Thinking of switching to computer based recording...

[SpectresGhost]

I just posted this message at the sound card forum, and thought I should give fellow DAW's an opportunity to give me their thoughts. Here's the post - I have been recording on a Korg D-16, however it recently fried on me (apparently even using a step-down transformer doesn't work for those really long jam sessions). This has led to the question, should I switch over to recording on my computer? I don't have a very large setup, just an Alesis QS-8, a guitar w/ effects processor, and a mic. So I don't need a large amount of inputs (although Alesis optical would be nice). However, I do want true 24 bit 44.1khz recording for mastering to CD. Of course, if the answer is "yes, leave behind the realm of 'all in one workstation recordin", what sound card do I need? I would also like to have a tactial mixer interface so that I can "feel" the mix in real time. I have made recent upgrades to my computer that enhance the capability of computer based recording (though they were primarily made to enhance my Counterstrike playing experience LOL). I have a P4 1.5GHZ with 400mhz front side bus, 256mb RDRAM, a SCSI card, and a CD-RW. I'll be asking another forum which hard drive they suggest, although I'll gladly take suggestions wherever I can get them. Thank you in advance for any help. - so, ladies and gents, what's your opinion? Should I buy another D-16 (ok, I'd get the 1600), or should I just go with the puter? Looking forward to your responses :-)

[T. Alan Smith]

Right now, I've got my facility up-n-runnin' with my Roland VS DAW and Logic VS. I should be able to do about anything. I have the stability of the hardware DAW with the flexability with Logic software.
So far, it's workin' for me.
Note: I also use outboard processing.

T. Alan

[SpectresGhost]

I'm not actually debating the Roland issue, although I did read that thread, it was quite interesting. I'm debating whether or not I should go to an entirely computer based recording system. Without any DAW. I do not have the funds to do both, as you have done. However I agree that if I did, that would be the best solution. Therefore, I either need to go with a DAW, or with computer based recording. My question is: which is better? Thanks for the reply :-)

[euphonic]

just from what I've gleaned in trying to make a similar descision is this: If portability and simplicity is your main need and you are fairly capable at recording clean high musical quality tracks without a lot of need for editing, then go with hardware DAW. If on the other hand you are less experienced musically and need the added benefit of powerful editing and portability is NOT an issue, then go with the computer software based DAW. That's what appears to be the case from the hundreds of threads and reviews I've read, but most likely whichever one you start with, eventually you'll add the other as it becomes affordable. What's the old adage? "choose your weapon" or is that "pick your poison"????

[T. Alan Smith]

Yeah, all I was saying was that you've got to do whatever is best for you and your current situation. I bought the Roland with the idea that after almost 15 years of MIDI recording experience, I needed something to break me in that I could still use after upgrading to ProTools or whatever. The Roland, at that time, will be my "glorified portable DAT."
Keep in mind that the safest route for a software based DAW is to have one professionally built for you from the ground up or just get a Mac in the 1st place. Whatever you do, the computer has to be dedicated solely to audio production. This will cost you as much as what I paid for my set-up. My computer just runs MIDI right now because it isn't dedicated to audio only.

Hope this helps,

T. Alan

[SpectresGhost]

Thanks for the tips. I think my quest has been answered, go with software for now, then add in another DAW when I can afford it (probably a Roland). I really appreciate all the august advice in helping me make my decision. Best of luck with all your projects!

[dorme1]

You may want to look into the sea-sound solo ex...it's a great DAW interface, unfortunately they're out of business now but it you're running win98 and don't plan on upgrading it sounds like it may be the way to go for you, plus you can buy it right now for 200.00 at guitar center...later

[euphonic]

it may be worthwhile to get your d-16 repaired while you're using the soft daw, then you'll have both. It doesn't seem like it should have fried just from using it a lot.

[Robert D]

Hi, I'm switching/have switched from 24 tracks of standalone HD recorders and a Yamaha 03d digital mixer to a DAW running Samplitude Producer 2496. My setup was working fine, but I've decided to simplify, as well as open up new possibilities. The simplify part is that I no longer have to deal with synchronization issues between all my equipment and the computer, and don't have to fly stuff out to the computer and back for editing....it's already there. I also don't have to deal with slow backups, juggling tracks around, and many other technical issues that get in the way of the creative process.
The new possibilities are a mixer that I can expand and reconfigure on the fly, being able to see my tracks and edit them instantly and non-destructively, a plethora of tools, and more plugins to back them up, to do most any job imaginable.
I never thought I'd go for the studio in a box idea, but I'm sold. I'd highly suggest that you visit Magix.com and download a 90 day fully functional demo of Samplitude. After producing a few songs on it, I was hooked. No way I could go back to my MDM setup. The 03d will now be my control surface. I also have Steinberg Wavelab and Gigasampler, both of which are excellent products.
As far as your computer, what you have will give you more tracks than you know what to do with, as well as support several plugins. A totally dedicated DAW is nice, but not necessary. Setting up dual boots is a good way to only load the stuff that the DAW needs. I haven't even needed to do that. Just make sure that nothing else is running in the background. It's also a good idea to have a seperate drive, or at least a seperate partition to run your audio software from. The hardware and OS part of this forum has plenty of info on how to set up your pewter.
Ok, there's my two cents....there's plenty of programs to choose from, definitely try the Samplitude demo (most demos are crippled, Samplitude's is fully functional for 90 days). It is a superior audio engine.
Oh yeah, check out bayviewproaudio.com for soundcards and preamps. I have a Delta 66 by M-Audio. All the M-Audio stuff is a great value....good converters, stable drivers, and affordable.
Good luck RD

[T. Alan Smith]

Just an update:
I plan on ugrading to a software-based DAW very soon.
I too will be running Samplitude(already have a PIII PC) with an RME interface.
I plan on using my Roland for both, a location recorder and as a control surface for my PC DAW.
I guess I'll soon see whether or not a dedicated hardware scenario or a software scenario is better for me. I'm counting on a combination of the two.

T. Alan

[zidjan]

here is what iam experiencing now.....iam using a computer based recording system...i am using cubase for software....there is just somehting about computer that is not reliable.....i set everthing up and then record... very often it shows error record but sometimes the same set up let me record...this has gotten into the level of frustation of which i am changing to a daw system....so if you record perchannel at a time i think computer would be just fine for you.....i record with my band memeber and we never got any real solid stuff without error.....so think about it....unless you are getting a real fancy computer already designed for recording such as macintosh i suggest stick to the daw and use the computer for transfering at the end....

[BaRaq']

Yes!

[guitarguy111]

Right on. I am now in the process of switching from computer (I was using Cakewalk HomeStudio 2000). My computer doesn't have all the audio minded things that in needs to be able to do an effective job, so I'm switching. I had problems getting midi into my computer and there is a delay when i am recording, I've been trying to find the problem for weeks (Cakewalk's tech support is so bad...). So I'm ready for a switch. I have a post above that I could really use some feedback on. Basicly, should I spring for the 16 track (will the quality of the music be worth it) and if not, do I go with the Boss BR-8 or the Korg DR12. I could really use some help, thanks a lot.