Soundcard needed for “demo” recording – please, any advice?

[rbracch]

Hi there,

I read an article that said to “build your computer around your soundcard” – so that the computer specs are tailored to specifically accommodate the soundcard. I also need to buy a new computer, but first things first - can anyone recommend a soundcard that will allow me to do the following tasks:

1.) create home demos of my rock-based original songs – I usually use between 10 to 15 tracks per song (I don’t intend to record the “final” versions of the songs with the new gear. For that, I intend on booking a fully-equipped professional recording studio).

2.) I’d also like to have five or six analog inputs in order to record live drums (to record six tracks at the same time).

3.) I am planning on purchasing a PC.

4.) I definitely know that it will require some cash (with all the gear, it will run into the thousands) to get a halfway decent “demo” home recording set up. I don’t want to go with crap gear, because you usually “get what you pay for”, however, I’m not expecting to record a professional-quality album in full at home – I want to book a pro studio for that. I just want something that is medium-priced, has a decent reputation, and will get the job done.

Please help!
Thanks very much,
RB

[garww]

It's a demo ? You only need a tape deck and a MIC !!
But really, do you want to record all the tracks at once or build the song as you go.

[newkid]

Originally Posted by rbracch

Hi there,

I read an article that said to “build your computer around your soundcard” – so that the computer specs are tailored to specifically accommodate the soundcard. I also need to buy a new computer, but first things first - can anyone recommend a soundcard that will allow me to do the following tasks:

1.) create home demos of my rock-based original songs – I usually use between 10 to 15 tracks per song (I don’t intend to record the “final” versions of the songs with the new gear. For that, I intend on booking a fully-equipped professional recording studio).

2.) I’d also like to have five or six analog inputs in order to record live drums (to record six tracks at the same time).

3.) I am planning on purchasing a PC.

4.) I definitely know that it will require some cash (with all the gear, it will run into the thousands) to get a halfway decent “demo” home recording set up. I don’t want to go with crap gear, because you usually “get what you pay for”, however, I’m not expecting to record a professional-quality album in full at home – I want to book a pro studio for that. I just want something that is medium-priced, has a decent reputation, and will get the job done.

Please help!
Thanks very much,
RB

what is the problem.
buy an interface that meets your needs.
check out buyer guides at various websales sites
try the interface selector on this site

but something with 21+ tracks may be hard to find
you may need to mix them down to something smaller for recording


for a demo why not just record in stereo?

[brandondrury]

Audio Interface Wizard

[rbracch]

Hi guys,

Thanks for all the feedback, I do appreciate it. To answer some of your questions - I will be playing each instrument plus singing, so what I typically do is build a demo track by track (record one track, play it back via headphones while recording track 2, etc.). For the drums, I'd like to be able to record a basic kit while the audio interface is recording 4 to 8 tracks all at once.

Also, I'm able to record numerous tracks as separate "digital tracks" in Cool Edit Pro - so having a demo with even 30 to 40 separate "tracks" is not a problem.

Thanks again, and if you have additional feedback, I'd love to hear it.

Take care,
RB

[newkid]

Originally Posted by rbracch

Hi guys,

Thanks for all the feedback, I do appreciate it. To answer some of your questions - I will be playing each instrument plus singing, so what I typically do is build a demo track by track (record one track, play it back via headphones while recording track 2, etc.). For the drums, I'd like to be able to record a basic kit while the audio interface is recording 4 to 8 tracks all at once.

Also, I'm able to record numerous tracks as separate "digital tracks" in Cool Edit Pro - so having a demo with even 30 to 40 separate "tracks" is not a problem.

Thanks again, and if you have additional feedback, I'd love to hear it.

Take care,
RB

In that case 6-8 mike inputs plus your line inputs is doable.
Check out the interface guide on this site.