Getting Started with a Deadly Combination

[LPS]

I've got what I believe is a PC dilemma here, and want somebody's recommendation as to where to go from here to make this stuff work. Am trying to set up to get started, and can't seem to make the things talk to each other.
What I want to do: Record a two-track demo: a vocal with a keyboard accompaniment.

Here's the equipment I have:Two PCs: One is a 1999 Gateway w/Windows XP OS. USB 1.1 port only.
Second is a new Compaq Presario w/Vista Home Basic, 64-bit Athlon. Has 4 USB 2.0 ports.

Software is Audacity because I have no cash to put out yet and just need something simple to learn on.

Audio interface is M-Audio FastTrack Ultra. (Sold to me by the Guitar Center Proaudio man, who assured me it would work with my other stuff.)

Mic is a Shure SM58. Studio headphones AKG K240. One amp to serve as monitor, which is an old Roland KC-300. Or else the only other choices I have are the PC Labtecs or a set of Edifier R18 Multimedia speakers. Don't know if they would work or not, as I haven't got far enough to hook them up yet.

Here's my problem: After successfully installing Audacity on both PCs, I'm unable to get M-Audio up and running on either one. I've read the manuals, gone online for drivers/information, and installed drivers on both. The Gateway just dumps the program altogether when rebooted. The Compaq loses the driver each time it's restarted, so I go online and download the Vista 32-bit driver because the M-Audio website says it doesn't support Vista 64-bit, only 32-bit.

I think what I need is a decent used PC with Windows XP or something like that. Bear in mind the budget is broke here. Must beg, borrow or steal, but I need to know what to go for first.

Suggestions appreciated,
LPS

[brandondrury]

Gateway just dumps the program altogether when rebooted. The Compaq loses the driver each time it's restarted

This is a red flag. Both of these have little to do with your audio interface but illustrate that your computers operating systems are trashed.

Recording Computer Troubleshooting: Is Your Windows Operating System Clean?

[LPS]

I kind of figured that.

So what should I buy now?

[magno]

I would probably just get rid of Vista and put XP on the new machine.
Hopefully that will solve everything.
Then go ahead and put Linux on your old box.

[LPS]

Thanks. I'll try that and see what happens. Vista's been nothing but a pain...needed a good excuse to clean it off.

Don't know much about Linux...have heard it's good for some applications but no details on what.
Care to fill me in?
Thanks, guys.

[MetalDave]

If you are using audacity, try usinf UBUTU by Linux. You can get the 32 bit version here...
Your Download will Start Shortly | Ubuntu
Go here and download this version of audacity...
rpmseek.com - The search engine for Linux rpm and Debian packages - RPM Download Make sure you choose the location nearest to you. It's all free!

[Ruzz]

Originally Posted by MetalDave

If you are using audacity, try usinf UBUTU by Linux. You can get the 32 bit version here...
Your Download will Start Shortly | Ubuntu
Go here and download this version of audacity...
rpmseek.com - The search engine for Linux rpm and Debian packages - RPM Download Make sure you choose the location nearest to you. It's all free!

+1

Ubuntu is probably the most popular/raved about distro of linux. And Audacity is getting better and better (I'm told). I read somewhere that audacity is getting some serious and heavyweight effort poured into it...

Also, check out Ardour - I'm hearing good things about it.

And yeah, trash vista because, well, vista = trash. I did. Went back to XP and problems evaporated. Whether vista will ever get to be a serious OS for music production (out of the box, without drastic surgery) I doubt very much. Either way, it wont happen before about SP 2 anyway.

Ruzz

[magno]

I prefer Debian, but there's a flavour of Linux for everyone.
When/if you go the Linux, do a net install(if your connection is fast enough).
Start out small and add stuff as you need it.