Whether you play guitar, sing, rap, play keyboards, or compose electronic music, you need a decent computer setup. In today's world you can get professional recordings with the cheapest gear. However you have alot of options.
The things I DON'T recommend
Going with them will get you screwed
1. Products by M-audio
I just need to tell you before we get started that I dislike this company with a passion. Some of their equipment is probably just fine. BUT they are so slow at updating the drivers on their old products when new technology comes out. Their build quality is also questionable at times. M-audio makes stuff that won't last, which makes it all overpriced despite what it looks like when compared to the competition. STAY AWAY
2. Products by Protools / Digidesign
I don't like Protools and Digidesign. They are overpriced with decent build quality. But waaaaay overpriced. They also try and get you to upgrade to a giant protools prepriatory system which is even more overpriced. Protools software is just crap compared to Logic or Garage band on the mac. I can't think of one reason to recommend protools for someone trying to save their cash.
3. USB 2.0 Products by Edirol
I have a new intel mac. My current audio interface is a UA-101 by edirol, which is AMAZING, but it cuts out during normal non-recording use on the computer at times. Its drivers are flawless when i'm using it in a recording environment however. So I semi-recommend them. AMAZING gear. Just a little technical bug.
4. Audio interfaces by Mackie
I wanted to buy into mackie's excellent reputation for audio gear, but when I contacted them to get a mixer with built-in audio interface they couldnt tell me if it would work on my mac. Wrong answer. I didnt buy from them. Mackie's software and support division is not good enough.
I just need to tell you before we get started that I dislike this company with a passion. Some of their equipment is probably just fine. BUT they are so slow at updating the drivers on their old products when new technology comes out. Their build quality is also questionable at times. M-audio makes stuff that won't last, which makes it all overpriced despite what it looks like when compared to the competition. STAY AWAY
2. Products by Protools / Digidesign
I don't like Protools and Digidesign. They are overpriced with decent build quality. But waaaaay overpriced. They also try and get you to upgrade to a giant protools prepriatory system which is even more overpriced. Protools software is just crap compared to Logic or Garage band on the mac. I can't think of one reason to recommend protools for someone trying to save their cash.
3. USB 2.0 Products by Edirol
I have a new intel mac. My current audio interface is a UA-101 by edirol, which is AMAZING, but it cuts out during normal non-recording use on the computer at times. Its drivers are flawless when i'm using it in a recording environment however. So I semi-recommend them. AMAZING gear. Just a little technical bug.
4. Audio interfaces by Mackie
I wanted to buy into mackie's excellent reputation for audio gear, but when I contacted them to get a mixer with built-in audio interface they couldnt tell me if it would work on my mac. Wrong answer. I didnt buy from them. Mackie's software and support division is not good enough.
Meet the mac
Your only choice for mixing in the future
I stand by Apple 100% They are behind their customers. They have always been more than about ipods.
- Buy a Apple Laptop Computer with Intel Processor
- I can't recommend anything else but a macintosh to make computer music. I have used both in recording, and I find that the Mac is more suited to it because of the Core Audio technology, which reduces latency. Windows XP has horrible latency. I was also getting pops in the audio because it was too slow. This was on a new computer. I know that this might just be my case, but you don't want this to happen at all. Apple makes sure to support alot of 3rd company's drivers. Just be safe and go with the best. Your going to spend alot of time on your CPU doing mixing, so its best to just go for it. Apple also comes with the free mixing software Garage Band. Lots of free goodies. If you are worried about compatibility - don't. You can boot into windows on this machine also.
Audio Interfaces:
This is where you plug your stuff in.
Why are all these guitar people and vocalists using protools? I have no idea. Its not in the best interest of someone trying to save money. Protools sounds just the same as the cheaper software options. Their audio equipment generally only works with their own legacy software. Their Digidesign Mbox 2 audio interface is totally overpriced at $450 with only two stereo inputs. I purchased an Edirol Ua-101 which has 8 inputs, 10 outputs, two digital-optical outs, phantom power, guitar / mic preamp, digital level meter, with 192khz 24 bit recording for the SAME EXACT PRICE. Check out these options and save money. You will probably get better stuff too.
- Motu 828 Mk2 - For keyboard guys
- Okay, yes. This one is a little bit out of the price range I was shooting for. I stand by it, because in the end buying this one will actually save you money...more later. Mark of the Unicorn knows what they are doing. They were the first company to support their old products with updated drivers when the intel based macs came out. M-audio did not! I'm actually still waiting on m-audio to make my old USB midi interface supported...anyways: MOTU is on top of things. The 828 has all the sound inputs you'll ever need. If you have multiple pieces of gear that you plug in, like a keyboard or drum machine, this will work. The 828 is less expensive in the end, because with so many inputs to your computer, you'll never need a tradtional powered mixer. This option saves you money. The 828 has been around a long time. This updated version just gives it more of a reputation.
- Line 6 TonePort for a single traditional musician
- If you play guitar and sing by yourself, then this will work out. If you do anything other than that, and especially if you plan to plug in a keyboard ever or anything at all, then get the 828 by Motu above instead. If you want to record a full band, and not worry about buying multiple preamps-get the Presonus Firepod below this. Following those instructions will save you money. You don't want to get the wrong interface or run out of audio inputs. That said, I think the TonePort will work for a basic musician. Its the coolest looking interface and the price is right. The old style stereo level meters are the nicest touch ever. Plug in your guitar and mic and just play! It has some software control panel that is pretty nice too.
