I Need Real Help with this Gear stuff..Back to Basics 101:
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I Need Real Help with this Gear stuff..Back to Basics 101:
I am a computer tech specialized in networking and hardware systems. I would like to ask if using a stand alone system is a better situation compared to a software based rig? something in the range of 200 or so.
Last edited by ric4hitsongs on Wed Jul 14, 2010 11:52 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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- rld
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Re: I Need Real Help with this Gear stuff..Back to Basics 101:
I think the most important question is what kind of person are you?
No..I don't mean that
...I mean are you computer savvy or do you not understand how they work?
If the thought of opening up a computer or installing cards, drivers, software, etc. scares you,
you may want to look at a stand alone recorder.
Think about that for a bit.![Wink ;)](https://forums.taxi.com/images/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif)
No..I don't mean that
![Laughing :lol:](https://forums.taxi.com/images/smilies/icon_lol.gif)
If the thought of opening up a computer or installing cards, drivers, software, etc. scares you,
you may want to look at a stand alone recorder.
Think about that for a bit.
![Wink ;)](https://forums.taxi.com/images/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif)
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Re: I Need Real Help with this Gear stuff..Back to Basics 101:
ummm excuse me?...
"When your intake exceeds your output, then your upkeep could be your downfall"
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Re: I Need Real Help with this Gear stuff..Back to Basics 101:
Software is basically more bang for the buck. There are many limitations in a standalone system. I believe there are even free software daws out there, can't vouch for them or their limitations. Of course with a software system you need an interface. Dollar for dollar though, there is much more value in a software based system.
- cardell
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Re: I Need Real Help with this Gear stuff..Back to Basics 101:
I'm enjoying the software approach. It's just so flexible. ![Smile :)](https://forums.taxi.com/images/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif)
However...I also use a Zoom H4 to record acoustic tracks because of how quiet the tracks sound (no computer fan noise etc..).
Stuart
![Smile :)](https://forums.taxi.com/images/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif)
However...I also use a Zoom H4 to record acoustic tracks because of how quiet the tracks sound (no computer fan noise etc..).
Stuart
- rld
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Re: I Need Real Help with this Gear stuff..Back to Basics 101:
Well, in your initial post you didn't say you were a computer tech so I was wondering if a computer was right for you.ric4hitsongs wrote:ummm excuse me?...
Apparently so.
![Very Happy :D](https://forums.taxi.com/images/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif)
Like the other responses said, hands down a computer based DAW is the most powerful, flexible way to go.
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Re: I Need Real Help with this Gear stuff..Back to Basics 101:
I think if you're recording mostly real instruments (as opposes to VSTs) a strong case can be made for tracking in a standalone and mixing ITB. IMO if you have quality preamps & good outboard gear it's much simpler and more creative tracking on a dedicated recorder/mixer (actual faders etc.) and then dumping the tracks into the DAW of your choice.
it depends on what you're used to.
it depends on what you're used to.
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Re: I Need Real Help with this Gear stuff..Back to Basics 101:
The answer probably rests with your tolerance for latency, rather than for computers themselves. I record mostly live instruments, using software, but I have direct monitoring built into my audio interface. Nice thing about hardware, though; you plug it in, turn it on, hit record-you're in business, no naming a project, generating a track or tracks, selecting inputs/outputs nor even waiting to boot up....
- t4mh
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Re: I Need Real Help with this Gear stuff..Back to Basics 101:
The most powerful computer music systems are made up of computers networked together. That said networking computers for audio and composition is nothing like simple Lan or Enterprise networking with IP and DHCP. These computers should be somewhat "heavy weights" in terms of performance. When you ask, "something in the range of 200 or so", I'm not sure what you are asking. $200? If this is what you mean, I don't see it happenin' and you should probably think about adding a zero to each machine... Please explain.ric4hitsongs wrote:I am a computer tech specialized in networking and hardware systems. I would like to ask if using a stand alone system is a better situation compared to a software based rig? something in the range of 200 or so.
Keith
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Life is too important to be taken seriously
No electrons were harmed in the construction of this message.
http://www.t4mh.com
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Re: I Need Real Help with this Gear stuff..Back to Basics 101:
If you're recording a single live instrument or a small acoustic ensemble, you can get decent to good results with a Zoom H2, ($179, street) but you wouldn't have much miking flexibility and you'd still need at least one other machine for overdubbing/mixing. A Zoom R16 ($399, street) works standalone OR with a computer; that and a couple of microphones, stands, cables, a set of headphones and an SD card would make a good starter outfit.
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