The Steel Guitar Forum

Hello.
I want to do some home recording on my PC. I've used a Tascam 414 in the past, but, want to move up to computer based recording. I've been monitoring some of the previous posts trying to absorb some of the great info that's been shared. You guys are GREAT.
My question is this:
Does the interface replace the soundcard?
Reason for asking is , I just bought a new laptop, and I got it with a Sound Blaster sound card that plugs into the "Express Card" slot.
p

The interface can replace the sound card or can be used along with the soundcard, you can select either/ or. One thing you will see/hear right away is that the standard PC sound card is really lousy compared to some real good sound cards .

When you have the sound card and/or interfaces installed on the PC they are each available on the drop down list for the software to use. I think it is common to have a real nice sound card as well as an interface which may also have sound abilities as well, you can choose each track input and output as desired from whats available, but it is best to keep it simple. remember that a keyboard and it's sounds are external so they are`available as well.

It sounds crazy but it really isn't.Once you spend a few moments with the INS and the OUTS it all makes sense. You may want to use a killer patch for a Bass on the PC but a killer Piano patch from the keyboard, you just have to know where they are and point the appropriate track where to send the midi info. An analog audio track( guitars and Vocals etc) are recorded as an audio track right to the software you can EQ them, add effects etc from within the software package. These are not midi. They playback thru the interface audio out to an amp, so a mixer should be used to mix the midi and analog audio signals.

On my system I have a small 6 channel mixer, one stereo pair is for the PC soundcard out, one pair is for the interface Audio out and the last pair is for the Keyboard stereo out.

The good news about all this stuff is that once you set it up, you use the same configurations ( templates) all the time. The only things you really have to keep track of is which midi sound patches/channels you are using and are they being sent to the correct midi device. ( card or keyboard)

Go for it I say

t

I use a USB connected digital interface. my computer has the Soundblaster soundcard. I plug (DI)into the interface with my guitars and mikes. the interface makes everything easier. a good soundcard is essential.
and too, monitors.
there are pluses rewards in 'moving up' to desk top recording. multi tracking, a host of virtual instruments, EQ, mixer, built in, etc.

check out this site. there is a lot of information I found helpful.

http://www.tweakheadz.com

Any thoughts on this Interface?

http://www.guitarcenter.com/TASCAM-US-1 ... 1169093.gc


I'm considering this or a Lexicon for about the same $$.

I have downloaded the free Reaper, haven't really used it yet. Am I better off starting with Sonar,Protools,Cubase,Etc........?

I know pc's fairly well, I have an Electronics, computer science degree, so I'm not COMPLETELY in the dark, but, all that crap doesn't help much with recording.

This is an entirely new area for me, I need all the help I can get, and I am very grateful for all of your input and suggestions.

Maybe when I get this all figured out, I can add some Lead guitar and/or Bass tracks for some of the guys in here. I saw the thread about doing some tracks using different guys here on the Forum doing , for lack of a better term, "long distance recording".
I've got many years experience in playing clubs, bars, etc. here in Ohio.


Thanks again for the help, guys. You're great

SJ

I have a Tascam 144 USB Interface and I think it is fine. If I had to do it again I would probably get something like the MAudio Delta 10/10 PC interface for about the same price and I have read that the latency issues are pretty much non existent. The 144 is right on the edge with latency issues.

Reaper I understand is fine, I downloaded it and used it once I think. I do think that at some point an "Uptown" Software package is the right thing to have, pay to play, pay for the bennies. Free is good ( cheap) but buying a package with some real power is much better in the long run. I can tell you this, I have two versions of Sonar running and they self configured everything I have plugged in, Sound cards, interfaces, VST plug-ins, other software which can be used with it. It's a good life !

my take

tp

Yeah, I've messed around with an old version of Cakewalk Sonar, I think it was. From what I can recall, it seemed pretty user friendly. I've heard alot of good things about Pro Tools, but, the price is kind of crazy for my needs.
But, first things first. I need an interface.

By the way, which version of Sonar do you think would be best for my needs. I'm sure I don't need the Producer Edition,etc.

Thanks Tony, you've been a great help.
And Randy, Thanks

Regards,
SJ

Which version ? hard to say, what is your goal ?

Keep in mind I am a Sonar novice, I have spent years with standalone workstations . In the mid 90's I did have a full Cakewalk midi studio and my midi experience comes from back then.


I have and use Sonar 7 Home Studio, it is limited to 64 tracks, has lots of power but it is missing the high end plug-ins. For the most part I think this is a very good package and I use it more than Producer 8 which I am learning to use slowly.

I think if you go to the Cakewalk website it lays out what is "missing" from the low end packages, but overall Sonar 7 Home Studio for $150 is a pretty good deal. For me I decided to go to Producer 8 for specific reasons, full power to grow into plus it has the V Vocal plug-in. These days any recording package where there are vocals involved should have the ability to correct a note or two and save the performance. For my 16 track workstation I have an Antares unit, I rarely use it but when you need it, it's worth the entire price of admission. Both 7HS and 8P have the ability to draw on any VST plug-in thats on your PC real easily.

Regarding Pro Tools, there are many versions out there and they all look good as well at a pretty good price. I am not familiar with the cost of the full blown package. I have heard thousands. I have a friend who runs Nuendo in his studio, I think he told me his setup with software , board, interfaces ,plug-ins and PC was in the 10 grand range. He runs a small full time studio in his house.


here is a great read on the subject

http://www.performermag.com/nevermindtheprotools.php