Help! (Newbie Question)

[Snakeman1066]

Ok i have been reading various post in this thread for quite some time now and i still have not found the answer im looking for....

I want to use my laptop to create a halfway decent recording studio on the fly (as i am the prncipal songwriter in my band) i'm currently working on an old fostex 4 track cassete based machine...

The laptop is 512mb ram with a 120 gb hard drive DVD/CD RW pc based machine with windows XP

here is my question what is the easiest and most simple plug and play recording software that will work with my machine? also which interface to go with said program (it needs to be able to handle vocals, bass, and guitar)....i also need the program to have a decent Drum machine and looping capabilities.

Is this asking too much Help somebody please!!!

(I should add i have been eyeballing Sonoma Wireworks Riffworks with StealthPlug Guitar Studio)

 

[Doc Labyrinth]

what is the processor speed on your computer? protools m-powered would probably be a good bet.

 

[Snakeman1066]

AMD Sempron 1800Mhz

 

[Doc Labyrinth]

yeah, go with protools m-powered, its the consumer version of protools and is a result of the marriage of digidesign and m-audio and you can purchase it packaged with a neat little two channel interface.

 

[thehurlatron]

That's a decent place to start if you're going to go the protools route.

I'd also recommend bringing your system up to at least 1gb of ram min.

 

[Lalabadie]

I suggest taking the RAM up to 1 Gb too.

Maybe Ableton Live could serve you well. Take a look at the demo if you want to see what it does. It's less in-depth and more intuitive, but for on-the fly recording and song creation, I find it great. It's very easy for looping and has a built-in percussion sampler with preset drum sets, or you can record your drummer and make your own. Vocals and instruments are easy on either Protools or Live.

It answers your needs I guess.

Had you asked about a more professional and studio-like approach, I'd have said ProTools too, but you seem like you want to use it for composition and making drafts of your songs. I think Live's a better choice.

 

[Snakeman1066]

basically i want to be able to record a riff, loop it, record a chorus stick it in the proper place, lay a basic drum track behind it, lay down the basic guitar track and then sing over the top of it...and make a decent enough copy to pass to the rest of the band...but it wouldn't hurt to be able to record the band as well

after looking at some of this stuff i'm beginning to think i want to stick with my four track...lol

basically i want a package thet i can carry around and be all inclusive the drum machine is a must...

coulple of buddies are telling me Home Studio by Cakewalk? any experience with this program? the price seems right at 150.00 does this require an interface and if so which would be the best one?

 

[Doc Labyrinth]

if you have an audio-in jack on your computer and are going to record each track separately, you don't NEED an interface.

you could check out the alesis io14, that's a pretty basic interface with four analog inputs (say, for a mic or bass for instance) and it comes with cubase recording software. i build all my beats in garage band but you could try fruity loops or acid (the software ) just search all of the suggestions we're making online, check out the specs, and see what is best suited for your needs.