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View Full Version : PC Recording - putting together a basic rig & need help


Lavely
08-25-2004, 07:34 PM
My last thread - how to build a DAW - pretty much convinced me that route is too complicated. Here is a 2nd thought:

I want to record my guitar into my PC. I want to record song ideas and structure songs using software drum loops and my guitar. So, I want to run drum loop software and input one guitar at a time, perhaps 2-5 total guitar tracks, drums, vocals.

I've got a Pentium III at home w/512 MB RAM that I'm hoping I can use. Can I simply use something like the M-Audio MobilePre USB box (see description below), some simple recording software (suggestions?) and a drum loops program?
So, my setup would be:

PC
M-Audio box
Recording software (need suggestions!!)
SM-57 mic
Monitor speakers (suggestions?)

Will that all "work" reasonably well for my application, or do I need a whoopty-do PC with special super-fast hard drives?

To throw in another wrinkle, I may have the need to buy a mixer for other uses at home. Which mixer should I consider if I wanted to use the mixer into a sound card of some sort (preferably one with decent pres for guitar)? Which sound card should I consider if one is needed?

I know there are lots of questions in here, but help is appreciated!

Thanks!

Lavely

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M-Audio MobilePre USB box description:

MobilePre USB is the preamp with a built-in audio interface that’s designed for laptop recording such as field recording and sampling expeditions. In fact, it’s one of the only completely bus-powered preamps available. (Of course, you can use it on the desktop as well.) A total of three kinds of audio inputs and outputs provide maximum flexibility for any application—including two on-board microphone/instrument preamps and high-impedance instrument inputs ideal for connecting guitars and basses. And unlike many competitors, zero-latency direct monitoring provides you with a streamlined professional recording experience.

jpw23
08-26-2004, 07:12 PM
I am using cakewalk guitar tracks pro 3.....stupid simple to use...made for us guitar players!.....about $150.00, it can record 32 tracks at once or one at a time , it can also make use of acis loops.....as far as mixers go....I use an old mackie 1202....lots of inputs and outs.....easy to use! You could buy more expensive stuff but, you probably don't need it.......the cakewalk program takes advantage of dx and vst plug....many of which can be had for free and it comes with some nice effects and amplitube!

jpw23
08-26-2004, 07:13 PM
pardon my spellig.....that would be acid loops!

jpw23
08-26-2004, 07:14 PM
see....it happenend again!