Recording Equipment (Please Help)

[solrax]

I'm looking to buy any type of recording equipment, and need some advise. I used to work with Cubase LE but didn't like it. So then I started getting all my work recorded at a studio, but that started getting expensive. So now i'm looking for something good and efficient at a not too costly price. I've looked at things such as Roland VS2400 and Pro-Tools. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what recording program/equipment would do good recordings. I'm tyring to conserve money, so I'm trying to spend less then $2000.00.Sorry if I posted this in the wrong area. Your help is greatly appreciated. Solrax

[aimusic]

For A DAW I highly recommend Reaper... http://www.cockos.com/reaperIt's free, but the thing is it's advance... It's not like the majority of free programs that are crappy... this one is seriously up there....

[keithl]

there is a section in this forum for tech stuffhttp://taxi.proboards27.com/index.cgi?board=nickI would suggest really diving in and researching. Only because you are probably going to get varied opinions about what people use (I use Pro Tools...other people might despise it!)...Some software packages excel with things while others do not (MIDI, for example)I spent a couple months researching and finding what would work for me.I had a vs1680 and after working with PT, would never go back. The flexibilty of software is amazing.Good luck!

[hummingbird]

Read through this thread. http://taxi.proboards27.com/index.cgi?b ... 0535916The options were thoroughly discussed. Myself, I'd recommend starting with Kristal Audio Engine (free) & Mackie's Tracktion3 as they are very user friendly, and Tracktion3 comes with a host of plug-ins including Garritan Personal Orchestra. You can download a demo of most DAWs, and try them out, links are in that thread.

[telaak]

i'm in the same boat and about to buy the korg D888 http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/ ... 702914ONLY because I had it's baby brother the D8 and it was really easy to use..the D888 is VERY similar with better features and more memory...there's a little bit of a learning curve if you're a recording novice {as I was/ am ?} but it was relatively painless..john

[montster]

Pro tools is great if you can afford it. There are a couple "basic" versions; Mbox and 003, both work with the latest LE programs. Mbox is cool for basic tracking, yet if you'll need the capacity to track multi-signals, the basic 003 allows that up to 14 tracks. Upgrade expansions will allow up to 24+ simultaneous tracking. But as was mentioned, do the research and really go with what your needs and budget will allow. The stuff gets spendy real quick.... a decent cable and the mic stand will run you nearly $100.!I like pro tools, the learning curve is pretty quick and it's fairly user friendly, but I also have been used to it for a while as I was first introduced to it when it first came out around the late 90's. It has also been coined the "industry standard" as far as I know, great if you know you might be working the mixes in pro studios. You can save the whole session to a DVD and the heavy duty HD versions will pick it right up and away you go..... pretty RAD (didn't think that one still gets used did ya, or maybe i'm just a dork)... Check out Sweetwater.com for any deals.... DONT buy off eBay unless you really know what you're after and are savvy with that whole thing. I've had a couple nasty experiences there.good luck!!!

[solrax]

I haven't been on the forums in a while, but I would like to say Thank You to everyone who gave me their 2-cents. Again Thank YouSolrax

[mazz]

Pro Tools LE also works now with the M-Audio interfaces which come at all levels of price and are more affordable generally than the Digidesign stuff.One thing to remember is that you need a "fairly" modern computer to run this stuff on so check the tech specs of the software that you are considering and consult with some more knowledgeable people who use the software before you jump. There's nothing worse than loading all the software up and having your computer choke trying to keep up. A new computer could chew up a large portion of your budget.If you are going to be doing a lot of MIDI stuff now and in the near future, a DAW/computer system is probably the best way to go. On the other hand, if you do mostly live recording, the dedicated units (like the Rolands and Korgs) are generally quicker to get up to speed on and are pretty much crash proof. There's always a learning curve on a DAW, particularly if you're setting it up yourself. That's why a purpose built audio computer that comes pre-tweaked and with the software already installed and tested is a good way to go if you can afford it. If you have a lot of time on your hands, go ahead and try to get things running yourself. If, on the other hand, your time is valuable (like most of us here), then maybe having an expert set up your system would save you in the long run.Good luck!!Mazz

[rld]

I've looked at things such as Roland VS2400 and Pro-Tools. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what recording program/equipment would do good recordings Lots of good advise already given...I think you can boil it down to: are you a computer person or not?If you are and don't mind the inevitable tweaking that comes with the territory, computer setups are much more flexible/expandable IMO.If you don't want to mess with them, get a stand alone unit.I've heard great results from either platform.

[ephlat66]

Quote:For A DAW I highly recommend Reaper... http://www.cockos.com/reaperIt's free, but the thing is it's advance... It's not like the majority of free programs that are crappy... this one is seriously up there....Just an FYI regarding Reaper. This is from their website:"REAPER is available for download without technological limitations for evaluation purposes. Once you have evaluated REAPER, you should purchase a license.The normal price for REAPER is $225.00 USD, however for users who wish to use REAPER only for non-commercial use we offer reduced price licensing for $50.00 USD. Upgrades from non-commercial licenses to full (commercial) licenses are available. REAPER is not free. Be sure to purchase a license if you use it past the evaluation period. The full license agreement will be presented to you when you run the installer. "However, aimusic, based on your recommendation I'm going to download it and give it a try. Thanks for the link!Vikki- do you happen to know the url for Kristal Audio Engine? Peace,Don