Looking into Recording

[Arcuivie]

I'm looking into getting a good recording set up for my music, and well I wanted two things: a step up in sound card quality (i'm using an nForce2 Soundstorm, onboard audio on my a7n8x deluxe motherboard; i want, preferably, a Creative Labs sound card), and a nice microphone. Now, I'm going for cheap, because my money is limited, any suggestions?

[ArcticFox]

Welcome to TechIMO! Or am I too late?

Here's the "good" config:
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...=BROWSE&depa=0
aka
http://www.m-audio.com/index.php?do=...4916b0c8c33c4b

matched with a good microphone (don't ask me, I only deal with computers).

Edit - I forgot about this one, I'd get it over that M-Audio card: http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...=BROWSE&depa=0

[Gunny_Snipes]

Creative has the Audigy Platinum II ... (look on the bargain tables for retailers trying to get rid of the audigy platinum I) With this, you can have an auxilary line for microphone or guitar (the audigy has a drive for easy 'front of the pc' access) and also has midi in/out .... cheap microphones can be found almost anywhere they sell Karaoke systems (some stores like bestbuy or like that) or home entertainement systems.

Once you get set up, then you'll need some software to make it all work. Try Steinberg's Wavelab or Cakewalk's Sonar on for size and see what you come up with.

[Arcuivie]

Thanks for all the advice, as soon as I get a steady money flow I will look into this a lot more. Thanks again .

[ThePianoMan]

M-Audio Delta 44

[Agent_Embryo]

I have the M-Audio Audiophile 2496 and I absolutely love it.

[BloodRayven]

My suggestion would be if you're serious about recording, save your money for now and get a decent card/package, such as

M-Audio Delta 44
http://www.m-audio.com/index.php?do=...21095cefefd71b

or
ST Audio M-Port
http://www.staudio.com/products/dsp3000.html

But for the time being if you wanted to get started go for the
SB Audigy 2 ZS Platinum Pro (http://www.creative.com/products/pro...sp?prodid=4925)

I've got the Audigy Platinum card and i am kicking myself for not getting a better card for recording. My next audio purchase will be the Creamware Sonar II setup.. but that's about $800+, so i think that's a bit out of your price range.

Also, which type of recording do you plan to do? Live music or manufactured music via looping and samples? For live music I recommend Adobe Audition(or if you can find it Cool Edit Pro 2.1, it's the same thing for cheaper). For looping and such, use FrootyLoops or Cakewalk Sonar(as mentioned above).

After everything is recorded, you may want to clean it up and make it crisp. You might want to try using Magix Audio Cleaning software. It's yielded some pretty decent results so far.

Hope this helps.

[BloodRayven]

anyone want to check me on this or have a different opinion? Or am I just about right with my assumptions?