Bill,
So much of what you are asking is dependent on which choices you make. Usually the soundcard that comes stock in a computer sucks. Once you get into upgrading the soundcard you may need external converters, some converter interfaces come with sound cards. If you go PC you will have a different set of choices than if you go Mac. External hard drives can be an extra, especially in Mac world. There are lots of variables, how many inputs and outputs do you need? What are you recording and why are you recording it? Will you be using the computer for gaming and graphics work and will it be an Internet computer also? It is hard to give advice when we don't know the specifics because there are so many options available. Kurt

Thanks for the reply. I'm more versed in Mac but my wife uses a pc. I help her through all her computer problems so I know both platforms. I was going to go Mac only because I've used it for so long but am still deciding. I'm going to use it for recording. If I use it for anything else I will dedicate a hard drive just for recording. I want to put my songs down and arrange them the way I hear them in my head. I don't know what converters are. Mixing boards? I don't need too many inputs and output I don't think because I'm just recording myself (voice and instument) and then use software and midi to add the other instruments. I did read your article on hooking a mixing board up to a computer and it was helpful although I didn't understand everything. I'm just starting out ya know.

Thanks for your help,
Bill

Bill,
Converters are devices that convert analog audio into digital audio. Waveforms into 1’s and 0’s.

If you decide on the Mac, you can use a USB interface. This will have the converters, a small mixer and mic pres in it and will provide facilities to monitor pre recorded tracks as well as live inputs. I recommend the Tascam USB interfaces, the US-122, US-224 and US-428, all under $500. These have faders, transport controls, and midi interfacing, almost everything you could want. This is a good solution if you are recording one or two tracks at a time. If you want to record more than two tracks at once you will need something else besides a USB interface. Pro Tools LE, Pro Tools TDM and MOTU are the most popular interfaces used with Macs. Recording software is included with the Pro Tools Hardware. If you opt not to go with Pro Tools, you will need to purchase recording and midi software. If you need less than 8 tracks total, you can probably get by with “Pro Tools Free”. This can be downloaded off the net at http://www.digidesign.com or you can order a copy from Digidesign for a nominal shipping charge. They sent me my copy and didn't charge anything. If you want more than 8 tracks, you will have to purchase some audio software. Pro Tools, Digital Performer, Logic are the programs that are most often run on Macs. I hope that helps a bit. This can be a confusing step to take and it is made more difficult by not having used computer based recording equipment before. If you have any other specific questions please ask. There are lots of nice folks here that will be glad to help guide you on the way… Kurt

Kurt- Thanks so much for your help. It is starting to make some sense and I now know what options I can choose from. I'm sure I'll have many more questions and it gives me some peace of mind to know there is someplace I can go to get the answers.
Once again thanks for you time,
Bill

Billrc,

I would suggest calling on someone like Scott of ADK (advanceddesignky.com)

I was also very new to this about 4 months ago and Scott spent a pile of time with me on the phone figuring out what I should get. I wound up making one choice that he did not recommend (and in fact warned me about) and that wound up causing some problems, but he has stood by his machine and worked with me to get it running.

I would suggest ADK to anyone looking for their first DAW.

Jim