I need to be learned...

[R. Allen Purchase]

new member...my first post. Can somone steer me in the right direction? Thinking 'bout upgrading my current ADAT studio to a computer based studio. I've already spent countless hours researching this stuff but I'm no closer to making a commitment. From what I know already, I can expect to have a fair amount of problems with software issues, glitches, endless menus, error messages, compatibility issues, etc., etc., etc. heres' my deal: I have a fair amount of experience in the ADAT domain and get around pretty well in the studio. I am an acoustic guitarist/singer/songwriter and my wife plays killer piano and sings. Our music is americana flavored, and pretty straight forward i.e., no loops, no midi. Just raw music...we do pretty good.

We want to take the next step. My wife says go digital (computer based), and I say simply upgrade from ADAT to an Alesis 24 track hard disc recorder. We already have an Alesis Masterlink recorder for final production, as well as allot of good outboard gear and great mic's. I want to keep it simple.

Question(s): What can I expect to gain by going the computer based route verses the Alesis HD recorder route? Is the sound quality that much better?
Should I simply take the plunge and go where the industry is ultimately heading anyway? What recording software program what be ideal for our style of music (and my simple mind)? Besides the computer and software, what external equipment would I need to purchase to get up and running?
What pitfalls should I avoid?

Appreciate anyone's input here, including what I need computer wise in order to get started in building a digital studio...thanks all...

R. A.
Bucaro Music, LLC

Martin D42
Martin D28 Marquis
Martin D35
Gibson J45
Gibson J200
Gibson Custom Shop J45
'61 Fender Strat

[brandondrury]

GREAT QUESTIONS!!

Let me start off by saying that I used "crappy", low end software for years in a studio that was overbooked. (I actually became burned out and needed a break from over working myself). Most people were shocked that I could make the recordings I was making with low end stuff. That never made sense to me. The quality of a recording has nothing to do with the software. The software just makes it easier to do certain things.

What can I expect to gain by going the computer based route verses the Alesis HD recorder route? Is the sound quality that much better?

I would expect no appreciable difference between a computer recording system and the Alesis in terms of sound quality alone.

Should I simply take the plunge and go where the industry is ultimately heading anyway?

This is a good question because it implies that you will somehow be left behind. In Tape Op magazine (a few months ago) a guy recorded an album on wax cylinders. There is no "left behind". As long as you can figure out how to get your recording onto a cd in one way or another, you won't be left behind. A person recording on 4track cassettes or 24 track 2" is just as viable as they used to be.

Besides the computer and software, what external equipment would I need to purchase to get up and running?

All this is covered in my getting started guides. Check out the member's only guides in my signature.

Martin D42
Martin D28 Marquis
Martin D35
Gibson J45
Gibson J200
Gibson Custom Shop J45
'61 Fender Strat

All JUNK! Okay, I'm lying. That is a VERY nice collection of noisemakers you have there!

-----

There are a handful of reasons why people record with computers.

#1 Recording on a computer is cheaper. Purchasing 12 high end compressors, 30 outboard EQs, 4 outboard reverbs, and a mixing console would put me in the poor house for good. However, I can buy some VERY nice plugins for the price of one good reverb unit.

#2 Computers do allow things that aren't possible on tape or other recording formats. (In your case this is not necessary). I'm talking about synths, samples, crazy editing, bla bla bla. This is all stuff that I seldom use with "organic" music and from the way you talk, you wouldn't either.

I have to admit that I rarely recommend non-computer recording gear simply because most people are broke and require more features than you do. However, if you have the analog gear and you like it, I can't see a reason to go with the computer based stuff.

[R. Allen Purchase]

brandondrury...thanks for taking the time to put some thought into answering my pea brain questions. You've already steered me in the right direction, I'm gonna keep it simple...I'm thinkin' I should pay you for your services...thanks again.

[brandondrury]

I'm thinkin' I should pay you for your services

There's no such thing as a free lunch, but I take one every time I can.

Brandon