New at producing..HELP

Ok...i am finally in the market for some recording equipment. My intent is for whatever I buy to be completely compatible with my PC and I cant afford Mackie or protools. (yet) So my question is...can anyone give me some good ideas to lower cost alternatives. I do catch on to software quickly so I wont need a dummies book to come with what I buy...but I also am just beginning...so its not nessesary this year to buy something suitable for a top artist. ((Again I say yet)) ;) A friend also suggested i just play directly into the computer with my guitars and then alter them with effects programs. Any mid to lower cost suggestions on that idea as well? Thanks I appreciate the help if you could - Tara Anne

I use an old free version of Acid Pro (I think v2.0), since I don't really record that much and don't need super high quality recording software. Oh yeah, and I'm cheap.... sorry, I mean, "on a budget".

It's restricted in some ways, e.g. you can only record 8 tracks per song; however, there's no restriction on track length (unlike current demo versions of Acid out there). Also, the effects available in the full version aren't included, e.g. fade in/out, stereo effects, etc., but you can make do with GoldWave.

It works fine for my purposes.

Here's a link to download what may or may not be the version I'm describing: Click here

You're new at recording, producing is a whole different ballgame... ;)

Anyway, there's a ton of different software out there for multi-track recording, here's a few:

- Cakewalk
- Sonar
- Logic Audio
- Cubase
- ProTools (you might want to check out the free version)
- CoolEdit Pro (now called "Adobe Audition")
- N-tracks

Along with that you'll need a soundcard too, unless you want to try things out first with the one built into your PC.

Your friend is right, you could plug the guitar into a DI box, straight into the mic input of your soundcard, and manipulate your sound using plug-ins...
OR, you could plug your guitar into an amp simulating processor, and plug that into the line in of your soundcard.
OR, put a mic in front of your guitar amp, and plug that mic into your soundcard.

So, there's many options...

MAGIX is a great program. You can probably download it, but since we cannot tempt piracy, I won't tell you where.

I don't like many of the effects in MAGIX, but some of the stuff is good.

we don't promote piracy on this forum

[Edited by Dr_simon on 01-25-2004 at 10:06 AM]

Originally posted by Tele Master
MAGIX is a great program. You can probably download it, but since we cannot tempt piracy, I won't tell you where.

I don't like many of the effects in MAGIX, but some of the stuff is good.

Another MAGIX user. I love MAGIX. Easy to use and very affordable. I bought my copy for like $50 or $60. It works great. Lots of options.

I love MAGIX too, I tried Pro Tools first, but found it was to complicated for my limited knowledge of computers.

Is magix good for recorded direct from guitar to computer? Meaning..Id use filters and plug in for my sound effects. Or should I attempt a different set up. I do want protool eventually...but 60$ sounds good to get used to the software. - Tara BTW I really appreciate everyones replies...yer a great bunch!!

Well I use an effects board. What I do is plug in my guitar to the effects board, plug my headphones into the board, then run a cable from the board to the sound card and I just hit record and it records.

Then I can do my mixing and such and get the sound perfect.

Acid pro is a good looping program but not very good for anything else.

I dont uxually mix my music with my computer, i have a home recording studio. But some good programs for the computer are

Cakewalk
Cubase
Vegas video
Logic


Those are what i would/have used, they are pretty expensive. The cheapest one in that list is, Cakewalk.

Then you have stuff to go along with those like:

Soundforge
sounddriver

I use Cakewalk Sonar 3 it was about 500 bucks !

hahaah, i retract my previous statement then. Everything in this world is expensive, its not even right.

Try looking up computer software in the musicians friend mag, sometimes they have blow out sales on good stuff. Plus they are usually cheaper then stores. I've spent more 8,000 dollars with musiciansfriend.

or check them out online at :

http://www.musiciansfriend.com

Or you could try guitar center, sometimes they got good prices, but i have foudn them too often.

Yep i too have a small studio. I HATE musicians friend !
check out

That is getting to look like this!!

[Edited by iamthe_eggman on 01-26-2004 at 11:14 PM]

Well, it sounds like I wont be getting as far as i wanted on the recording situation. Anyone live nearby that wants to teach me on their system? hehe I wish I didnt live so far in the sticks...Music stores that are reputable as far as i can tell...are pretty far away for me to just take a quick trip for setting up gear. Guess Ill have to purchase things one at a time until Im recording capable. ARGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG! - Tara