Is my computer adequate enough for music creating, an MIDI synth question, and best soundcard questions, also.

[dezell123]

I have a few questions. I plan on creating some high quality-sounding music in mp3 format, first making an MIDI file then transfering it... that said, a few questions.

1)Will this computer be adequate enough for my needs?

Pentium 200
32 MB Ram.
I really don't need to do anything that powerful, and mp3 encoding can take long, I don't care.

2)What is the best soundcard that will deliver the best midi synth ( under $110!)

3) Will another soundcard provide better midi synth that what I currently have... a sound4 mpu device?

4) Can anyone reccomend some high-quality headphones? Under 100 dollars, please.

5) Can anyone reccomend me a proffesional level microphone, to record various instruments in high-quality. (Under 100 dollars, also, please)

6) Does anybody reccomend any really good sequencers and wav editors?

Thanks!!!!!!!

 

[pulse8]

I would get a better system.

I doubt you'll find a really good professional level mic for under $100.

 

[dezell123]

But is this system adequate?
(i.e.. It will do everything, but not very good)
And can anyone answer my other questions?

Thanks in advance

 

[dezell123]

Anyone?

 

[johnjohn320]

Your system is adequate, but you will have problems now and then.

Sound card? Under $110, eh? Well you can't afford an Audigy for that money, so I would recommend a Creative Labs SoundBlaster 512. Works ok for me. Just make sure whatever you get is full duplex or you're screwed.

As for microphones, Shure makes great mics. I personally love the SM57 (SM58 is the same thing, but more durable).

Check out musiciansfriend.com for your shopping needs, they give excellent prices. And a little tip, talk to someone who knows what they're doing. I'm learning right along with you, cause I'm trying to do the same thing on my PC. Talk to someone who already does this (in person) and tell them in extreme detail what you want to do and what you have to spend. By the way, despite what a store owner might tell you, it is not necessary for your mic to be omnidirectional.

As for software to use, I recommend Pro Tools (they have a free version which is excellent also). Things like "Livin La Vida Loca" as much as I hate the song, were done completely in Pro Tools, as was the Jurassic Park 3 soundtrack. It's an incredible resource.

Good luck, AIM me sometime: IguanaMan323

 

[dezell123]

My walmart has an audigy mp3+ for 99 bucks.

 

[pulse8]

You can get an OEM Audigy from Newegg for around $65 if they still have them.

If you do enough recording, though, that system is eventually going to choke like newbie porn star.

I would at the very least double the RAM if possible.

How much hard drive space do you have?

 

[dcpsoguy]

This is dezell

About 2.5 gigs... Then again, I can always add more.

I might double my ram.

 

[pulse8]

Also, if you're going to try something like Protools, which is multi-track, your system is going to suffer.

If you're going to have 4 or 5 tracks running at the same time, that system is definitely not going to cut it. You'll also want to be working with uncompressed audio. Keeping mp3s as your master is not a good idea. For archiving, though, there are other lossless compression methods out there that will bring the file size down but won't compromise the sound.

 

[anandfan]

A few years ago, people were doing lots of midi work with 386 and 486. A P200 is certainly adequate. Good, cheap soundcards (not pro cards) are the Creative SB Live (for under $40) or any of the Yamaha Ensoniq based sound cards (under $30, look on Eb*y). I don't think the Audigy is really necessary for your needs.

 

[db]

Yeah, ck threads about soundcards. I just received an SB Live card and cable for about $31 shipped (Dell refurb).

 

[dcpsoguy]

Why won't an Audigy be for my needs?

Should I splurg on an Audigy?

Will an Audigy provide superior synth quality than a Soundblaster 512 or something?

 

[VirusDub]

If you're only going to be doing MIDI sequencing, your system will be fine. Most sound cards can do MIDI well, so there's no immediate need for an Audigy. However, if you're going to be doing stuff like wave sampling, recording, and multi-track sequencing, a more powerful system is in order. That's also where a better sound card would help.

 

[dcpsoguy]

Ahh...

Sorry if I didn't explain myself correctly...

I plan on doing wave sampling, recording, and multi-track sequencing.

I really can't afford another whole different computer right now... Should I upgrade my memory to 64mb ram and get an audigy soundcard?

Will that help alot?

 

[dcpsoguy]

bump