Starting Out !

[andycarney1]

OK, here goes !

I'm seriously thinking of moving onto PC / Computer based recording system for the very first time (Im a fossile of 48 years !).

I am a guitarist with a range of gear including keyboard modules and drum machines etc and up until now I have been recording on a Tascam (2488) 24 Track Porta Studio.

What I am unsure about is if I do move over to a PC based system, will it mean ditching the Tascam as everything will be recorded on the PC, or is there a way that the two can integrate ?

My biggest problem to date is good drum patterns / programmes and the only way I can see of widening the scope and variety is to move to a PC based set up.

I've resisted the move until now because its what I've been used to and is more aligned to how I used to record in a traditional studio. But hey ho, times they are a changing.

Any advice is appreciated !

Andy

[JOBU]

At first sight it looks like it is fully intergratable with a computer. It has both USB and digital connections. The manual should tell. Doesn't it?

[tehLORD]

My question would be if you've decided to move over to a PC why would you even want to integrate the two? Add simplicity is my motto.

[Ian B (again)]

Got to agree with tehLORD on this one, keep it simple. Assuming you already have a reasonably powerful pc, you could switch to a software only setup without breaking the bank.

You'll need a sequencer, as a guitarist myself I'd normally suggest Tracktion for sheer ease of use http://www.mackie.com/products/tracktion3/index.html but unless the recent rumblings and rumours are true, developement has all but stopped.

Another (much cheaper) option is Reaper www.reaper.fm not quite as intuitive as Tracktion imo, but it has the benefit of regular updates and the non commercial license is a steal.

Both the above support vsti/vst plugins (virtual instrument/fx) of which there is a bewildering choice available with some truly excellent freeware instruments > fx, inc amp sims, right up to the uber expensive, .

Cakewalk Guitar Track Pro USB is another option http://www.cakewalk.com/products/gui...ckspro/usb.asp this has the benefit of including a USB interface for connecting your guitar to the pc for recording, tho' I'm not sure about vst/vsti support.

As for drums, I'll yet again throw a mention in for Jamstix www.rayzoon.com by some distance the best value plugin I've ever bought.

I don't know if you use the Direct Out on your amp, or mic it, to record to the Tascam, but for the latter you'll need a pre amp to record to pc, some sound cards have these, I use a M-Audio Audiobuddy http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/AudioBuddy.html which has both instrument and mic inputs and does a good job for the money.

Another option for connecting your guitar is a Stealthplug http://www.ikmultimedia.com/stealthplug/features/ which has a decent software bundle including Tracktion 2.1, a more than capable sequencer. I know some people don't like the Stealthplug, but I do, and as long as you can live with it's limitations it works well.

After all that, my best advice (from a fossil of 51) is to spend a bit of time deciding exactly what you want to do, then research the best way of doing it before spending any money.

[tehLORD]

Incidentally I'm peddling my MW12cx mixer in the classifieds. It doubles as an audio interface and would work well for you if you decided to go down the PC recording route as you could use it to connect all your hardware to the PC!

[andycarney1]

Thanks Guys for your comments and advice.

I do want to keep it simple as I fear time wasted on understanding the technology and processes as opposed to time spend creating.

In respect of guitar amps etc: I use a Boss GT Pro rack set up so connections shouldn't be a problem.

I've had a quick look at the Tracktion 3 bundle and will also look at the drum programme recomended.

Once again many thanks.

[tehLORD]

Do take a look at Reaper too. It is truly excellent for the price and has a completely fulling working demo without any restrictions at all. They almost work on a trust basis where they just 'give' you the software then leave it up to you to decide to pay or not!

I'm a huge fan of Cubase too. I found it incredibly easy to use and pick up fast, and you could probably get a copy of Cubase Studio 4 now very cheaply. And that will most definately cover all your needs.

[Stringbob]

Just a quick comment. I've used both Cakewalk Guitar Tracks and Sonar Home Studio and I wouldn't bother with Guitar Tracks. Sonar is much better in my opinion because it's much more versatile.

I use Sonar Home Studio with a Line 6 Tone Port. Job done. No need to plug in an amp or effects. The Tone Port doesn't give professional tone, but it's good for ideas.

[stringsthings]

I use Sonar Home Studio with a Line 6 Tone Port. Job done. No need to plug in an amp or effects. The Tone Port doesn't give professional tone, but it's good for ideas.

so... what exactly is professional tone? ...have you voiced your opinion to Line 6? i'm sure that they would be happy to address your concerns of tone ...

[timeslip]

Do take a look at Reaper too. It is truly excellent for the price and has a completely fulling working demo without any restrictions at all. They almost work on a trust basis where they just 'give' you the software then leave it up to you to decide to pay or not!

I'm a huge fan of Cubase too. I found it incredibly easy to use and pick up fast, and you could probably get a copy of Cubase Studio 4 now very cheaply. And that will most definately cover all your needs.

You know what? I'm gonna give this here Reaper a try out n see what its like