how to get started in recording on Windows

December 1, 2005 7:41 AM

Looking to do multi-track recording on a Windows notebook.

I'm basically looking for an equivalent to the old Tascam 4-track studio had. I believe I need a solid (but hopefully inexpensive) piece of software, as well as a USB device that will take my standard microphone and/or electric guitar input.

Here's my notebook specs:
2.0Ghz PM
1GB DDR2 533 RAM
4 USB 2.0 ports

posted by tom_g to Media & Arts (9 answers total)

M-Audio makes a variety of quality, inexpensive external sound cards that will hook up by USB.

You should probably use a program like Cubase.

Alternatively, you could drop about 600 on a Pro-Tools MBox and get the hardware and software together.

Both of these will take a standard microphone/guitar input. MIDI is a bonus of both, I think. If you plan on upgrading your mics, make sure the box you get provides phantom power. If not, you can throw a Behringer mixer in front of it to do that.
posted by jon_kill at 7:52 AM on December 1, 2005

I use Audacity for multitrack recording, and it works well. It's open source, and not quite professional quality, but it might suit your needs. It also has a plugin architecture, so it can integrate other people's effects, which is very useful.
posted by knave at 8:01 AM on December 1, 2005

My setup is as follows:

* Tracktion sequencing software. I used this to record my tracks, add effects, mix and export the final song to AIFF. I LOVE this program - super easy to use, has all the features I've ever wanted, great sound quality, lots of included effects plugins. And costs £400 less than Cubase.

* Mobile Pre. This is a preamp and audio interface. It plugs into my 12" Powerbook via USB, and I can then plug 1/4" cables (for guitars) or XLR plugs (for microphones) into it, the sound is amplified and then fed into Tracktion and recorded.

* Tascam US-122. This is also an audio interface and preamp, but has MIDI in/out/through as well. Thus, I plug my keyboard into it, plug the US-122 into the other USB port of my computer and it records what I play on the keyboard via MIDI.

Some notes. I don't actually need the Mobile Pre because its functionality is duplicated by the Tascam. However, I bought the Pre first which is why I have it. If you don't need MIDI I'd recommend it because it's easier to use and I suspect it's better quality. You may have noticed, I haven't mentioned a soundcard. This is because my Powerbook doesn't have a PCI slot so I can't get one. I know nothing about them, but haven't sensed I'm missing out on anything.

Tracktion costs about £120, the Mobile Pre cost £150 and the US-122 cost £150.

Essentially, you can now get a home studio for £300. Or probably a lot less if you use Open Source software and buy second hand hardware.
posted by pollystark at 8:18 AM on December 1, 2005

I whole heartedly second the suggestion of using Tracktion - It's a fantastic, innexpensive, easy to use product. It also allows you to trade whole song-files between OS's (mac< ->pc) which is fantastic for collaboration.
posted by soplerfo at 9:29 AM on December 1, 2005

here's what your recording chain is gonna be like:

audio source -> preamp -> A/D -> software

the audio source is most likely going to be a microphone or a synth of some sort. the preamp simply amplifies the audio source to a level where it can be heard and recorded and will probably take the form of a standalone preamp module or a mixing console. the A/D converts audio from the preamp or mixer into data and will probably be your sound card. and lastly, the software is used for mixing and arranging.

most mobile recording solutions for USB/Fireware combine the preamp and A/D. if you only want to record two tracks at at ime, then the mobilepre by m-audio or the usb duo (a little more expensive, but higher quality) are your best values. anything beyond that and you'll probably have to spend way more for a firewire based device.

if you wanna go the old fashioned route, I'd recommend getting a sound blaster audigy 2 zs card and then pairing it with whatever preamps or mixers you like (you can even use your old tascam as a preamp but it won't sound too great). you can still record two tracks simultaenously with this method by simply panning both audio sources hard left and right on your mixer and then splitting them up later on your computer.

as far as software is concerned, I second tracktion but you might also consider ACID xpress, which is the free version of ACID pro.

another product to consider is the toneport ux2 or the cheaper ux1. I haven't had the chance to try either but I've heard good things about them from amateurs and pros alike.
posted by mcsweetie at 9:58 AM on December 1, 2005

another vote for tracktion.
posted by toastchee at 10:52 AM on December 1, 2005

Adobe Audtion is a really solid program - it's the old "Cool Edit" I think. I've used it for a lot of things, and I know bands who have used it for all of their recording - you can hear a sample at The Gobos website.

I like it because it's really, really easy to use. If you have a good soundcard, you can record at very high quality.
posted by TeamBilly at 11:01 AM on December 1, 2005

I 2nd "Audition". Been using it (as Cool Edit) for nearly 10 years. It has a very direct interface.
posted by meehawl at 11:20 AM on December 1, 2005

Response by poster: Thanks for all of the suggestions. It turns out that I actually have a copy of Cool Edit Pro 2.0 (2095.0). Now I'll look into some of those USB devices that were recommended.
posted by tom_g at 11:51 AM on December 1, 2005