I need urgent help my friends

[s300570]

I'm getting started in the recording issues. I never recorded with a PC and therefore i will need all the hel i can get. But thet's it:

My gear: Motif XS7, PC, and Cubase AI 4.

I need help please, on building the right set up.

1) Wich Sound card to buy, whether USB 2.0 or Firewire? (anything until 8/10inputs)
2) Shoul i buy an external disk to record audio? If true, wich is better once again, USB or FireWire?

3) Should i buy another software or the Cubase AI4 is real good? Wich Cubase is more suitable?

Thank you guys in advance, and please forgive me my poor english.

Leopoldo Fernandes
Portugal

[Deodar]

No Comprende

[melatorian]

If you haven't already looked around on these forums, you're in a great place to start! I came here when I started building my home studio and it helped....a lot!

I'd say your selection of gear and "setup" will depend on too many different things (not to mention personal taste) for anyone to figure it out for you. So get out there and RESEARCH. Read the REVIEWS here and on sites like Zzounds, Musicians Friend, Sweetwater, Music123, etc. And especially read the customer reviews. Those were probably the most helpful to me in determining whether or not to purchase something.

Your setup is also going to depend on what kind of music you are making. I am a producer/artist collaborating with my wife who is a singer/songwriter. But I do almost all of my work from the keyboard as a starting point (Korg Triton Studio). If you are coming from a similar place, I'd say you'll do fine with Cubase AI as most Motifs have the USB/built-in software that you can integrate directly into Cubase. Or you can use the SPDIF output with an interface that supports it (you may need an Optical-Coaxial Converter though). Alternately, Yamaha has developed something called MLAN which is a networking technology (Korg uses it as well) that will stream both midi and audio to MLAN supported interfaces and mixers. The only thing I still don't really like about Cubase is it's non-intuitive approach to samples/beats/loops. Unlike some other DAWs that use an Acid-like drag and drop loop-library approach, Cubase concentrates on just giving you FULL control down to the sample itself. It's hard to explain, but try working a little with beats and loops in Cubase and you'll see what I mean. If you're going to be working with beats and electronic music, I either recommend doing most of your pre-production in the Motif first, or getting yourself a software sequencer like Reason. Alternately, you may choose a DAW that supports sequencing and a loop library already (Logic, Mackie Tracktion, and Sonar all do this)

If you're doing vocals, you'll want to look for a decent mic and perhaps a preamp. I'm using the Studio Projects B1 and it's a great starter vocal mic with lots of flexibility and a low price tag. I've been considering Studio Projects VTB1 preamp as well. But I'm thinking of it as an optional upgrade, not a necessity (most interfaces already have decent preamps).

So there is a lot of stuff to start with. I haven't even touched monitors (very important!), power supply/conditioners, computer processors, or hard drive storage. Like I said, look around this forum and others and you will find TONS of info though.

[melatorian]

Quick direct response to a couple questions you asked:

Which Sound card to buy, whether USB 2.0 or Firewire? (anything until 8/10inputs)

Look for an INTERFACE...not just a sound card. Interfaces will help you to not worry so much about LATENCY issues. As for USB vs Firewire, the main issues to keep in mind are these: USB 2.0 is 400 kbps transfer speed. Firewire can be up to 800 kbps, but only if you see "Firewire 800." Also, your computer typically views a USB connection of any type as a peripheral (which means it is an add-on connection and may get downgraded in priority when your CPU or busses get overloaded). Firewire connections are typically viewed by your computer as pretty much the same as an internally connected device, which is why they are usually more stable. Firewire can also be daisy-chained.

Should i buy an external disk to record audio? If true, wich is better once again, USB or FireWire?

You will want at least an external hard drive to BACK-UP your audio. If you are going to keep your project on an external, look for a drive that runs at 7200 rpm. As for the Firewire/USB 2.0 question, keep in mind what I said above. If you have a newer computer, check to see if you have an eSata connection. While eSATA reaches transfer rates triple those of USB 2.0 and FireWire 400, it does have one drawback. eSATA requires its own power connector, unlike the aforementioned interfaces. However, it is an excellent choice for external disk storage. Unlike USB and FireWire interfaces, eSATA does not have to translate data between the interface and the computer. This enhances data transfer speeds, while saving computer processor resources and eliminating the need for an extra off-load chip.

Hope this helps! Good luck.

[s300570]

many thanks to you melatorian, for your help and mostly for your time.

I'm a composer too, and a big fan of David Foster's Work.

In order for you to know how i'm feeling about this issue, i'll use your quote. When you say "your selection of gear and "setup" will depend on too many different things (not to mention personal taste)", at this moment I feel like to choose between several fruits that I haven't taste in all my life.
But your words are a great support for me as a beguinner.
At this moment my most urgent task is to buy a good both audio/MIDI Interface, and I'll start checking for the "Firewire 800" as you mentioned.


Thank's once more for your precious time, my friend

Leopoldo Fernandes
Lisbon
Portugal

[fortyseven]

Originally Posted by s300570

1) Wich Sound card to buy, whether USB 2.0 or Firewire? (anything until 8/10inputs)

There is no definitive answer to this question. Choosing the right audio interface will depend largely on what you need it to do for you. Its kinda pointless buying an interface with MIDI ports if you're never gonna use MIDI. Use the Interface Wizard to help you figure out your needs: Home Recording Soundcard Wizard / Audio Interface Search Tool
I really doubt whether you are going to notice the difference between Firewire and USB and it probably wont make a minutes difference to your life.

Originally Posted by s300570

2) Shoul i buy an external disk to record audio? If true, wich is better once again, USB or FireWire?

Again, FW vs USB is the smallest of your problems. I prefer recording to my local drive and then using an external for backup purposes. However, its up to you to decide what will be better for your situation.

Originally Posted by s300570

3) Should i buy another software or the Cubase AI4 is real good? Wich Cubase is more suitable?

My suggestion is to stick with what you have until you have a better idea of how everything works. Im sure your version of Cubase will do what you need it to and more. If not, then you can look into getting something else.

Originally Posted by s300570

Thank you guys in advance, and please forgive me my poor english.

One thing what we dont be tolerating are poor Engish speakers. You has to been able to proper speak or else people wont answer your stuffs.