Home Recording

[Electric_Andy]

Appealing to any songwriters/jammers here. For years I've been writing and recording songs on digital multi-trackers. I've now realised that my 10 track is bulky and out-dated, and have been advised on forums that I should consider software on one of them compooters.

Anyone made this transition, or tried both? I'm thinking that "Reaper" looks good, but am also looking into Cubase.

On top of that, I need to get a laptop which I'm guessing Intel core i3 and 4GB RAM as a minimum to run this sort of software? I have only previously needed a few tracks (guitarx2, bass, vocalsx2, native drum machine) so don't need a huge set-up, simplicity is my main requirement.

 

[Seevio]

I use Acoustica Mixcraft which is pretty powerful and a fraction of the cost of Cubase.

Obviously the more powerful computer you use, the better.

It is also recommended that you use some sort of external USB audio interface as latency becomes an issue if you use the computer's jack sockets.

 

[Electric_Andy]

Acoustica Mixcraft ...... use some sort of external USB audio interface

Thanks, just looked at some and looks like £30 odd for Mixcraft, and £100 for a audio interface. That added to at least £200 for a laptop, is it still better value than a multi-tracker? I'm willing to spend more on laptop/software if it gets better results, easier, than a digital multi-tracker, but all the add-ons I need seem to be racking up and getting confusing!

 

[fossyant]

With a computer, try at least 8GB and an i5 for stuff like video and recording. An i7 would be even better (4 core). Also a big hard drive.

You could quite cheaply knock up a desktop machine.

 

[Electric_Andy]

Cheers, I'd need a laptop because I do all of my recording in a cold and slightly damp garage, so wouldn't want to leave a desktop out there or cart it in and out each time. It's doable I suppose, worth a look if it's going to save me money.