Im looking to build a computer for recording and listening for a friend, we were jamming today and got a noise complaint. I want to build a computer that can mix three tracks, Guitar, Electric drums, and bass. The way I see it with my limited experience with recording is there is two options. Option 1 would be to have a PA that would mix for us into one output to a computer or build a computer with multiple sound cards that would allow multiple outputs and input. We would need 3 inputs for the instruments and 3 outputs for headphones. I have built multiple gaming computers but never did a build like this before. I am thinking that the multiple sounds cars is the best option because we will be able to have multiple tracks and avoid buying a mixer and can mix in pro tools garage band whatever we want when we get that far. Also are there any products out there that can do this for us. I have done a couple google searches and came up empty. The only computer I have access to for this project would be a 2010 mac book so what is the most cost efficient way to go about what we need.
home guitar and electric drum recording
- Thread starter climbng69
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Ironsounds
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- Jul 31, 2011
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Hello... There are plenty... you are trying to build a "DAW" Digital audio workstation... I would suggest USB2 Audio interface, you will have both MIC and Guitar level inputs... research products with "Current" and "Solid DRIVER's" for the OS you are planning to use... and a smooth great communications will allow near un-limited Audio/MIDI multi-tracking.
Check reviews and give back some thoughts here. B )
http://www.sweetwater.com/c695--USB_Audio_Interfaces/popular
Do you have Thunderbolt or Firewire on the MAC?... those Communication types can be used too... I use Firewire with my systems.
Check reviews and give back some thoughts here. B )
http://www.sweetwater.com/c695--USB_Audio_Interfaces/popular
Do you have Thunderbolt or Firewire on the MAC?... those Communication types can be used too... I use Firewire with my systems.
Inkiad
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- Jul 10, 2010
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You can buy USB microphones, that way you will have many inputs without spending extra penny. Assuming you will use real instruments. Good budget USB microphones like Snowball ICE costs about $50 - https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-Snowball-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B006DIA77E . They also sound good. You can check in my channel, i use snowball ice - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHZuacH-E636828h8mOTl8g . Vocal only but you get idea. 3 snowballs will cost as much as a entry DAW. Besides with DAW you will need to buy the microphones also.
For output, i have no idea. Maybe USB headphones too?
For output, i have no idea. Maybe USB headphones too?
Inkiad
Everything is going to be electronic so I don’t see the mic solution as a possibility. Once I get out of Hawaii and go main land yeah I’ll go back to the real stuff but Hawaiian humidity doesn’t keep music equipment so well and there is a real lake of space lol.
Ironsounds
The only computer we will have access too is an old laptop from 2010. It was what I first used as an amp when I first started playing I would run my bass into an usb interface than into the macbook. I would always have some lag between everything before I heard it through the head phones. Also when I would have multiple device into the interface I could only pick it up as one input in the computer. I was thinking since we would have to get a new PC anyways to keep up with the multiple inputs would It not be better to build a computer with room to get bigger as needed with multiple sounds cards. I just don’t think it would be cost efficient to get an interface and a new computer when we can build a computer to grow into. Like a said though my computer building experience is getting FFPs not multiple sound inputs.
Everything is going to be electronic so I don’t see the mic solution as a possibility. Once I get out of Hawaii and go main land yeah I’ll go back to the real stuff but Hawaiian humidity doesn’t keep music equipment so well and there is a real lake of space lol.
Ironsounds
The only computer we will have access too is an old laptop from 2010. It was what I first used as an amp when I first started playing I would run my bass into an usb interface than into the macbook. I would always have some lag between everything before I heard it through the head phones. Also when I would have multiple device into the interface I could only pick it up as one input in the computer. I was thinking since we would have to get a new PC anyways to keep up with the multiple inputs would It not be better to build a computer with room to get bigger as needed with multiple sounds cards. I just don’t think it would be cost efficient to get an interface and a new computer when we can build a computer to grow into. Like a said though my computer building experience is getting FFPs not multiple sound inputs.
