What next in my quest for the perfect PC rig... For now! ;)

[MuZiKUnHeRd]

Ok, first, let me start off by saying i've never used a mac and don't intend on buying a whole other computer setup at this moment. I know the advantages of a mac and it's compatability with the audio world but at the moment i simply can't afford to start over...

My PC (Dell 8100 series) has a pentium 4 1.3 gig procecssor running on Windows ME. I have a 20 gig drive that the computer came with along with a secondary 40 gig drive for all my audio needs. As far as memory goes i have 640mb of ram, in which i feel that's plenty for home recording. Unless you may have some good reasons on why i should add more. For my Sequencing software, i have Cubase VST/32 5.1 and ACID Pro 3.0. Waveform editing and cd burning duties are handled by wavelab 3.0. I do plan on buying Nuendo in the near future though for easier seguencing!!! And audio latency is handled well (14-20 miliseconds) by an Aardvark Direct Pro LX6 card with audio/midi interface. Plug-ins include HALion and Voice Machine.

My question is what do i get next? Computer based audio controller? Some monitors? For now i'm mixing down with some sony 7506's (headphones). I was really leaning the Mackie hr824's for monitors. Anybody else have suggestions as to what i should get next? Plug-ins? What? My genre of music is r&b and some hip-hop in which i will have mostly vocal tracks and of course a good amount of midi... What is you guy's favorite peice of gear at the moment in DAW recording?

Thanks...

[everett_chris]

Monitors. No question. Headphones just don't cut it. (I too, own the 7506's. Good headphones, but I don't trust them for mixing) The Mackies's are good, JBL's are good. If you can, listen to some different ones for yourself.

A couple of other thoughts; Nuendo is not generally considered a better sequencing tool, rather it is intended for surround sound, better automation, higher track count, that kind of thing. Computer based audio controllers ( I assume your talking about control surfaces, hardware with real faders to control the software) are cool, but I don't consider them a priority, it all depends on how much you hate the mouse. Also, Don't worry about running a PC. All of the major apps are compatable with both, and most of the hardware as well.

What else should you get? Well, what do you feel your music is lacking?

[xxFT13xx]

youve got pretty much a kick *** system bro...good job.

i suggest getting Waves Gold Bundle Direct X plugins...kind of expensive, but TOTALLY worth it...the compressors and eqs just rule!!

also, like you said, good big, loud monitors are a must too...im in the market for monitors too, so i cant really recommend anything...yet.

as far as Neuendo...dont bother...youve go Acid Pro 3. So youre good to go....that programs is EXTREMELY powerful...people overlook the fact that it can do just about everything...cept for the whole Midi/VSTi thing.

Personally, what i do is...do everything in Acid Pro 3 and if theres some Midi/VSTi (oh how FM7 does rule!!!) stuff i wanna do, i open up Logic Audio Platinum and just record that and export it to a Wav file, then open it back in Acid Pro 3.

its that simple

-Sin
http://zwap.to/ft13

[MuZiKUnHeRd]

Hey guys, i appreciate the replies... Both of you have good ideas. I do believe though that a new desk (that holds 2 monitors) and some mackies hr824's are in the near future. Also, i think it's about time i look for some 3rd party plug-ins instead of using the one's that came with cubase. Don't get me wrong, they're alright for some the recordings i've been doing, but i want some more options. And as far as you were talking about Acid Pro, you're definitely right about the program. I think alot of people take that program for granted. I believe every PC rig should have Acid in their good graces. It's quick for sequencing and can make loops in a matter of minutes. Really, you could make you're whole drum track in about 5 mins. after some practice... For me sequencing quickly is a major part of why i buy things, because i'm sure as both of you know that as fast ideas get to your head - they can leave just as fast. So being able to have the power of putting together a kick azz drum sequence that i want in min. with the ease that DAW programs should all have is great. But there are some limits to the program (you get what you pay for as far as features go), one of the biggest is that you can only use 3 fx on each project. You definitely can get around that buy bouncing down tracks but of course once you bounce theirs no turning back unless you save before you bounce down. Of course, that's where Cubase comes into mind, well, that and recording!!! ;-) But definitely, Monitors are next... I thank you guys, if there's anything anyone else can think of i would appreciate a reply. Thanks again.

