I've been recording for about 5 years now. I used a Roland VS-880 for my first project and soon there after discovered Pro Tools. I did a few projects on a borrowed Digi001 and swore by Pro Tools for the next year. Later, I discovered Cubase SX and love it. A am still using it today. Most of what I do are simple projects for people that are wanting to demo there song. I've had several job offers to record full bands, but had to decline them due to lack of equipment/computer. I've also done some jingle work and have a few jobs that are pending. I play keyboard and most of the music I record is played from it and recorded via midi and I use various VSTs from there. I usually add a couple of live instruments to give it a more realistic feel... live acoustic or electric usually brings it to life.

I've been getting by for quite some time now on just a standard Dell computer and stock sound card but have been battling the “clicks and pops” and other problems that come with not having a decent recording computer. It is now time to upgrade. I’m hoping to spend in the ballpark of $5000 on a computer, monitors (video and sound), interface... (not including mics). I would like to be able to track a live drum set, so I need to be set up with a minimum of 8 inputs… preferably 12. I’ve been checking out the “Creation Station” computers through Sweetwater but I’m clueless weather or not that is the way to go. I also don’t know what size computer to get for my needs. I don’t plan on tracking more than 10-12 tracks at a time. That’ll only be when I’m tracking drums. From then on, it’ll mostly be 1 or 2 tracks at a time. As far as I/O interfaces… at one point I was looking at the Tascam FW-1884, but I’d never get more than 8 channels at once, so I figure that’s not the best way to go. I’ve looked at some MOTU stuff, but I’m somewhat ignorant as to what I’d need… hence coming here asking for your advise. I've also been looking pretty serious at the Mackie Onyx 1200F. Any thoughts on that?

Anyway, I plan on using dual 19” (or larger) flat panel monitors. I haven’t decided anything about reference monitors but I believe I may be going with powered monitors unless anyone advises otherwise. Can anyone help me in this venture? I’d be grateful to receive some advice. Thanks!

Dale