new and needing recording gear....can you help?

[draktar]

Hey all,

I just signed up with taxi...so hi to all. I have always used 4 -16 track recorders in the past but I am looking to invest in a computer set up. I know that is one huge topic so I will try to narrow it down. I have checked out some of the posts here.

What kind of computer software- Pro tools....etc?

What kind of Audio Interface?

and anything else you care to add.

Thanks,
Jason

[cardell]

Welcome Jason,

You're right, that's such a big topic...could you maybe narrow it down a little further, by stating your budget, preferences, existing gear etc..?

Stuart

[draktar]

Hi Stuart,

Ha...sorry...I know that it is a big topic. My budget would be a grand...hopefully less but thats about as high as I could go. I will have a Mac book pro 2011 or at least that is what i have my eye on. I have a quality mic and instruments and that is about it. I was told that if I am working with someone specifically that having the pro tools software would help if that is the same as they have so files dont have to be converted (if I understood the guy correctly) but i am not married to that idea. I am not a huge tech guy but I can figure a lot of things out. Pro tools is definitely a scary looking thing but cool at the same time. I work with a friend who was software, interface, monitors and thats about it and he is producing great stuff! I guess i would like to know specifically what software like pro tools is out there that people use as well as interfaces and any other advice.

Does that help?
Thank you so much for taking the time to help,
Jason

[cardell]

Hi Jason,

I'm guessing you'll receive almost as many recommendations as there are options (which I respect of course). But my favorite is Studio One by Presonus.

I was a passionate Steinberg Cubase user for about 20 years and before Presonus Studio One came along, I would have recommended Cubase. However, Studio One is just SO easy to learn but still VERY powerful.

Special deal on this thread: http://forums.taxi.com/topic43249.html

BTW, I've collaborated with people all over the world an I have NEVER traded proprietary files (i.e. Cubase, ProTools etc) always just wave files. Otherwise, you both require the same plugins etc...it was always more trouble than it was worth to me.

Stuart

[Len911]

Most of the big names are similarly priced and featured. I use cubase. Satisfied customer. Cubase is both mac and windows. Some software is exclusively windows or mac. Cubase has different versions, and an easy upgrade. I think Cubase artist is less than half price of the full version. That may be all you ever need??

Yamaha owns Steinberg so just putting together a little scenario,

Steinberg UR28M interface: $400
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/UR28M/

It comes with Cubase AI 6 software
http://www.steinberg.net/en/products/pa ... _ai_6.html

Couple of Yamaha HS50M monitors in the heritage of the Yamaha NS-10's: $200 each
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/HS50M/

$800. Total. If you decide later on to move up to Cubase Artist, +$250 = $1050
The bundled daw is nothing to scoff at, I don't think I've ever used 32 audio tracks, 48 midi tracks, 8 vst slots, or all at once,lol!

[Kolstad]

Any daw will do.
Choices should depend on what the weakest link is in your chain, and also what kind of music you are doing and aiming to produce, as well.

[Cruciform]

I don't think I've ever used 32 audio tracks, 48 midi tracks, 8 vst slots, or all at once,lol!

Lucky you

-------

Jason,

It's also true that any DAW will do, certainly agree, but there are differences in workflows and I tried a bunch before settling on Presonus Studio One. Don't just buy one, trial some demos, find the one that makes sense to you.

[fusilierb]

You have a grand to spend beyond the purchase of the mac? (which is a great choice by the by)

I think the most important question to ask before you buy anything is what do you want to do with it?
Are you going to mainly be recording live instruments? Software instruments? A combination of both? What style to you do?

Since you are buying a mac, there is Garage Band which will be included for free, so technically you already have a DAW. And a pretty damned good one for free. Beyond that, Apple is being extremely generous with the pricing on their latest version of Logic, which is about as top of the line as you can get. And it's 199 bucks which frankly is impossible to beat for what this app gives you. I personally don't use it, but at that price will ultimately buy it just to see.

You're just getting started and a grand isn't a ton of cash, but it can get you very far if your careful and ask us what to get.

I know when I first bought my recording software I went way overboard. If I had to do it all over again, I'd have saved thousands. But now I know what I use and why. I didn't then.

Again, the most important question is what kind of music are you planning on recording with your setup. That dictates your next step.

[draktar]

Man! Thanks guys for all the advice!!! I really appreciate the help.

I will be recording mostly for submissions and demos and recording both live and virtual instruments. I have checked out all the options you guys have mentioned and my only concern is that some software have more sounds and virtual instruments and I really like that. Some sounded more real than others. I think Cubase had an option to buy an orchestral instruments package. I really like the idea of having realistic sounding instruments to add if I choose to try my hand at tv/film scoring or adding those elements to a song. Studio One seems to be a new fav. for those reviews I have read for sound quality and ease of use. So....I guess my head is still spinning but I feel like you all have given me valuable direction. Keep it coming if you have more....

What kind of virtual instruments does studio one have...quality, quantity, compared to the others?
I dont want to go overboard but I dont want to go under either, which is my fear with Garage Band.
Pro tools seems to be at the top of the list on sites I have seen reviewing but no one has mentioned that one...why?
Jason

[eeoo]

Honestly you can get the same great results with any one of these daws and barely scratch the surface of their capabilities. I'm a Pro Tools user and I love it because that's what I learned on and I know it well. I've used Logic a bit as well and it's a great program. These days they are all capable of the same things, If I were to start all over I'd probably get an Apogee Duet as my interface and either Pro Tools or Logic. That said I'm sure Studio One, Cubase, Reaper (the list goes on) would all serve you just as well once you know how to get around in them. I do know that PT and Logic come with plenty of virtual instruments and effects.

eo