beginner!! I want record my own project

[HUTCH]

I sing christian music with accompaniment tracks. I want to record my own work. I only need one vocal, two at most and music from my tapes and CDs.
( I would like to change some old cassette tape to digital.)
I`m on a budget and want to stay simple but want good quality. I`ve read reveiws on MBox-2/Protools, Lexicon Omega/Cubase LE, USB vs Firewire. I use PC/Windows . Could someone with home studio or desktop recording experience please give me advice. I`ve heard Cubase is easier/Protools are better. MBox-2 has better mic preamps than Lexicon Omega. H E L P!!!!!
Thanks Hutch

[AndyH]

You can do this, but it isn't going to happen overnight. If you want good results you are going to have to learn bit by bit.

The recording software and the soundcard are the least of your concerns. Microphones, preamps, and mixers are only slightly more important. Some are better than others, but once you get beyond the pure toy junk level, much more depends on recording environment and recording technique than on the recording equipment. The same is true of the software, at least until you get fairly advanced.

Also, some professionals maintain that the monitors, in the proper room setup, are the most important equipment for getting the raw recording into presentable form. If there is any possibility of spending some time with someone already accomplished at this stuff, that will be probably be your best investment.

[GZsound]

Yeah...what he said.

The last thing you need to worry about is the software. You can record professional audio files with N Tracks. Whoever told you Pro Tools is better than others is simply wrong. Pro Tools is an industry standard audio software system that is great if you need to share files with other studios.

Other than that.. save your money and get N Tracks or Power Tracks Pro or other sub $25 audio recording programs.

You need a decent sound card or interface. If you are going to record track at a time and build your songs, you only need a two channel sound card. Get one with microphone preamps built in and then you don't need a mixer.

You can buy an AT 2020 mic for under a hundred dollars and an SM 57 for ninety bucks and you have enough microphones to record just about anything. The AT gets good reviews and the SM57 is an industry standard all around great mic.

Since you only need two channels, a USB or Firewire interface will work and you can also get a PCI interface for reasonable amounts of money.

Any of the mic preamps in budget gear are going to be sufficient for your needs, except for the "professional results" part. I would be willing to bet there is no discernable difference in preamps until you start spending close to a grand for your interface.

You will also need decent monitors and a decent room.

Playing your albums into the computer for conversion to CD is easy. However if you are playing vinyl albums from a record player, you need a phono preamp too. A cassette player should plug right in to your interface.

And finally, as to your system suggestions. I would simply get the best deal you can on whatever interface you decide to get. I would not worry about matching an interface with a software. There is no way in the world I would buy software as a beginner...like Pro Tools.. that will only work with specific interfaces.

[HUTCH]

What about the Presonus Firebox/Cubase LE to start with? I`m searching for an affordable laptop (PC) Rode NT1-A for studio and or Shure mic to record and use live. I understand I`ll need monitors and a place to set up.

Any ideas or info, anyone.

Thanks Hutch

[Metairieman55]

I was just looking for an interface for my laptop to record some guitar. I also have two other computers I use for Cubase and my MIDI/VST accompaniments. The cheapest way I could find was when I stumbled on M-Audio's Black Box because I also wanted some guitar effects also. So for $200 (and M-Audio's firmware update which increased the available effects and usefulness at least twofold or more) you get decent guitar effects (if that's your thing), 40+ amp modeling, a drum pattern accompaniment for timing, an spdif out, a balanced XLR mic input, stereo 1/4" unbalanced outs, USB interface for sound/MIDI, synchronized effects with the drum tempo, expression pedal intputs ( I missed that; other online retailers are offering it as a package for the same price) and included Ableton Live SE Guitar software which is fine for like 4-track projects. You can always upgrade when the time comes. This ia a mini studio preamp interface for all practical purposes. You can do better with a couple of thousand dollars but I haven't yet found anything "bad" in this package for the money spent. Check out the vids on M-Audio's site. ( I'm not associated with promoting this. But I am impressed with M-Audio's solutions. I expected at least $400-500 to do the minimalist upgrade for the laptop and I spent half and got twice as much as I expected.) There's other good stuff out there. I just happen to own the least expensive now! :o Good luck!