Ironsounds
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- Jul 31, 2011
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Hello... YES Digital is not "real time" ~14.7ms round trip... Typical I can't use this when doing Vocals or some guitar/bass work... The solution is to run the outputs from the interface, And Connect your MIC/? to a analog Mixer... this will give you back "real Time" monitoring and Feel. B /
I use something small like this for mobile/portable, One on One with someone... http://alesis.com/products/view/multimix-6-fx
It has "phantom power" for TWO Condenser Mics... plenty of I/O and some pretty good FX for some Vocal help.
A Head phone Amp or extra connections/cables will be needed, as your Musicians in your Room grow... send Outputs to other Common house hold Devices like TAPE /CD/DVD Players... Receiver's, portable devices, ETC... and start collecting Headphones. B )
I use something small like this for mobile/portable, One on One with someone... http://alesis.com/products/view/multimix-6-fx
It has "phantom power" for TWO Condenser Mics... plenty of I/O and some pretty good FX for some Vocal help.
A Head phone Amp or extra connections/cables will be needed, as your Musicians in your Room grow... send Outputs to other Common house hold Devices like TAPE /CD/DVD Players... Receiver's, portable devices, ETC... and start collecting Headphones. B )
Here is what I am thinking.
https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-18i8-Interface-Preamps/dp/B00CPCJI2C/ref=cm_cd_al_qh_dp_i
This should get us three inputs for instruments and 3 outputs for head phones and one for recording? Thanks for the help.
Will use a laptop for now for the recording should only need one input with this set up I believe.
https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-18i8-Interface-Preamps/dp/B00CPCJI2C/ref=cm_cd_al_qh_dp_i
This should get us three inputs for instruments and 3 outputs for head phones and one for recording? Thanks for the help.
Will use a laptop for now for the recording should only need one input with this set up I believe.
Ironsounds
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- Jul 31, 2011
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Hello... It's a popular unit... AND also has MIDI in and out ports... you can connect a KEYboard and Record the MIDI notes to the Software at the same time too, for later easy editing.
All you need is a USB2 port, Hardware driver installed for the OS, and the DAW software configured for the I/O of your unit... this unit can also become portable between other computers too... I recommend disabling the laptop/MB/sound device when using/configuring the interface with your OS... this will save CPU resources when recording, and can be enabled/disabled easily later in your "Device Manager".
This UNIT would give you great "Live" and "track by track" Home DAW for you B )
Using the Software and units I/O... there are a lot of Different ways to connect and Listen/monitor with... It's possible to send different tracks OR volumes to each person too... You set this up in the DAW software "Project" I/O, and the cable to his/her AMP/headphone.
The DAW software lets you 'nudge" and edit your WAV/MIDI files that you record, into proper time within your "Project"... I find when doing "track to track" takes, by shutting off the Software "track monitor" and using an Analog MIXER monitor output, will fix the "mental time clock Lag" of a Vocal 'take' for me... I can DO keyboards parts using MIDI, and it feels close enough to "Real time " for me to get good results, Monitoring/Headphones through the interface. It's a experimental Audio and Connection game, and a FUN one too.
All you need is a USB2 port, Hardware driver installed for the OS, and the DAW software configured for the I/O of your unit... this unit can also become portable between other computers too... I recommend disabling the laptop/MB/sound device when using/configuring the interface with your OS... this will save CPU resources when recording, and can be enabled/disabled easily later in your "Device Manager".
This UNIT would give you great "Live" and "track by track" Home DAW for you B )
Using the Software and units I/O... there are a lot of Different ways to connect and Listen/monitor with... It's possible to send different tracks OR volumes to each person too... You set this up in the DAW software "Project" I/O, and the cable to his/her AMP/headphone.
The DAW software lets you 'nudge" and edit your WAV/MIDI files that you record, into proper time within your "Project"... I find when doing "track to track" takes, by shutting off the Software "track monitor" and using an Analog MIXER monitor output, will fix the "mental time clock Lag" of a Vocal 'take' for me... I can DO keyboards parts using MIDI, and it feels close enough to "Real time " for me to get good results, Monitoring/Headphones through the interface. It's a experimental Audio and Connection game, and a FUN one too.
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