What Home Studio/SW to Choose?

[Luis]

I'm new to this site, so thanks for having something like this for guys like me that need a lot of guidance.

I have been writing songs on my guitar for almost 15 years now and want to begin recording them. I want to set up a home studio, ultimately with full gear (bass/drums, keyboards) but the poblem is that I have no idea how to get started.

I have read a lot of the posts on setting up a home studio...most of which talk about the recordng SW (Cubase/ProTools...etc) as one of the key pieces to getting started, but I have not heard much mention on home recording studios such as the Boss BR1600 (costs ~$1000 or so) which I had had my eye on for some time now.

Is SW the only way to go?
What is simpler to set-up and maintain?
What is more powerful and flexible?
Should I even be wasting my time looking into something like the Boss 16 track?
If the consensus is that SW is it, which are the ones I should be looking at?

I appreciate your help.
Thanks.

[thesilentdrummer]

Originally Posted by Luis

Is SW the only way to go?
What is simpler to set-up and maintain?
What is more powerful and flexible?
Should I even be wasting my time looking into something like the Boss 16 track?
If the consensus is that SW is it, which are the ones I should be looking at?

In short:
no
Standalone like the Boss
Software
No
Whichever fits you needs (though there is a lot of support on this site available for cubase)


In Long:
Software is not the only way to go. I can't think of many situations where something like the Boss is a better choice than a Computer setup with software. It really depends on what you want to do with recording. Using software gives you infinitely more flexibility, with different plugins and such being able to do everything that the standalone unit can do (and much much much much more!). Also, If you really want to record 8 simultaneous tracks, you can buy a PreSonus firepod ($400) and use the Cubase LE included or buy a more advanced version of cubase or other softwares. So assuming your current computer is capable of recording stuff, a 8 simultaneous track recording getup with software will cost anywhere between $400 and $800, all depending on your software. According to my calculations, that is between $500 and $900 cheaper than the Boss BR1600 you were looking at. That money could be used to buy mics, monitors, and other recording stuff.


But my question for you is this: what would you use the Boss BR1600 for?

[Charlie_M]

Recommend you try this:

http://www.recordingreview.com/sound...ard_wizard.php

This will help you figure out what soundcard(s) is/are right for your needs. Once you have that, the field of software options may be a lot narrower and you can then choose more easily.

As always, total project budget is a key consideration. The way I looked at it was to price out some "core" gear that fit my needs and budget and enabled me to capture sound. This basically consists of the soundcard and some number of mics.

For getting started I got a digi002 rack and a cheap condenser mic and some cables for around $1200 or so.

Then after that just adding other stuff little by little. For a hobbyist kind of thing I think that has been a good approach. I probably have around $2.5k into the whole recording rig at this point, including some extra mics, cables, and a mic pre with compressor and EQ built in. Also some software. I have all I need now that's for sure. Whatever else I buy at this point is an indulgence, which I allow myself from time to time even though I don't "need" it. Fuck it it's only money.... and it is only gear. The real money would be if you decided you have to have a perfect room or some such thing. I don't see that for me, but I will ameliorate my room as practical. Something to bear in mind as you're working out the project budget.

Also read the soundcard reviews which are filled out by people in the forum based on their own experience. I made my choice because it's what my cousin has and she was able to help me get goin on protools since she knows that. Had I gotten another software package I would not have had her help. So... funny as it sounds if your friends have a certian type of software and they can help you get going quickly then that's a consideration also. Of course people here are helpful and generous with info no matter what kind of software you end up with.

Good luck man and welcome to the madness !

Charlie

[Luis]

Originally Posted by thesilentdrummer

But my question for you is this: what would you use the Boss BR1600 for?

Thanks guys...helps a lot.

To answer the question - I ultimately want to record a full band and will have drums, bass, keys and some percussion as well as guitars and vocals...but will also be recording a lot of individual tracks on my own.
I am starting from scratch so I figure it will take me some time and don't want to spend more than $8-$10K - hopefully less - but this includes buying a lot of gear (including all recording equip, a drum set and bass guitar, amps..etc).

I just started going through the link on soundcards....has a lot of excellent advice...so I'll go through it to help me out too, but I have to get back to my day job now!

Appreciate it.

[thesilentdrummer]

If you aren't going to do some recording aways from home, You definitely should look for the sound card. Check it out, I'm sure you will find it helpful.

[brandondrury]

Here's a few links to check out:

http://forum.recordingreview.com/showthread.php?p=17757

http://www.recordingreview.com/artic...one-Units.html

I'm personally 100% on the side of the computer rig. Not everyone agrees, but I consider the standalone boxes short sighted. The following year, the new model standalone boxes will come out and your standalone machine will be discontinued. From there, it's tough to get support when you need it.

I recorded live bands in the studio for years. Somewhere in there, I decided that I want to go with full blown MIDI production. I wanted to program techno, dance, metal, etc. Well I just had to buy some new software, learn the software, and I was rocking. To be able to have that kind of flexibility, I just don't think you can do it with a stand alone box.

I think computers are the way to go, personally.
Brandon

[Luis]

It seems to make sense to build your own pc.

Re: the soundcard, what PCI card do you recommend that has Hi-Z inputs?

LM

[brandondrury]

Re: the soundcard, what PCI card do you recommend that has Hi-Z inputs?

We can't answer that. There are way too many other factors. That's why I built the home recording soundcard wizard. You'd be best finding the soundcards that fit your needs and then asking us about those.

Brandon