Some advice on upgrades?

[ashley]

I've been recording music for about five years, and equipment-wise, while I've managed to make the most of what I've got, I could really use some direction on how to update.

My setup: Sony Vaio (old and slow - needs replacing), Edirol UA-5 interface, AT-4050 condenser, and the latest version of Cool Edit Pro (right before Adobe bought it and turned it into Audition).

All this stuff (minus the computer, which is on its last breath) has served me pretty well (MySpace.com - Ashley Creighton - Phoenix, Arizona - Alternative / Pop / Rock - www.myspace.com/ashleycreightonmusic), but on the other hand I know the mixes could sound SO much better if I could only attain this mysterious missing link of recording knowledge.

Equipment? That must be where it's at, right? There's a preamp in my interface, but it's less than supreme... I've read the mic pre section here, and it's been a little bit helpful. This may be a stupid question, but If I get a better mic pre, would I plug into that and THEN into the interface? Is doubling up on mic pre's a bad thing to do?

What about compressors? I also read the section on "Digital vs. External Compressors"... I'm fine to go with digital, but where does that come into play? As I'm recording, right? I get the effect on the channel and then I record?

Also, I'm looking into a desktop computer for recording, and debating between Intel and AMD. I was told that AMD is faster as long as you're not multi-tasking, which I don't plan on doing. If I get an AMD Quad Core and 3G RAM, that will be plenty fast, right?

Whatever I've managed to learn about recording, I've pretty much taught myself, but I've got some large gaps in my brain of things I just haven't been able to figure out. I just joined the forum (hello :-) and so far it's been very informative and encouraging.

Thanks for anything you have to offer (really),
Ashley

[brandondrury]

Equipment? That must be where it's at, right?

Certain pieces of gear have a hint of mojo to them, but I think it's safe to say that the mojo to $$$ ratio isn't nearly as high as you might think.

Is doubling up on mic pre's a bad thing to do?

As long as you don't clip you'll be fine.

What about compressors? I also read the section on "Digital vs. External Compressors"... I'm fine to go with digital, but where does that come into play? As I'm recording, right? I get the effect on the channel and then I record?

I've been extremely happy with my Distressor. It definitely has it's share of mojo but I'm still learning it. It's a tricky beast.

I've not been overly impressed with the plugins I have since I got the Distressor.

If I get an AMD Quad Core and 3G RAM, that will be plenty fast, right?

That will be about 10x faster than what I currently use. You may find a way to overload it but you'd have to try pretty damn hard.

Whatever I've managed to learn about recording, I've pretty much taught myself, but I've got some large gaps in my brain of things I just haven't been able to figure out. I just joined the forum (hello :-) and so far it's been very informative and encouraging.

Toss a mix in Bash This Recording. We can help!