Recording/computer question

[musiclawyer]

Pardon my ignorance........I am in the market for a new Mac desktop as my PC is getting old. I was also want to do some home recording and had been thinking of getting something stand alone like a ZoomMRS 8 track. But then when I thought about the possibility of using the new Mac to record. Assuming it's only me with some drum track(s), plugging in guitars, and keyboard, and a mic to sing, all at separate times, and then doing a mix-down. What would you do? Does getting a Mac make superfluous getting the Zoom? If the answer is yes, what else do I need to buy? Do I need other software? You can't plug a guitar into a computer. So what else do I need? Do I need to get good computer speakers? Or some other kind of speakers, either way? Any input is appreciated.

[SlackJawedYokel]

1. Musicians Friend

Depending on your budget look for things like this: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/rec/navigation?N=100001+306383

The Line 6 GuitarPort is perfectly fine for simple stuff: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Line-6-GuitarPort?sku=482232

You'll want a box that does midi-in for your keyboard(or USB if you've got a dedicated controller), but don't forget you'll need to plug in the audio outs for the keyboard as well(assuming it is something like a typical synth), 1/4" inputs for your guitar and either 1/4" or XLR input for your mic.

A little searching and you should be able to determine just what you want and how much you want to spend.

And yes, computer recording makes the Zoom superfluous, mostly.
Mac's come with Garage Band 2, IIRC, which will do most everything you need to do.
If it doesn't you can buy Logic.

Do I need to get good computer speakers?
Any set of $50+ computer speakers will be fine.

Good luck and have fun.
Cletus

[musiclawyer]

2. Thank you

every word is appreciated. best karma to you

[greyl]

4. I'd have to disagree on the $50+ computer speakers tip.

Proper monitors are a definite eventual must-have for any half decent DAW. They make a huge difference. Otherwise, you risk having mixes that sound terrible on other sound sytems.(typically way too bassy)
If cost is an object, I'd say the absolute minimum would be powered pc speakers with a subwoofer, like some of Altec Lansing's bottom line stuff at about 120 bucks.

and while I'm here, I prefer www.sweetwater.com to musicians friend. ;)

[musiclawyer]

6. ok. give me some monitor recommendations

assume I buy the mac and can spend 300 on monitors

[SlackJawedYokel]

8. M-Audio BX series are good.

And should be right around that price point.

Cletus

[paulk]

10. second on the m-audio bx5a

you can get a pair for 300.

[pepperbear]

3. I don't know what your budget is....

but there are dozens of software programs for mac. I use MOTU digital performer, but there are many more that are far less expensive. ELECTRONIC MUSICIAN and EQ are 2 mags that have ads constantly.

You would also need to get an interface with a couple of mic pre amps and a midi/usb interface. basically everything SLACKJAWED recommended. the whole thing could be had for well under $1000 if you shop right and don't need everything to be top of the line.

[musiclawyer]

7. what do you think of MAudio Pro 4 X 4

usb audio interface w preamp


imac has usb port I take it?

[pepperbear]

9. hey, I have an M-audio breakout on my mac

I have no complaints. I do believe the imac has more than 1 usb port.

a word of caution: you might find firewire interfaces to be more reliable. a little research will tell you more about it.

[musiclawyer]

11. what about an Alesis MultiMix 8

It's about $400. Some guy told me tt's a mixing board but ostensibly will act as a interface to the computer using firewire. Guy said I just plug in guitar and keyboard into the board, hook it up to the mac with firewire cable and then just start laying down tracks. Is this too simplistic? What do you think, again, assuming I get a mac?

[pepperbear]

12. that's about how they work....

that alesis should be good. and I strongly suggest you get a mac for music programs.

[paulk]

5. I concur with greyl on the monitors

buy good monitors - with a sub woofer if you can afford it - they are a must for a computer based set up. I learned this the hard way as I have spent a huge amount of time in the last year having to remaster older recordings to be released on a cd this fall - that I originally mastered on crappy computer speakers. I can't emphasize this enough! Don't make the same mistake I did!

Mind if I ask - why a Mac? Not trying to start the usual Mac vs. PC wars here, but I personally don't see an advantage to the Mac when it comes to a DAW. PC's are cheaper and there's more software available for it. The software is cheaper, too.