I am unsure if i want to use external equipment or Pc based audio/midi sequencing software or use them together some how.
Equipment/instruments
I have a simple usb interface for midi to use with Yamaha NP30 76-key keyboard
Guitar is direct to pc sound card (XFI Xtreme audio pci) through line in. Limited connectivity
I am considering buying a mixer "Boss BR-600 Digital 8 Track Recorder"
Software
I did find a copy of cakewalk sonar, but i found it to advanced for starting out.
Now tending towards Cubase sx
I used demo of both these programs years ago on a old Future Music cover disk and made some good music with them.
Any comments welcomed and some advice on starting out and getting kit together.
Would it be best to stay away from computers or make it all work together
Thanks for advice so far, some good links too
Still no mics for recording Jumbae, voice , acoustic guitar,
The Br600 does have mics reported to be quite good…
Guitar is semi acoustic - that is it has a pickup
i also have a Acoustic and Electric PRS copy
The problem with 8 tracks is there’s only 8 tracks which limits what you can input into a song. Computers are good because you can have unlimited tracks depending on your memory and as long as your interface has a good pre-amp it’ll sound good too.
Computers may be harder to understand and work with but that’s the direction i would go because you can fiddle and change songs with way more effects and editing tools than an 8 track. If your going to spend more money it might be a good idea to upgrade your interface to one with a better pre-amp.
If you just want to plug in and play then go for the 8 track, can’t beat them for simplicity.
That’s the extent of my knowledge (which isn’t much) but i hope it helps in some small way.
March 8th, 2010 at 11:39 am
Definitely stick with Cubase SX
It’s relatively easy to use and you can find a lot of online tutorials out there
A piece of gear you may find helpful is the TAPCO Link USB
It’s good to have for it’s quality and price range
http://www.guitargearheads.com/modules/news/article.php?storyid=157
References :
Experience
March 8th, 2010 at 11:53 am
The problem with 8 tracks is there’s only 8 tracks which limits what you can input into a song. Computers are good because you can have unlimited tracks depending on your memory and as long as your interface has a good pre-amp it’ll sound good too.
Computers may be harder to understand and work with but that’s the direction i would go because you can fiddle and change songs with way more effects and editing tools than an 8 track. If your going to spend more money it might be a good idea to upgrade your interface to one with a better pre-amp.
If you just want to plug in and play then go for the 8 track, can’t beat them for simplicity.
That’s the extent of my knowledge (which isn’t much) but i hope it helps in some small way.
References :
March 8th, 2010 at 12:17 pm
I love using Sony ACID because then you open up a whole new world of sound with royalty free loops.
Then I mix in real instruments over that. The royalty free loops sounds for basics like drums and base are incredible these days.
Then I put a vocal over the whole thing with a good USB mic.
References :
http://www.audioproductiontraining.com/