As a starting point, I would save a little and by a small multi-track unit such as a roland vs-840, 840ex, 840gx, or tascam, or korg-the all have decent products,a dn if you develop your engineering skills you can make great sounding music and transfer it digitally into your computer. In Canada, you can find such items from as little as $600 used if you look hard enough. Grab a couple decent mics, and presto!
Computers are a pain.

(I asked the great weevil what he would do, buy a computer or a little multi track. He said "buy a complete protools rig!". I then went to the little weevil and asked him what he thought, and he said "Buy a compact easy to use daw intended for beginners." Naturally I chose the lesser of two weevils.) :s:

Ben,
It sounds as if you already recording on a computer DAW? If so, then the USB approach is the least expensive way to go. Also IMO it doesn't hurt to be building computer skills as well as recording chops. It's where it's going and we need to face it! I think stand alone recording systems will be non exsistant in the next 10 years. Sooner or later, you are going to be moving into the DAW and if you start learning it now, you will just be a step ahead of the curve.. This is the first I have heard of the ESI waveterminal U24 but I will look around and see what it is and then get back to you here on what my opinion is. Kurt

Kurt, I suggested this type of format because it has knobs and faders, and the onboard fx have control parameters similar to analog gear. I am not super-well educated in the area of computers but I think that in every good studio, some form of console, or rack unit will always be present, and used regularly. Do you Disagree?

Also these are mor user friendly in the sense that
twisting a knob or pushing a fader gets you instant results. Don't you think that even with the onslaught of the one eyed monsters, that fudamentals are best learned by breaking things down?

Just an opinion. :D

Ben
I did a search and I found this.. I don't know if you have seen it but in case you haven't here is the link.. http://www.musicmarketing.ca/products/es_wavetu24.html

This looks like a pretty flexible device and it has an ability to format convert as well as sample rate conversion. I can't say how it works or sounds but for $200 it's hard to go wrong. I am asumeing you have a Mac with a USB port. If You are on a PC you will need to get a USB card so be sure to budget for that also.. Kurt

Yeah. The waveterminal is actually what I've been looking at and considering for about a week. Seems to be the best option for me.

I already have a Zoom MRS standalone recording thing, but it doesn't do everything I want it to. The drums aren't that great, it's a pain in the ass to use, etc. My computer, on the other hand, is easy to use, I have a CD of some nice drum loops, etc. I think I've graduated the standalone, am I'm looking to make better recordings.

Also, the only way to transfer quality sound is to get an optical input for my computer. They aren't cheap, and at this point i'd rather just go all out and start using the computer for everything.

Hope that clears up my situation. Thanks to everyone for all your input. I really appreciate it.

Well, you have to go with what makes you comfortable. How can you feel free to be creative when you are frustrated, as you are with the zoom. Computers are good, but I think you might be missing some fundamentals. I hope this isn't the case.
:c:
Good luck.

Originally posted by Steve@speedRiverStudios:
Kurt, I suggested this type of format because it has knobs and faders, and the onboard fx have control parameters similar to analog gear. I am not super-well educated in the area of computers but I think that in every good studio, some form of console, or rack unit will always be present, and used regularly. Do you Disagree?

Also these are mor user friendly in the sense that
twisting a knob or pushing a fader gets you instant results. Don't you think that even with the onslaught of the one eyed monsters, that fudamentals are best learned by breaking things down?

Just an opinion. :D

Steve,
I know where you are coming from as that where I am from too (Big tape and console). But I have to say that once I bit the bullet and plunged into the DAW thing I have never looked back. In regards to what you are talking about what is important is to find a program that works the same way a conventional console and outboard works. I have found this for myself in Cubase. You can work in several different manners in Cubase one of which is a traditional mixer with eq’s, effects and dynamics. I have come to really like this as I can work one project and shut down come back a week later and all the settings are there just as I left them. The ability to switch between projects with instant recall is phenomenal!

As for a control surface, IMO faders are overrated. I do feel the need for a hardware transport control so I have set my keyboard to do these things Using the left , down and right arrows the 0 and enter keys I have full control of the transport. Mixing with a mouse is no big deal as the automation on Cubase is very easy to implement and with three or four passes I can have a full twenty for track mix worked up. This is just me but I for one do not miss the big console. I still have a rack of comps and pres for front end (I think this is absolutely necessary) but as for effects, I use only plugs. I have a rack of reverbs Lexicons Eventide etc that I never touch. As a matter of fact I lent Davedogg my Eventide 3000 D/SE about a month ago and he will probably get to keep it indefinitely. I just don't need it! Kurt

Ben, you never mentioned your budget. I would agree with Kurt about going with a daw. I really wouldn't recommend a USB connection however.

I have up to 400 dollars, but I'd really rather stick around 200. I need money for other things as well.

Since your budget is so limited you will probably have to go USB. I would recommend checking out eBay for a used M-box and a used Shure SM-57 if you don't already have one. Check your computer's specs to make sure it's compatible before you buy. The M-box has both the hardware and Pro-tools software to get you up and running. If you have too many tracks you will max out your USB connection but this will get you started. Another inexpense option is the light version of Cubase SX. The only thing with that is that you'll need to also purchase a better audio card then what's currently in your computer.