- The Presonus Firepod - Hook it up to your entire band.
- This is the one you want if your going to record your entire band at the same time. It has multiple preamps so you won't have to buy anything else. Just hook up all your friends mics into it. It looks very sturdy with blue anodized knobs and silver metal finish. It uses firewire. The recording quality on Presonus products are great. This is sought after stuff.
Software
"your going to need it"
This is a critical choice as well. Your going to spend alot of time in this mixing environment. This is where you put your ideas in all the way to the final product. Theres only a few software sequencers that are good enough to be worth your time and money. These are them. Why am I not recommending Steinberg Cubase?? I tried using it and it just took me a long time to get a freaking sound out of it. I don't want to learn how. I think it should be self explanatory. Also their VST format is not well supported any longer. Cubase is kind of getting old to me.
Remember that Garage Band is all you might need, and its FREE with the purchase of a new mac!
Remember that Garage Band is all you might need, and its FREE with the purchase of a new mac!
- Logic Express - Totally Awesome!!!
- This one is comparable to steinberg's products, except its by Apple and has all the Logic Audio fuctionality. This is what I use to compose and mix just about everything. I have been using it for over a year and haven't run into any significant limitations with it. Sure you get more with the pro version, but theres just no need. This version supports high bitrate recording and everything. This is #1
- Digital Performer is for nutty people
- Err...this one is a little bit nutty, but functional. If you compose and write music with staffs then you'll like it alot. This is for obsessive people though. The interface is not as good as Logic. It is however a motu product and it works okay on the mac, so I'll give it a go. Err but don't buy this unless your getting a package deal, and don't buy it with out trying it first. Just get Logic Express if your unsure.
- Ableton Live 6 $200 on Windows and Mac
- Okay this product is great!!! Check out that price!! Ableton live broke the mold with its ability to automatically time stretch audio when you drop it in. Kind of like those beginner Acid loop programs, but more on the professional side. People are making insane DJ mashups with Ableton. This one is for the really creative. It also now accepts midi and audio input for recording. Definitely for remixers.
These babies are really cool. Rokit RP5
check that yellow glow!
Speakers. Oops I mean "Monitors"
These will help you make your music sound good on everyone's home audio system
So here we come to another pricey decision....
Or maybe not. I actually mix on some old speakers that were not being used in my basement. They are hooked up to a regular Sony amplifier. Theres nothing wrong with this it all. I don't think you could tell the difference if I mixed on these or something more expensive. It gives me a flat sound, and I learned how to make it work.
Still I think most people want to get professional "monitors" to hook up to their new setup eventually, so here are some good ones to look at.
Or maybe not. I actually mix on some old speakers that were not being used in my basement. They are hooked up to a regular Sony amplifier. Theres nothing wrong with this it all. I don't think you could tell the difference if I mixed on these or something more expensive. It gives me a flat sound, and I learned how to make it work.
Still I think most people want to get professional "monitors" to hook up to their new setup eventually, so here are some good ones to look at.
- Event Monitors
- I have been recommended these by actual audio engineers. Monitors by this company are probably what I would look into getting. The sound quality and flat frequency response is what you desire. $500 is not alot of money for something that your going to use over and over. You have to remember that your buying something that is going to affect your ears for long periods of time. You want to feel comfortable with them.
- KRK RP5, The little tank
- KRK has amazing build quality. They look like killer bees. KRK Sound is pretty comparable to other brands and is worth the price you pay. I have heard that some of their series sound a little too punchy, but I think if you mix music with alot of bass then its something you'll come to appreciate. These are for the really budget conscious.
- Mackie HR824, The ultimate
- It costs $600 for one speaker. I know that people have saved up and just the one, then later purchased the other. I guess if a guy wanted these so bad that he didnt care if it was mixing in MONO, they must be crazy good. These are also a lifelong, one-time purchase. Remember not to go cheap like M-audio/Behringer style...if you do, you'll go through speaker after speaker and will end up spending more than you would have if you would have gone with a nicer Mackie. Mackie monitors are good!!!
Accessories - Cables, Mics, Effects
just get it cheap on ebay
Well, hey, you probably really wanted to know which mic or whatever to buy to make you sound really really awesome. I have no idea. The problem is that I don't know what your voice sounds like or if you can even sing. I don't know what guitar and amp you use either...So lets just try out some cheap things from ebay.
There are so many people making bad recommendations about mics you need to buy-that came out in the 1970s or this sort of thing. I think its totally a personal choice. Experiment.
Extra tips:
Buy the cheapest cable. If its shielded, then its just fine. Hosa is a good brand for just about anything. I use their midi cable. Its probably even better to get this at your local music shop rather than online. I found its even cheaper that way. Effects? Ebay.
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
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www.adobe.com to pick it up.
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by sammytaters
Sammy Taters is a former Sony audio engineer that got obsessed with making music and vintage keyboards in 1997 and has been hooked ever since. (more)
