Help getting my recording setup going

[Bardolph]

I'd like to start writing some music. I don't know exactly what to call the type of music I want to be making - dance grooves and such, but not straight up electronic. Think later Jamiroquai. Real guitar, bass, and vocals.

I have FL Studio, and it's great for electronic oriented stuff. I haven't done any live recording with it though. If I'm doing a lot of guitar and bass recording, should I look for a different program or is FL Studio good for this too?

My sound card has a real nice sound, but it's not particularly made for recording. I'm thinking I'd get a USB interface. I just need something that can record decent sounding guitar and bass direct. Microphone input would be nice, but if it jacks up the price too much I don't need it.

Thanks.

[MakiSupaStar]

You need to get an interface. They range anywhere from 100 bucks to 2000 bucks. It depends on how many tracks you want to record at a time and how much control you want prior to it hitting your DAW. USB or Firewire is fine. I've had both. My issues with the interfaces I've owned have never been related to the connection. There are tons out there. Look at the Apogee Duet. You might like that one for your first interface. Have fun.

[Charling]

Originally Posted by MakiSupaStar

You need to get an interface. They range anywhere from 100 bucks to 2000 bucks.

they can cost a LOT more than $2000

But yeah, the duet is a really good little box.

You need to just search some online shops for usb or firewire interfaces, have a look at the price ranges, features and reviews, then when you have a few ideas come back here. there are so many interfaces out there, everyone will come back with their views but its what YOU feel you need thats important!

just look for 2 in 2 out soundcards, see how much more mic in's cost. At the entry-level cost the 'quality' is all pretty similar, sound wise anyway, apart from the apogee duet, which is a few steps up!

[MakiSupaStar]

Originally Posted by Charling

they can cost a LOT more than $2000

But yeah, the duet is a really good little box.

You need to just search some online shops for usb or firewire interfaces, have a look at the price ranges, features and reviews, then when you have a few ideas come back here. there are so many interfaces out there, everyone will come back with their views but its what YOU feel you need thats important!

just look for 2 in 2 out soundcards, see how much more mic in's cost. At the entry-level cost the 'quality' is all pretty similar, sound wise anyway, apart from the apogee duet, which is a few steps up!

Yeah I know, but I didn't want to scare him.