Indie Music Forums :: Recording Software, Equipment?

Hi, all. I have a PC here in my studio running Windows 2000 Professional, and I was wondering if there is any beginner recording software I could use to make song demos at home? I've used WAV editing software before and I've also watched producers use ProTools and Logic and QBase, etc.

but I'm not sure where to start. I'm going to begin producing and recording my debut studio album next month, and I have a studio and engineers lined up for that, but my goal is to eventually engineer my own recordings, and the sooner I learn how to do that, the better. I know a lot of music is recorded on Macintosh computers, but until I can afford a Macintosh and some more equipment, what PC software do you recommend I use?

I'm playing with a digital piano right now, and singing through a regular Shure microphone, but I'd also like to record drum tracks, too, and background vocals, and eventually other instruments. What equipment do I need? Also, would anyone here go so far as to recommend that I buy a new computer specifically for the purpose of recording?

I've been thinking about that, because I'm already using my PC to develop and maintain my website, and I've got FTP software running on it, an email client, Microsoft Office, Adobe PhotoShop and ImageReady, and I'm not sure my system could handle a huge recording program. I've built computers before (PCs) back when I was still working as a software developer, and I could build a PC specifically for recording..

. but maybe I should be thinking about going the Macintosh route instead? It'll be more money, since I can't buy the parts and make it myself, but making music is my livlihood and if that's what I have to do, I'll figure out a way to make it happen.

I only use audacity to get the raw audio into my computer. its free and im sure will run in windows 2000. I do have 1 other free program which u might find useful, finale notepad2006, its a sort of self playin manuscript program.

But thats about all i got for comps i still luv my hardware, for playin, designing and sampling sounds. In any case if u want pro quality u r gonna have 2 spend a good bit of money Yer most pro studios and artists alike use mac stuff jus coz their r easier, and have better features, also less probs with viruses. Hmm?

dunno how good shure mics r but never skimp on quality there if u can help it coz it will always show when u sing or play sumfing thro it. If u not bothered and jus want simple stuff get a drum lp sampling cd load it and lp it! Instance drums.

I use a mc909 2 prog drums but most keyboard with a step sequencer will allow u 2 prog drums. Because there r so many ways of doin what u want My advice would b to look around the net, music shops/mags and decided for urself after all ur gonna have 2 use it. I suggest that you use Acid -- no, not as in The Grateful Dead used acid -- as in Sony/Sonic Foundry Acid.

You can find complete copies of older versions, like 4.0, on eBay for a fraction of the price. It's more versatile and robust than similar software, and generates less Blue Screens of Death and three finger salutes on Windows.

Also, you can do a comparative analysis on Cakewalk's Sonar, which like Acid, has Pro and Home Studio versions. Do a little homework and decide which is the best fit for you. Pro Tools does have a limited, free version available for download, I think, which has 8 tracks of audio and probably 24-48 MIDI, which for free is a great deal, and more than adequate to make demos.

The problem lies on the steep learning curve to harness its capabilities. Depending on your background, and how much time you want to spend on this aspect of it, that might be a good choice for you..

. and the price is right! As far as interfaces, for the best blend of affordable price and productivity, I would suggest M-Audio's products: Their product line is extensive, so once again you need to do some homework.

If you are looking to capture drum performances, you might require something like the Delta 1010. Once again, you can pick up bargains on eBay on all of the older models, if money is an issue. I should also point out that their support is better than most, in case you should ever need it.

For some novices, that's an important factor. First off I am assuming that Cubase=Qbase. Could be a whole different program for all I know.

I have Cubase on my system. It is 24 bit. I think that is good enough quality.

Especialy because you have to down sample to 16 to burn a cd. I have a presonus firepod that I have had some midi hangups(windows doesn't recognize it) but according to presonus I am the only one with this problem. But that is beside the point. Anyways the firepod uses windows midi and becomes a separate sound card. I think the sound card is more the issue than the software.

I use wavelab to master, cubase to record (all at 24 bit) Then at some point you have to down sample to put it in some form of media that is usable (IE CD mp3 or whatever) You wouldn't believe me if I told you what I use, so I'm not telling. Except for my computer, most of the equipent is very low-end, I'm talking K-Mart, and some I've pulled out of garbage cans. It's not what you use, it's getting the most out of what you're using.

I used to have an equipment list posted, but nobody believed it, so that means I'm either really good with what I'm a genius or a liar. But, I am whatever you say I am. but also helps build interest, traffic and use of phpBB 2.

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