[blacko3788]

I would suggest that if you want to get a DAW that works great with sequencing get Logic Audio made by Emagic. If there is anyone out here that is picky about getting new gear it's me. I put everything that I buy through the test. Logic Audio still after two years is working great for everything I need in a studio.
I also waited till the guys at sweetwater did a monitor shoot out and they found the Mackie HR824 ( around 1300) to be one of the best speakers for the money. I even did a shoot out of my own and found them to be the best under the Genelic 1031a which cost like 3 grand.

[MuZiKUnHeRd]

Hello all! I've never used logic and haven't ever seen it in action but i can say that i'm pretty comfortable in the software i have now. It's easy to use and has everything i need for recording at home. And on top of that i have friends that use cubase and nuendo so whenever i need help with something i can just ask them. As far as DAW systems go i guess it's safe to say that a big part of it is feeling comfortable in what your using, in which i am. I can though, definitely agree with you in the fact that the HR824's are a great buy. I almost bought some last week for $1200 new, but then quickly realized my creditors wouldn't like me all that much if i didn't have money to pay them with!!! I thank you all for your responses, again, if any one else has any ideas on what you think would be a great next buy please feel free to leave a reply.

[ppxstnr]

I have to disagree about nuendo. I have and have used Logic, Nuendo, Cubase , Sonar and Acid. I like Acid but when I got into VSTI I found Nuendo Really shines. Cubase has the score editing and step recording of Midi but it doesn't extract from CD. I also like logic because it accepts all the synth formats. Also you may want Reason if you haven't got already. The Sounds are awsome and the midi files sequences can be saved and exported to nuendo the you can use lm4 or Halion or exs24 to change you samples. This is great for tweeking you sequences for originality. I like Acid but have found it a catch all type prog.

[anakinskye]

I would make that 2 for the Waves plug-ins. If you get the Platinum bundle you get everything they make; from tripped out special effects to some of the best software compressors money can buy. The mastering bundle smokes too. Check it out.

[MuZiKUnHeRd]

I've had the gold bundle for a while now but maybe i should check out the platinum one... Anybody know just how different the two are? Don't wanna buy anything that's only slightly different, being as to how i don't even use all that i have right now.

[chulio]

Dito on the Waves Platinum plugin.

[jpleong]

Hey, I may be dead wrong but I think Apple bought Emagic and is intent on phasing out Logic for Windows... Kind of a bummer...

JP

[donbright]

You are on right track with adding monitors next. But like mikes or mike pres it matters what you get. I just got the hr824s and they are very cool. I also have the roland d90s. They are ok but not in league with the mackies. I alos use a pair of mini active monitors very cheap ones to mix with. My cds did not sound good until I got a good set of monitors . The JBLs and of course the genelec monitors are great but $$$$$$$.
Good Luck!

[NukleoN]

Yes Apple indeed has cut off support for PC users of Logic...not to mention discontinuing Logic for PC users. Hopefully PC users won't fall for their little manipulation and will stay on the PC platform with Logic, Neundo, Sonar 2 and other great programs for the PC.

[jwofford]

I'm not an expert on montor brands, but I can give you a couple of pointers for specs to look for.

1. It's all about the frequency response curve. When you see the little spec curve of the monitors' output on a frequency range you should see, ideally, a perfectly flat line from 20Hz - 20Khz... of course... no monitor is perfect, and like most things the cheaper the monitor the less accurate.

2. The coment has been made that you need nice 'big loud' monitors. Though this can help you rock out on your hi-fi system, monitors aren't supposed to be used that way. Ideal listening level for monitors is about 85dB. Anything above this and the human ear starts actually distorting the sounds. Anything below this and the human ear won't pick up nuances. Specifically, when you go above 85dB, no matter what the monitors are putting out for frequency response, you're going to hear more and more of some frequences and less and less of others even if they aren't there. This will result in an unaccurate mix. (one major point of 'hi-fi' after all is the frequency compensation for playing at high levels... great for jamming; horrid for mixing and mastering).

3. Not specifically on monitors, but some of the same pricipals apply to your headphones. If you're looking for some very high quality headphones that will produce accurate sounds at all ranges... I highly recommend Grado's (http://www.gradolabs.com). Even their lower end headphones will absolutely astound you. You'll be hearing things in your mix that you never knew were there.

I've honestly never been very satisfied with any monitors I've worked with (largely because of the lack in budget I've had to get them with) so I can't personally recommend anything. I have had Alesis monitors recommended to me by a friend though... but thats a reference from a refernce, so take it with the proverbial grain of salt.

-John