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New computer for recording- Tips, suggestions requested

wraub

wraub

Apr 9, 2004
7,761
10,630
ennui, az
#1
Hello all.
Been recording, both semi-professionally and at home, for some years. Started with a cassette 4 track, eventually got a digital 8 track, and then later transferred tracks from there to pc. This is an ancient Pentium desktop using XP. The longer I used this setup it became a hassle to transfer tracks, the longer I waited the pc got slower, and finding a suitable interface became problematic.

Just got a new pc, i3 3.40 processor, 4GB ram (expandable to 32), 500 Gb HD, 4USB 3.0 and 4 USB 2.0 ports. Seems like a good box, quiet and fast. So far, I have Reaper, StudioOne Free, Audacity, Acid, and Kristal AE for software (big Kristal user for a while now). I also have PT 10 hd, which I have limited use history with, mainly in pro studios as a budding engineer.

I have a very limited budget, especially after buying this pc.

Looking for tips and suggestions as to the following:

Looking for cheap/free VSTs (especially drums);

Looking for an interface that will play nice with most or all above software (maybe not the PT). Have seen good and bad reviews of pretty much everything in my price range (under $200, used is ok). Looking at 2 channel types, have an external mixer if I need to bring in more stuff;

How much RAM will I really "need"? Have heard more than 8 might be unnecessary expense and often unused;

And other questions as they arise, as they surely will. :)

Thanks!
 
#3
For cheap/free drums check out
Sennheiser Drum Mic'a!

DrumMic'a! - Drum mic, Percussion mic - Schlagzeug Mikrofon - Sennheiser


It's free, but all I know is the German site.
Google Translate will get you through registering for a copy
It runs in Kontakt Player, you don't need full version

And in fact it qualifies you for some special pricing for upgrades to full Kontakt version if you go that route.

Watch that video see all the features. It is an amazing showcase for their mics, and it also a great drum VSTi

You can also re-use the midi grooves provided with hydrogen and other free drum VSTi

For modeling, check out Voxengo Boogex
Guitar amplifier audio plugin (AU, VST) - Voxengo Boogex - Voxengo
It's free, includes some cabinets. It's very good and what most people would probably want in modeling.

For testing your PC, check out
DPC Latency checker
DPC Latency Checker
It's not just about "latency". It's great tuning information, and will help you know if you need more ram, etc.


While you're deciding on audio interfaces .... PC's these days have very decent built in audio and sometimes all you need is help with drivers. Check out ASIO4ALL. In fact some shipping interfaces direct you to ASIO4ALL for their ASIO interface. It also allow you to combine several interfaces into one ASIO connection to the DAW. So if you have two inputs, and later need to add two more it's a simple thing to add another interface.


I recently picked up Odeus ASIO Link to use with ASIO4ALL
O Deus ASIO Link - Linking Windows Audio to ASIO and the network
It allows me to have multiple DAWs up along with stanalone Synths up all playing through ASIO.
No re-wire
You can also capture the audio input through the standard Window's Mix in the control panel.
Super handy for audio clips, and sampling.

Once you get past the initial curve this stuff is a lot of fun and addicting. :D
 
#4
Oddly enough, my computer came pre loaded with ASIO4All, so, I guess, I'm already ready for being ready for that already. :)
Thanks to both of you.

I agree, half the fun is in the search. I just keep searching...
 

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