Simple home studio parts list.

[loudriver23]

I really want to start some PC based recording. I would like as professional of results as possible, yet I know my budget will be a very limiting factor to achieving that goal.
That said, here's my dream.
I currently don't have a band, but do have several songs written and hopefully more on the way. I can do my own guitar, bass, keys etc and have no real aversion to layering vs live recording.

I have a Very Decent PC and an Intel IMAC for the base of operations. The next step is input device and software.

What would you recommend? The Mbox looks interesting to me, but I have fears of it's quality, I do like all the bundled plugins.
Honestly i would prefer a PCI input system as I am still afraid of USB/Firewire buffer issues. Who knows since I will only be laying down one track at a time maybe it will be a non-issue.

So my question is, what all do I need to have a basic home PC recording setup?

Mics
Monitors
Headphones
Cables
My PC
MBOX?
Protools?

I have got to be missing something I'm sure it's not that simple.
Effects possibly though the protools bundle seems to have a bunch of the effects I would most likely use.

As you can see i'm pretty lost in this quest thus far, so any help or guidance would be much appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Louis

 

[daemon barbeque]

Re: Simple home studio parts list.

Hey Louis ,There are so many different ways to achieve your goal!
but we have to make some points clear to give some proper advice
1)Do you really want to use real amps ,or an amp modeller ?
2)Do you have problem recrding guitar Via MIDI ,or thru software (Like Line& Gearbox,or sonoma rifftracker etc.)?
3)Do you have a MIDI Keyboard?
4)Is Garageband enough for your rythm needs?
5)How much money can you pay?

 

[loudriver23]

Re: Simple home studio parts list.

I would love to use real amps, but i'm not opposed to modelers.
I've never actually done any digital recording so I guess i'm not opposed to anything you're suggesting.
Yes i have an older midi keyboard.
I suppose when all is said and done i'd love to keep it under $2000
Thanks

 

[daemon barbeque]

Re: Simple home studio parts list.

Okay..So i don't know if you have LOGIC get bundled with your mac!?
I actually use PC ,so i like to let other folks chime in tell you wich program to get!
Headphones are not the best way to record and mix.I use them only if i have to be quite (Nights) or to check panning precisely!You needs descent monitors ,and you can get them new about 300 dollars!You can check allways used stuff tho!
The Soundcard must be a descent one.Many cards have good hardware but a ****ty Driver.
Line6 TonePort is a good one!Sound card and recording/modelling software in one box.it will be around 250 dollars ,and give you good recording possibilities.
You nee dmore money for the software tho!Logic,Izotope Ozone (mastering) ,and some plug-ins and instruments (digital instruments like software synth ,drum machine like EZDRUMMER ,and keys...)will be more expensive.
there are many Microphones for vocals ,and i am not an expert on them.Actually i can't sing anyways.

 

[Voxman]

Re: Simple home studio parts list.

The first thing you need to decide is how many lines in you`ll need.
For most home recordings 2-4 lines in is more than enough,i use the
m-audio 1010lt 10in/out and it`s fairly cheap.
Get yourself a good recording software program like pro tools,logic(mac only) cubase etc. most good software includes some plug ins that you`ll probably need
For vocals get a studio project c1 condensator mic,good bang for the buck .a sm57 for guitars etc if you decide to go for amp micing.
Pod xt and vox tonelab are good guitar simulators if you think a amp will make to much noise.
go for active monitors
That`s basically what you`ll need to get started,ehhh a good headset will do the job as well
You`ll need some wires too but it`s kinda hard to tell exactly which ones right now