PC Recording

[Redemtion]

I'm attempting to upgrade my computer to be for recording and sound editing. My price range is somewhat around $600-$1000. I'm recording directly into the PC with a processor and mixer hooked to it. Any recommendations?

-Redemtion

 

[Crescent13]

Welcome to the AnandTech Forums!

What are the specs of your computer now? Without them, there isn't much I, or anyone else, can do.

P.S. the thread title says "PC Redording"

 

[hurtstotalktoyou]

Get an Echo Gina, a nice condenser mic and a lot of memory. That's all it takes!

 

[Redemtion]

Thanks for the spelling didn't realize I spelled it wrong and thanks for the welcome. Right now i'm working with a basic store bought HP older model desktop.

 

[hurtstotalktoyou]

What is your CPU? Athlon XP 2400+? Pentium 4 1.8A? And how much memory do you have?

Do you already have mic(s)?

 

[Redemtion]

Is there a certain code I can type in in the BIOS where it peforms a system check? I never really checked to see what I had before nor donno how to. But heres what I do know or found.

260,592KB RAM
AT/AT Compatible

Computer shows up to be a x86 Family 6 Model 8 Stepping 6

Plug and Play Monitor on Intel Corperation 810 Graphics Controller Hub

AC'97 Sound Card

As for recording equipiment....

I have a Condenser Mic, Pre-Amp, Mixer

 

[hurtstotalktoyou]

$299 Adobe Audition 1.5
$280 Echo Gina PCI audio
$90 Windows XP Home OEM SP2
$76 Sempron 64 2800+
$76 1GB PC3200 G.Skill
$65 Biostar GeForce 6100-M7
$58 80GB WD Caviar SE SATA hard disk
$43 NEC ND-3550A DVD burner
$30 ATX case & generic 500W PSU

$1,017 total.

If that's too much, you can download a pirated version of Adobe Audition for free, bringing your total to $718.

 

[pukemon]

To the original poster, computer music can be as cheap or expensive as you want. If you're on a relatively limited power system (like it sounds like you're on) if you're happy with what you're able to do, the least you'd want is to purchase a higher quality audio card. If you don't need to record more than stereo in, the Echo Mia MIDI PCI will work very well. If you want to get into using software synthesis and using VSTs, and software effect plugins, that can get potentially very expensive - ie investing in Digital Audio Workstation(DAW) software such as Cubase or Sonar, and a rig that can handle it well.

 

[Redemtion]

Originally posted by: pukemon
To the original poster, computer music can be as cheap or expensive as you want. If you're on a relatively limited power system (like it sounds like you're on) if you're happy with what you're able to do, the least you'd want is to purchase a higher quality audio card. If you don't need to record more than stereo in, the Echo Mia MIDI PCI will work very well. If you want to get into using software synthesis and using VSTs, and software effect plugins, that can get potentially very expensive - ie investing in Digital Audio Workstation(DAW) software such as Cubase or Sonar, and a rig that can handle it well.

I've been rappin for about 6-7 years now. Been using the same computer and lemme tell you...it's wayyy out of date. Quality that comes out is 'decent' but if i'm going to open my own studio for myself and others then I feel I need to invest in a more present day model PC setup. Cause this PC goes back to like the 90's lol. Also...I have Nuendo...Adobe Audition...Waves Diamond Bundle etc. tons of all that...all that stuff is out of the way...i'm just lookin for some advanced parts for the PC. Then i'm gonna focus on upgrading recording equipment.

 

[hurtstotalktoyou]

The quality you get is almost largely due to the quality of the audio interface--IE the sound card. The only other factors are recording/producing skill and software competency.

The computer itself is merely an engine for all that. Your current rig will do the same thing an expensive setup will, just a lot slower.

 

[zagood]

Originally posted by: hurtstotalktoyou
$299 Adobe Audition 1.5
$280 Echo Gina PCI audio
$90 Windows XP Home OEM SP2
$76 Sempron 64 2800+
$76 1GB PC3200 G.Skill
$65 Biostar GeForce 6100-M7
$58 80GB WD Caviar SE SATA hard disk
$43 NEC ND-3550A DVD burner
$30 ATX case & generic 500W PSU

$1,017 total.

If that's too much, you can download a pirated version of Adobe Audition for free, bringing your total to $718.

Considering you have Audition already, this is a good list. Spend the extra on a different, larger hard drive, consider 2 HDs. You're going to need a lot of space for uncompressed audio. Also get an additional CDRW or DVDRW with CD at 48x+ so you can burn disc to disc.

As much as I hate shopping there, Best Buy usually has the best deals on hard drives. They've got a 120gb for $30 a/r, not SATA but can't beat the price. Circuit City is also very good.

EDIT: Your processor is a Pentium 3. VERY good idea to upgrade, since you'll have to upgrade your motherboard along with your CPU, starting from scratch is the best idea.

-z

 

[Redemtion]

I was thinkin on gettin a gig of ram, I heard/read somewheres that Intel's are better compatible with Audio over Athon's...this true? Also...was thinkin on gettin a 120 gig hard drive and use the one I got now which is 32.8gig making it a 152gig overall...plenty of space.

I mainly want a system suitable to run plugins/VST's etc.....somthing that will be fast and the CPU won't run up fast when operating. The most tracks recorded at once are only 1 so several diff. tracks recording isn't needed.