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Im on a really tight budget (250 - 500) and I've been doing a lot of research and it sounds to me like my best bet is the following three pieces of equipment:

1. multitrack Mixing software (download free)
2. PCI card (best sound per $ (vs. USB/firewire))
3. multi track connected directly into card (record 2 guitar, 1 bass, 2 vocal, drums)

I would like to record a full band silmutaneously (with each instrument / vocal as a seperate track) and edit the tracks. Although it will usually be just me doing single tracks at a time.

Im wondering what equipment would be best to accomplish what I want to do (if its possible at all).

ps: all i have are drums, guitars, amps, drums, and a pc.

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Guitarfreak Fri, 05/01/2009 - 06:36

Look up Audacity and the PreSonus FP-10. You can use Audacity or Cubase LE that comes bundled with the FP-10. idk about PCI cards, I doubt you'll need one with the FP-10 acting as an outboard soundcard, and hooks to your pc via FireWire. If you decide to go this route, you are getting everything you need at $100 under your max stated budget. Good luck, hopefully this helps you.

http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

link removed

anonymous Fri, 05/01/2009 - 09:56

Yep. Firewire is a good way to go too. But I hear PCI is more reliable for latency issues.

Im not really worried about software.

for the FP10
I am wondering how you are supposed to plug a regular xlr mic cable into those strange inputs.. are there converters that comonly come with these units or am i missing something altogether...?

MC3DPCS Sat, 05/02/2009 - 20:29

Do you have acoustic drums or electronic? If acousitic, how many mics do you plan to use on the drums? Does the budget have to include mics, cables, mic stands, etc? I've done realy well buying used mics and cables on eBay, but I shop carefully, check feedback, etc.

I've had better luck with firewire interfaces than PCI cards but the PCI cards I've used were M-Audio pieces that were made ~5 years ago and they weren't stable. My current firewire interface has been stable recording to its limit of 12 tracks simultaneously. I've also had good luck with some of the new USB devices like the M-Audio Fast Track Ultra. You can get one new for less than $300.

Good luck!