recording hardware/software packages

Steven Welborn · Post by **Steven Welborn** » 16 May 2002 2:51 pm

After viewing BIAB info, it's obviously time to graduate to better things(from DR5). Since a sound card is needed, might as well finally get the computer recording setup as well. Packages look appealing. I see a couple in Musicians friend:
1. Digidisign's Digi-001 includes sound card, 8 i/o(analogue), 8 ch's adat optical, 2 ch's coaxial s/pdif i/o, 2 mic preamps, other stuff. Software: protools LE, midi sequencing w/real time audio suite. price- $799
2. Roland Studio Pack includes 20 channel mixer, pci card, effects(VM-3100pro), Emagic audio logic sequencing, recording software(no details). price: $695
Any advice or opinions on these packages? thanks

Dave Boothroyd · Post by **Dave Boothroyd** » 16 May 2002 11:54 pm

I don't know the Roland package, but we use the Digi 01s here. Quality and reliability is excellent. Opinions differ amongst the staff team as to Pro Tools. It will do things on the Mac version that the PC one will not do, and some of us find the look of the user interface a bit tatty.
But one important thing is that the PCI card is an audio interface only- it is not a sound card. You need an external sound module as well, or else the 01 will only play audio because it cannot make a noise by itself.
We use them for post production editing of ADAT multitrack recordings made in the studio, because you can transfer data 8 tracks at a time via optical link.- they are superb for it!
And one more downer- you only get trial versions of many of the plug-ins. After that you have to buy them if you want them to keep on working.
As another option, you might look into MOTU's (Mark of the Unicorn) Digital Performer set up- that seems like the best of the bunch to me. And it handles video brilliantly as well!
Cheers
Dave
[This message was edited by Dave Boothroyd on 17 May 2002 at 12:55 AM.][This message was edited by Dave Boothroyd on 17 May 2002 at 12:55 AM.]

Wayne Brown · Post by **Wayne Brown** » 17 May 2002 3:24 am

check this out this might help i've been using this for a long time and have shipped them all over the states...there wonderful... http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=872152394 i hope this helps copy this link and go to ebay...the item number is on this page...these are brand new and are been sold from a major music store chain up here called axe music

wayne

Mark Ardito · Post by **Mark Ardito** » 17 May 2002 5:57 am

Steven,

What platform are you going to be running, Mac or PC?

My vote is for the Digi 01. Reliability and performance is excellent.

Mark

Steven Welborn · Post by **Steven Welborn** » 17 May 2002 5:45 pm

Platform is PC. And thanks for the feedback.I always seem to be a lttle behind with these things. Probably due to always being just a tad short on $$ to purchase stuff and then learn what it's all about. So what I'd like to get clear in my dark little mind is:
What is or are the basic necessary components required for a functional computer multitrack recording setup?(assuming your PC has the necessary specs)
I ask because I thought the audio PCI card and sound card were the same thing. Let me take a shot:

1. PCI audio card.( plug-in hardware right)
included breakout box

2. Sound card ( HW ?)

3. Software. such as...Cakewalk, Steinberg
Cubase, etc.

4. CD burner

Questions:

Are seperate software programs needed for
mixing? Editing? mastering? Some software
do it all?

Are the effects (rev,delay) in the sound
card? Software? Both?

External mixer preferable?

This could decide whether to acquire
stuff in a package or separately. Thanks!

ps: this is addressed mainly to the needs of the songwritter/instrumentalist home recording. Though i realise 8 ins/outs might be a good idea just in case. [This message was edited by Steven Welborn on 17 May 2002 at 06:51 PM.]