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I want to get advises on want to get, to do a home studio (that sounds as good as it can). I use to have one of those ¨all in one¨ 16 tracks recorder. Now I'm going to get a iMac but i'm not sure which software nor interface to use. Protools, Cubase, Logic, Digidesign, M-audio, Tascam?
I'm also thinking of getting like an dm-24 or 32 but i'm not sure if it could do the same job and replace an control interface (please help me here).
I'm getting the computer soon, so i need a software and a controller or a mixing console (what's the difference between those two?).

Your advise would be greatly appreciated.

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cfaalm Mon, 03/16/2009 - 12:51

First of all, welcome to RO.

It is almost impossible to tell you what to do in a single post. Since you are at the very beginning of integrating a computer into your studio I suggest you read up a bit until you figure out what to do. To start, it is necessary to define what it is you do: recording bands, composing, etc? How many tracks do you need to be able to record simultaneously?

To broaden you view a bit on the software side, also check out:
Sonar, Mackie Tracktion, Ableton. Some software will come bundled with an interface. I use Cubase, but it is sometimes a personal thing. It just might not fit your workflow.

A digital mixer that also acts as a controller and interface can be desirable. I use a Yamaha 01v96 as mixer / ADDA converter / control surface. Some don't like the pre-amps or the AD converters at which point you'd be stuck with them or extra converters and preamps come at an extra charge.

If you'd only need a couple of simultaneous inputs I'd buy 2 of the best preamps and converters you can afford and have a separate control surface. One of the best looking control surfaces to me would be the Euphonix. Since you're getting an iMac, check em out. There are also cheaper options, just google the words.

One investment you might make soon if you didn't do that already: have a separate internal HDD for your audio. It will be beneficial for the performance of your system. The sweetspot is now somewhere from 500GB to 1TB. As long as it is a 7200rpm 16/32MB S-ATA drive you will be OK.

anonymous Tue, 03/17/2009 - 18:26

I need enough inputs to record a drums set. after I buy my computer, i will have around 2000$ to spend on control interface (or mixing console) software, etc. I would like to know what my options are. I realize I couldn't get everything I want with that amount but it'surely enought to have something to begin with.

rockstardave Tue, 03/17/2009 - 20:44

ok, a mixer will sum all your inputs and route them to different destinations (not what you need).

but a control surface will tell your computer what to do (what you might want).

finally an interface will handle the Analog-to-Digital conversion for sources such as microphones, drum machines, and more (what you will need).

sometimes you can find an interface and control surface built into the same product such as the Project Mix I/O or the Digi 003 control surface.

now go to research on those.