So finally I am setting up my own studio - for the following; making electronic music using software + some live elements (guitar/drums/piano/vocals etc) some on their own, one at a time, but with the option to do several at the same time live. Also need to be able to listen to a track from my computer, whilst recording my voice only on the same software (obviously, but the logistical concept is rather confusing to me). Also will be using a midi controller, and possibly an extra synth or sampler
So far I have a new laptop (p4/3.2ghz/512mbram)(the choice for also being able to use final scratch dj-ing live and live pa) and an
m-audio firewire 410, and already i am running into problems. I cant even get the soundcard installed properly - but I am dealing with the problem
The question is; Is this really the right soundcard for me? It only has either 2 1/4 inputs OR 2 mic inputs not both at the same time, and it has 4 1/4 inch pair inputs. It also has 2 headphone out. Clearly I can only record two things at once....
and do I need a mixing console? I have no idea how to use those things but I have a feeling it might ease my problems with the inputs ie. instrument/mic -> mixing console -> sound card -> computer.
But some people I know have mixing consoles that double up as sound cards? and this sound card would give me the option of recording and using what I have until i can afford a mixing console - but then it might be better to spend more on a different soundcard that doesnt have the frills that this one does but better sound?(like the mic and headphones etc.) and just get a mixing console that has those things.
So do I keep the soundcard I have (if i can get it working) or do I get a mixing console, and possibly exhange the soundcard for something better with less frills? or am i completely off track? The real problem is I dont know what I need, cause I dont know what I am doing just yet.
if anyone feels like answering my question, that'd be awesome!
Thanks!
