[X4StringDrive]

Which would make a better first choice {since funding has been tight somewhat}....more RAM or a better interface? I understand thats two different ends of the rainbow, but doesn't it make more sense to improve the processing before investing in an interface? I will end up with both, just not sure of the order I should go....Thanks for your thoughts

[Tekker]

Chicken.... Er... I mean, interface.

It's best to get the recording right from the recording phase and better interface will go a long way.

-tkr

[X4StringDrive]

Thanks Tekker, could you expand with your reasonings, I would appreciate your insight.

[Tekker]

Originally Posted by X4StringDrive

Thanks Tekker, could you expand with your reasonings, I would appreciate your insight.

I just edited in another line.... Do you still want more?........

If so, what's your current interface and your current amount of RAM?

-tkr

[X4StringDrive]

No thats fine, Thanks
I'm using a cheap Soundblaster card and 512Mb/2.8 Ghz,
Just wasn't sure if the newer higher quality interfaces would require more power to show their colors.

[X4StringDrive]

Don't let my last post stop you from elaborating though...I do enjoy and respect your teachings

[Tekker]

Originally Posted by X4StringDrive

No thats fine, Thanks
I'm using a cheap Soundblaster card and 512Mb/2.8 Ghz,
Just wasn't sure if the newer higher quality interfaces would require more power to show their colors.

I don't think so, at least I haven't seen any noticeable difference.

Soundblaster = New interface 110%!

More RAM will be useful during mixing when adding multiple realtime effects (EQ, reverb, chorus, etc.) these will use up RAM and processing resources (some plugins use a lot more resources than others). But the good thing about mixing on computers is if your computer starts getting overloaded you can mixdown individual tracks without deleting your original tracks to free up computer resources. Although it is nice to have the resources to keep from having to constantly mixdown and switch tracks, but at least its a workaround that will get you unstuck when your computer gets overloaded.

-tkr

[X4StringDrive]

Once again I owe you...sincere thanks for your time!

You've peaked my interest in midi recently...do most of the interfaces nowadays have midi capablities? Any recommendations in say... the $200- 300 range?

[Tekker]

Originally Posted by X4StringDrive

You've peaked my interest in midi recently...do most of the interfaces nowadays have midi capablities? Any recommendations in say... the $200- 300 range?

The MIDI keyboard I have is USB, it doesn't use the standard MIDI interface. I just plug it straight into the USB port and it automatically shows up in my recording program as a MIDI recording device. It's super easy.

My keyboard is the 88 key M-audio Keystation 88es ($200) and they also have the 61 key Keystation 61es for $150.

If you don't want a new keyboard, then something like the M-Audio USB Midisport UNO ($40) will convert MIDI to USB, so you can use an existing MIDI keyboard via USB.

For a recording interface, the M-Audio Delta44 ($150) is a great interface. There are other interfaces with MIDI, but the Delta44 is probably THE most popular M-audio interface, but it unfortunately doesn't have MIDI.

Are you going to be using a mic (for vocals or miking guitar, etc.)? If so, the Delta44 doesn't have mic preamps built in so something like an Art Tube MP ($30) would be necessary to be able to use the mic.

-tkr

[X4StringDrive]

This is great Tekker, Thanks...
I'm happy with my keyboard so the Midisport UNO looks just like what the doctor ordered. The M-Audio card looks great as well, I run everything thru my dual amp PA/Mixer so the pre-amp is covered. Geez at this rate Maybe I can go ahead and grab these and some Ram and still stay with-in the budget, and maybe...just maybe have enough left to pick up our tab for drink or two of thanks

[Tekker]

You're welcome!

Also, when you buy RAM, Corsair is THE brand to get. They have a lifetime warrantee, so you get free replacement if something goes wrong with it (which I did once and they replaced it very quickly).

-tkr

[Teddy Madison]

I would also recommend Kingston memory for the budget minded. Same guarantee. Their web site will state that you will have to pay shipping but it appears this has changed.

I went to the site, entered my info, got an RMA a few days later. You print the form and bring the package to Fedex with the form, they scan it and your done. Week later I had new RAM.

Wayne

[OldG]

I agree with getting the interface sorted first - I just upgraded to an ex demo Tascam fw-1804 from the local big music store.

It has great preamps and no noticeable latency ( even with 8 tracks recording together). I'm using Reaper as my DAW now and the combination gives me everything I need and more.

As for RAM, grab 2 gig off t'bay (RAM is unbelievably cheap atm) - and enjoy recording with several monitored instances of Amplitube/ guitar rig/ freeamp 3.5 etc

[X4StringDrive]

Thanks again Tekker and to you Wayne for the RAM tips, I'll look into both!

Just reading some reveiws on the Midisport link, just my luck they seem to have quite a few negative remarks about working with Yamaha keys{which of course I have} driver problems, latency etc...so I will look to an alternative there as well.

This site makes me smile...thanks for sharing guys!.........Kenny


Edit..Thanks OldG, appreciate it.

[Ian McAllister]

Kenny, I don't have the knowledge that Tekker and the other guys do, but the Toneport KB37 has all the recording inputs you need, and a 37 note midi keyboard, and retails at around $300. You also get Gearbox, which has a gazillion guitar sounds, bass and vocal presets too.
Just my two centsworth

Ian