Please advise entry level computer

[Brusco]

I need to know some specs for a DAW for my home studio.

I'd like to just go out to a computer warehouse and buy what I need. I don't think I can depend on the sales people knowing their stuff about DAW's. I just don't want to end up with a computer that won't meet my needs or that isn't versatile. Basically I need to know what to ask for.

This is all I know about it so far:

-Windows platform - PCI Audio Interface (2 to 4 mic preamps)
-Software: I'll probably start out using Cakewalk or Acid Pro or something.

-I'll be recording and overtracking myself mostly -Someday but something
I can record the whole band with.

-I have an ADATxt and would like to buy an interface to archive
and remix some of the old stuff if needed.

-I already have mixers, mics, etc. that I've been using with my ADAT.

Any info would be helpful and appreciated,
Thanks, Bruce

[Brusco]

cpokay, I appreciate your help on this one. I was reading about your "Cube PC" on another thread and thought what a cool Idea! You've done your homework and now you're helping others in the process. Thankyou very much!

[GuitslingerTim]

If you're intent on recording using 24 bits I suggest a larger hard drive--at least 80gb, and a DVD recorder for making backups. 24 bit recordings require a lot of media space.

There are a number of companies building decent daws for $1000 and under, but you usually have to provide your own soundcard. Sweetwater announced their daw production recently, and it looks like what they have to offer is pretty good in the areas of quality and design. They're using a P4 platform and taking extra care to make sure that quiet drives are used with auralex soundproofing.

M-Audio is leading the industry as of now in the area of affordable soundcards. They offer a few in the $300-$500 range that will suit your needs, but there are quite a few other selections. If I were you I would stick to a PCI card and avoid USB or Firewire interfaces.

I'm using Sonar4 to record with and consider it as good as any product available. Homestudio is a good program too, but lacks the outstanding pro features of Sonar. If you have any use for MIDI sequencing Sonar is the ticket.

[Bassomatic]

Originally posted by GuitslingerTim
If you have any use for MIDI sequencing Sonar is the ticket.

Umm, why do you say that?

[jnavas]

If you go with Sonar, please let us know how it works out. I have been curious about Sonar for a while. A good friend swears by it, but I haven't been back home to check it out. The files he sends me do sound pretty good.

[GuitslingerTim]

Originally posted by Bassomatic
Umm, why do you say that?


Because Sonar4 has excellent MIDI editing and control features, whereas Homestudio has more limitations in what can be accomplished with MIDI.

[tedm]

if you do go with a pci card, they take space, even the EMU 1212m takes up the space of 2 slots, and if you plan to add some of the excellent UAD hw plug-ins, they take up pci slots, so the cube form factor may be a limitation, depending on your needs.

there's pretty good pc hardware info. over here:

http://duc.digidesign.com/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=360675&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=7&fpart=1#360675

though it may be PT SW specific.

[Brusco]

Ok, Now my head is really spinning. Thanks for the great Link tedm. Maybe I should consider one of the Sweetwater DAW's. I think I need to talk to someone there who knows what will work best for me. I have plenty of studio gear and really only need what's necessary to get me computerized. $1500 is in the budget at most. I'd like to phase out the ADAT if possible.. I don't like the mechanical aspects of it..it has become a pain in the ass and temperamental. But at the same time I'd like to archive alot of my ADAT recordings or even remix some of my past recordings.
Looks like I still have alot of homework to do. decisions decisions..thanks everyone.

[Denyle_Guitars]

When I phased out my adat, I used a Terratec EWS88D soundcard. In addition to archiving your adat tapes, you can use the adat as a adc/dac until you get squared away with the new interface.

[tedm]

A lot of the current cards have ADAT interfaces. Also, check out the local home recording forums, chances are someone local or a studio for a small charge would be willing to help you out with archiving your ADAT stuff. Some folks still use it and produce good music with it as well. (Yo La Tengo has a great CD out that was done on an ADAT).

Originally posted by Brusco
Ok, Now my head is really spinning. Thanks for the great Link tedm. Maybe I should consider one of the Sweetwater DAW's. I think I need to talk to someone there who knows what will work best for me. I have plenty of studio gear and really only need what's necessary to get me computerized. $1500 is in the budget at most. I'd like to phase out the ADAT if possible.. I don't like the mechanical aspects of it..it has become a pain in the ass and temperamental. But at the same time I'd like to archive alot of my ADAT recordings or even remix some of my past recordings.
Looks like I still have alot of homework to do. decisions decisions..thanks everyone.