seasoned analog recorder/mixer - preparing for sophomore digital effort

[bradlee]

Hey guys ~ I've spent 13 of the last 15 years doing lots and lots and lots of analog recording and mixing on both a 4-track and 8-track cassette recorders. Last year I did my first digital project and recorded a massive 19 song project into a 3 year old Dell computer, using an external Soundblaster soundcard, and a beta version of Audacity. This year....I've had my computer rebuilt (specifically built for recording by a fella who works for IBM) and....I've gotten a Firebox, condenser mic's, pop filters, Sonar home studio 6, and Ozone 3. I've had a very hard time getting everything to work together, but I'm almost there - Sweetwater is supposed to call me this afternoon to help me solve a dropout program and then I should be golden. My new songs are done and I should be recording the real deal within a month. I average about one 'album' project a year. I look forward to meeting you guys and sharing with you and creating great music together. Blessings ~ Bradlee

[brandondrury]

It sounds like you have a good rig, Bradlee. This whole computer recording thing gets a lot more fun when you get past the initial setup process.

Don't be shy about posting!

Brandon

[bradlee]

Hey! I'm flattered to hear back from you. I just sent a reply to one of your threads about the mp3. Good work on that. I added a couple of additional pieces to my set up this weekend....a Sterling Audio condenser tube mic and its accompanying pop filter and Rokit 5 reference monitors. Over the weekend, I recorded around 20 songs experimenting with this and that....different mics, different guitars, running vocals and guitar through a compressor into the Firebox....and I plan to mix/master this week and make some decisions. I hope to be recording for real next week. I think the dropout problem is solved...but now I'm getting an error message and computer lock-up while mixing and mastering and I'm going to get with Sweetwater on that today, I hope. My biggest decision is probably going to be whether to record in Sonar Home Studio 6 r Audacity. I love Audacity.....it's so easy to use and I can edit with it. I can use ASIO drivers in Sonar (not in Audacity) and this lends to a better sound and continuity - but I can't edit as specifically in Sonar (or at least I don't know how to do it yet....). You were discussing esss-ing in your post about the mp3....and you went into pinpointing the specific place with a function in Cubase. Well, in Audacity I can do that - in Sonar, I can't I don't think. So....if I can get solid performances and solid recordings thereof, undoubtedly Sonar is the choice. But, if I'm concerned about my performances or my savvy recording them, maybe I should stick with Audacity. Sorry for the long past, but I'm excited you responded to me and I'm just venting. Maybe someone out there will be able to identify with my thought process. We're all just trying to figure it out and free our inner artists and scientists. Blessings ~ Bradlee

[brandondrury]

I can use ASIO drivers in Sonar (not in Audacity) and this lends to a better sound

Really? I never noticed a difference.

Choosing a recording program is always tough. In the end, all the "good" ones are very well thought out and can do what you need. Audacity is free and my experience with it is very very minimal. You really can't go wrong with Cubase, but there is absolutely no reason that Sonar wouldnt' rock for you either. I'd be shocked if you couldn't edit individual wav files within Sonar. Check your manual and make sure you aren't missing out on something.

Brandon