General Music Chat

Hey, I'm thinking about getting a soundcard for a PC tower that I have. How many inputs do you think is best, or necessary for that matter?

That would depend on what you plan to record. If you just record guitar or vocal overdubs, 2 inputs would probably be plenty. Drum set? You would need at least 4, or better 8 inputs. A full band with drums? 16 channels or more would be nice.

Deciding factors:
1) How many mics do you want to be able to record separately at 1 time? Like Vinnie mentions, some people will record drums with 4 mics, others will use 8 or more. I don't record drums, but will sometimes use 3 inputs at one time for one guitar - 2 mics and a DI.
2) Any other inputs needed - MIDI, SPDIF, Line Inputs?
3) Budget?
4) What DAW (recording software) are you using? Older ProTools is finicky about the interface used, newer version not so.
5) USB or Firewire (There is also PCI cards that plug directly into a slot in your computer, but most people prefer outboard AIs these days).

You can find a lot of information at the forums at homerecording.com

Well, I'm in a three piece. We plan on recording live instrumentally, and then do all the needed overdubs. Was thinking 4 inputs would work great. I'm looking at $4-$500.

Thanks for the link, bud. I'll definitely scope that out.

Krul,

If you want to close mic the whole band this is nice:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audi ... -interface
Just make sure you have the processing power in your computer to make use of it without crashing. You will also need 8 mics.

If you just want to get stereo live demos, this thing is pretty cool and sounds great. It's also a snap to use and get good results without a lot of fussing with gear:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tc7FdtJ4NpA

If you have a smartphone already you can use our resident expert's (Neanderpaul) recording method. He does both stereo and multitrack recording on a smartphone with one of these and gets great results:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audi ... for-iphone

Remember that quality recording tools are important but they are only as good as the engineer running them.

Thanks for that, J7! The first offer is insane! 4 star reviews for an 8 input interface at that price had me looking twice to make sure it wasn't too good to be true. I would be saving $500 or so on something like this. All the gadgets were cool, though. But I think you just helped me find my interface.

Thanks!

Have fun and post some tracks Krul...

Make sure your computer has Firewire capability before buying that Moto interface!

If you need USB, The Tascam US-1800 http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/US1800/ is a good deal for $300. I have a US-800, which was discontinued, but has 4 mic preamps and it works great.

Make sure your computer has Firewire capability before buying that Moto interface!

If you need USB, The Tascam US-1800 http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/US1800/ is a good deal for $300. I have a US-800, which was discontinued, but has 4 mic preamps and it works great.

Seconded.
We are using a tascam US1800 right now for tracking, with good results.

I think I got jumpy last night. Been looking up things all day. ..like that Tascam there. That's a steal!