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Topic: How Do I Start? |
Jim Heffernan
From:
Haddon Heights NJ
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Posted 7 Aug 2002 11:32 am |
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| I know very little about windows recording. I would like to know what to buy to get started in an 8 track package. All I have is a PC and Band in a Box. What's the best inexpensive way to start ? |
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George Wixon
From:
Waterbury, CT USA
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Posted 7 Aug 2002 3:32 pm
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Jim,
I currently use BB (Band in a Box) for creating my rythym tracks and also use PT (PowerTracks Pro Audio) for doing the recordings. PT can be purchased through PG music and is not expensive. It gives you the ability to record up to 48 different tracks. If your going to record strictly via the computer you will also need to make certain that your sound card has full duplex capabilities. There are other software programs available but PT will give you the most for your money. Keep in mind that BB is also capable of recording 1 channel of audio as well.
George[This message was edited by George Wixon on 07 August 2002 at 05:03 PM.] |
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Jim Heffernan
From:
Haddon Heights NJ
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Posted 8 Aug 2002 7:45 am
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| Thanks George, I already have powertracks but have not used it. I'll give it a try. Do I need some kind of interface to run a mic into the soundcard ? |
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Doug Seymour
From:
Jamestown NY USA (deceased)
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Posted 8 Aug 2002 8:46 am
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For recording steel, I would suggest going direct into your pc (no mike) Depending on your sound module for BB you may want to mix
the steel & sound module output before line in to sound card? |
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George Wixon
From:
Waterbury, CT USA
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Posted 8 Aug 2002 1:56 pm
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Hi Jim,
Doug is correct for recording steel to go directly into the computer and not through a mic. Normally when I record the steel, I go from the line output on my amplifier to the line input of the sound card. If you do want to use a mic, there is an input labled mic on the sound card. In either event you will still have to make up some cables or get some adapters for the soundcard inputs since they are 1/8" jacks and the normal size plugs are 1/4".
If you need extra help send me an email and I can get you going. I've already gone through this once before and can send you screen shots and pics of everything you need to do.
Regards,
George |
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Doug Seymour
From:
Jamestown NY USA (deceased)
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Posted 11 Aug 2002 5:27 am
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| I use a keyboard for my sound module with Band in a Box. I got a cheap Radio Shack mixer (from a dissapointed DJ, who didn't get rich!) and go line out from my steel amp into the mixer and output from the keyboard into the mixer and then mixer output into my soundcard on the 'puter! Seems to work OK for me. Power tracks has quite a bit of potential for a beginner like me. I tried doing some 3 part stuff adding one track at a time to the original take and eventually figured out how to make it work. Not professional quality, but fun to fool with and learn on. |
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Jim Heffernan
From:
Haddon Heights NJ
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Posted 11 Aug 2002 9:00 pm
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| Thanks guys, I'll give it a try this week when I get some time. And I may have to call on you experience then. One problem I've had, is that I cannot import BB files into Power Tracks. I'm sure that there is a simple answer. I have converted them to wave files and tried that, but to no avail. [This message was edited by Jim Heffernan on 12 August 2002 at 07:40 AM.] |
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Jerry Knapper
From:
Lakeland, Florida , USA
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Posted 15 Aug 2002 7:01 pm
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Jim:
I have BIAB and PT pro, but purchased a copy of Magix music studio version 5 at a Guitar Center blowout for $9.95 and it works quite simple and very well. I also purchased a CMX32 Crate Mini mixer which I plug into my sound cards line in giving me three low Z inputs and 4 extra 1/4 in Hi Z inputs. I have made a couple of CD's using this combination and it works great. Berringer has a little 2 channel low z unit that would work good also. I just liked the features of the Crate better. (crateaudio.com)
Jerry K. Oklahoma |
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Dr. Hugh Jeffreys
From:
Southaven, MS, USA
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Posted 17 Aug 2002 8:40 am
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| I have about 16 pieces of outboard equipment, mostly Roland; I suggest calling Edirol (Blaine, Wa.), which is a sister Co. of Roland-Boss. Explain what you would like to do, and they will give you the best route; they also have a website. I think the ph. is 323 2580. About the only thing I use my pc for (I have Cakewalk) is to store tracks for later synchronization, and to normalize track levels. Their prices are low to several grand. They have many devices that can be easily connected to your pc, however. Best, HJ |
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George Wixon
From:
Waterbury, CT USA
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Posted 17 Aug 2002 2:56 pm
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Jim,
When you say that you can't get the wav file into PowerTracks what does Powertracks do?
There must be some message comming up on the screen telling you why you can't load the wav file or the file is loaded in and your not hearing it when you try to play it back which is something entirely different from not being able to load the wav file into PowerTracks. I use both these programs all the time and have yet to not be able to load any wav file into PowerTracs. If you'd like extra help getting this going, email me.
George |
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