Recording Software

[mrturtle_91]

I'm looking at getting some recording software for my computer. I need something to record guitar stuff and vocals, but can't be too expensive ($150-200 maximum). My computer also isn't the greatest computer, about 278mb of RAM, and a 355mhz pentium 3 processor, with windows XP, so it needs to work on that. I was looking at the Line 6 GuitarPort RiffTracker, but I don't think it would be good for vocals. Any other suggestions?

 

[innerdreamrecords.co]

Re: Recording Software

That may not be enough ram to get more than a few tracks? Sony Acid might do the trick, they make some light versions. Or buy a Toneport for about 125 and get Ableton Live for free, also a light version probably just four tracks.

 

[mrturtle_91]

Re: Recording Software

http://www.line6.com/toneportgx/specifications.html

The TonePort GX looks like it would be good for my purposes, but it doesn't look like it's gonna work on my computer.

 

[scottish]

Re: Recording Software

i dont think your comp really has the specs to handle the modern day software thats out there. 335 pentium 3 is well, slow, lol

278 RAM is also really wimpy, especially if you are running XP. XP is pretty RAM intensive. infact im pretty surprised you can run XP with that little RAM and not get rediculously frustrated. im spoiled though, i run OSX 10.4 with 1.5 gigs of RAM

 

[J Moose]

Re: Recording Software

Is the computer dedicated to audio only or is it also doing web browsing, MS word & loaded with anti-virus stuff?

It's an old machine... slow... might be tough to find something.

If it's dedicated & the processor isn't loaded down you could probably run Cubase LE or whatever the "free" version is. I have that loaded on my old P3 500 with 256 ram... It's a second "workstation" basically used for running CD dups & other trival things...

But I can open & run a 30+ track project at 24/48kHz without a problem...

Not sure about plug-ins at that rate... mostly used for "sorting" incoming mix work...

 

[larry_emder]

Re: Recording Software

Try reaper

reaper.fm

 

[innerdreamrecords.co]

Re: Recording Software

There is a Win XP tweaking site for music somewhere on the web too. I have a PC with Logic on it and when I did all the tweaks the machine runs great. Knock on wood...

 

[J Moose]

Re: Recording Software

There is a Win XP tweaking site for music somewhere on the web too. I have a PC with Logic on it and when I did all the tweaks the machine runs great. Knock on wood...

Indeed!

But even just one antivirus/spyware program is enough to screw it all up...

 

[innerdreamrecords.co]

Re: Recording Software

Indeed!

But even just one antivirus/spyware program is enough to screw it all up...

I try not to go on the web with that machine for that reason.

 

[sosomething]

Re: Recording Software

For the money you're better off getting a Tascam or something, probably.

 

[innerdreamrecords.co]

Re: Recording Software

http://www.line6.com/toneportgx/specifications.html

The TonePort GX looks like it would be good for my purposes, but it doesn't look like it's gonna work on my computer.

True, no go on that.

 

[mrturtle_91]

Re: Recording Software

Is the computer dedicated to audio only or is it also doing web browsing, MS word & loaded with anti-virus stuff?

It's an old machine... slow... might be tough to find something.

If it's dedicated & the processor isn't loaded down you could probably run Cubase LE or whatever the "free" version is. I have that loaded on my old P3 500 with 256 ram... It's a second "workstation" basically used for running CD dups & other trival things...

But I can open & run a 30+ track project at 24/48kHz without a problem...

Not sure about plug-ins at that rate... mostly used for "sorting" incoming mix work...

The computer I'd be recording on I only use for listening to music. It's not even connected to the internet and doesn't have word on it, and I got rid of all of the junk that isn't necessary.

I do have other computers in the house (5 to be exact) but the only computers the TonePort GX would work on are my brother's laptop he got for college, and my mom's PC which she uses for her business.

 

[guitarist6614]

Re: Recording Software

I myself have a pentium 3 1.2ghz 512 ram laptop, and I can run Sony Acid 6.0 on it flawlessly. Maybe upgrade your ram and you should be good to go. Of course whatever program you choose isn't going to open "fast" but it gets the job done. Try Mixcraft, its 60 bucks and it records. No matter what software you get it's not going to sound studio quality so why spend extra money on bells and whistles your not going to use? If you have an output on your amp or pedals just take a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter and connect it to the sound cards line input or microphone input. You don't really need a fancy tone port.

 

[StraightupWV]

Re: Recording Software

I also have an older computer. It's a Celeron 450 with 320Mb of ram running XP PRO. I've been using a free program called Audacity and it truly rocks! You can find it at [URL="http://audacity.sourceforge.net/"/URL]
It does multi-track recording and has a vast array of effects. I've had it on my system for the last three years and I'm absolutely in love with it. AND IT'S FREE!!!

 

[McLaughysSN]

Re: Recording Software

I also have an older computer. It's a Celeron 450 with 320Mb of ram running XP PRO. I've been using a free program called Audacity and it truly rocks! You can find it at [URL="http://audacity.sourceforge.net/"/URL]
It does multi-track recording and has a vast array of effects. I've had it on my system for the last three years and I'm absolutely in love with it. AND IT'S FREE!!!

+1

If I didn't already use adobe audition and I had the hardware you have, this would be the route i would take

 

[Bludave]

Re: Recording Software

You may have to buy a decent interface to record direct into audacity. But I agree with what the others are saying. Use a free program and a decent audio interface with your current hardware. When you are ready to upgrade your computer then look at other software that may be more versatile.

If you buy a Digidesign product, like the Mbox mini...... this comes with Pro tools LE. That should be all you would ever need for home recording.

 

[mrturtle_91]

Re: Recording Software

Maybe upgrade your ram and you should be good to go.

My RAM is upgraded as much as possible, unfortunately.

 

[Johtosotku]

Re: Recording Software

Try the Audacity first and see if you need a more expensive or sophisticated program or a sound card/interface.

I recently bought a Mackie Onyx Satellite firewire interface and it comes with a full version of Mackie Tracktion 2 software. I really like the Tracktion for the simple stuff I do. It could be an option if you find out that Audacity isn't for you and that you have latency or sound quality issues with your stock sound chip.