer GI100 cab simulator/direct box and a dummy load hooked up to the amp.

Miking the amp sounds much better, IMHO.

tung

IM thinking I need to look at more simpler means of recording...Im not THAT serious. To be honest a Mac is even out of my league:thwap:

I feel like Im spending a fortune on a desktop PC for $600!:thwap:

Im not so interested in video...I want it mostly music based, but I reckon Im on a beer budget so Im assuming my choices are limited...Id just like to avoid a mistake...and Id also like a computer I can grow with...Ive got no computer recording knowledge, but Id deffinately like to be able to do some, even video, to show off my "mad guitar skills" to mah internet friends.:rockon:

 

[aeolian]

I have a different approach. How about a standalone digital 8-track for about $250. You will need a large SD memory card (probably about $30) and that will give you something like a couple of hundred of minutes of recording track time. I have to add that trying to do a proper mixdown on the 8-track is tough. I have an older version of this unit and I have another program on my PC (just an ordinary Dell, about 5 years old) which I used for mixing the tracks. The program I use is under $100. Oh, I also use a drum program which was $50. My total expense for home recording is under $500 other than microphones, cables and stuff like that. If you already have a computer that is under 5 years old, all you will need is the 8-track and the other accessories that I mentioned.

An example of what I manage to record with my equipment is somthing like this.

 

[Andy]

I still use my old roland vs880(v-exp) alot, they can be had for cheap and very powerfull...
drawback=steep learning curve
plus=64 tracks to play with and awesome built in stereo effects(with the effects card installed)