What else do i need to get my studio going?

audiophoria wrote on 9/7/2010, 2:47 AM

Hey everyone i just got Magix Music Maker 16 for my laptop and while im pretty familiar with magix, im not very familiar with studio setup. What i want is to record audio from my keyboard, guitar, and mic for vocals, but i understand i need an audio interface for that? i just took back my fasttrack pro interface because thanks to windows 7 i could not install the drivers on the disk since they were apparently unsigned drivers (yes i went to the website and installed the latest drivers no that did not help).

So my question(s) are, 1 What would be a good audio interface to buy? im just an 18 year trying to get into the whole music production thing and string together a few audio CDs with my friends, i dont need top notch stuff, just a great starter product, if anyone would name a few please?

2 Once i do get an interface then what? i mean im sure its not going to be as simple as just hooking up my keyboard and then starting to play, will i have to download something else to actually record audio? or will Magix handle that?

and 3, (last question sorry this is so long) Is Magix going to get the job done, or is it not the roduct i need? i bought magix because ive used it lots before (never recording audio though) and i found it easy and kinda fun to use. But im sure theres plenty of multi track programs out there, Magix seems to be more focused on you using the samples and loops that are already provided with the program, whereas i am at the point that i prefer To record the audio myself from my own instruments, could someone please tell me what would be the best multi track software for me to use? Sorry i know this is rather long but im also fairly sure that alot of the users on this website are familiar with this frustration! i just want to hook my instruments up play and record know what i mean? Thanks SINCERELY in advanced for any feedback!!

Comments

nihon94 wrote on 9/7/2010, 6:59 AM

Hi,

Recently I did some homework for my laptop therefore, it would be easy to share what I knew.

First laptop is not good choice unless it has good sound card which is hard to find in laptop therefore, the best solution is to get an audio interface MUST have Phantom Power Mic and preamp, it will help in recording. Other than that a usb audio interface is much better than others. Audio interface must got connection for your equipment. According to your question one Good audio interface? all depends on budget and needs. I like Tascam, Stienberg audio inteface though there are many.

You did not talk much about your laptop computer. If you want recording, then it should have larger disk, faster processor like more 2 Ghz, Larger Ram 2 GB will be ok, graphic card. I suggest Dual processor or i7 is new one.

Answer to your second question, for recording need, Best Mic, One audio interface, Music software, computer and a place to work.

Now answer to your third question, I used Magix Music Maker 16 then upgraded to 16 Premium that is great and I should say easy and not bad. I also got Cubase that is very professional and difficult. Therefore, I will suggest if you really want to use Music as profession then check other soft like, Cakewalk, Ableton, Cubase etc. Magix Samplitude is also pro grade but I prefer, Magix Music Maker 16 Premium. In 16 Premium there are a lot of extra items than Magix 16.

And finally I got one nice pdf book got all questions and answers you have asked and did not ask here. If you need that let me know.

Thank you

nihon94

Procyon wrote on 9/7/2010, 9:26 AM

It's not that difficult. As nihon94 says, be sure to do your homework before you dive in.

Get the right interface, install the drivers and hardware properly, set the needed settings in Windows and MMM, and you should be good to go.

The previous two postings are also relevant to your inquiry...

http://www.magix.info/us/can-i-record-voice-with-one-mike-keyboard-with.knowledge.103698.html

http://www.magix.info/us/how-can-i-record-sound-from-my-synthesizer.knowledge.103855.html

MAGIX Music Maker is capable of doing what you want, if you are willing to accept its few limitations. Otherwise, it would be better to invest in a true DAW software, like MAGIX Samplitude, for example.

For now, I'd recommend using MM-16 for a while to see if it will fit your needs. Even if you don't need more loops, the basic version can be improved by adding any number of free, or purchased, VSTi synths and effects.

PS....We love the fact that your post is "so long". We usually have to beat people over the head just to get the slightest bit of useful information out of them.

nihon94 wrote on 9/7/2010, 6:57 PM

Hi,

Glad to hear back from you. Your computer is fine. You are right, I do agree using loops is much easier than making own. You should keep Cakewalk(don't eat that cake) may be later you need it.

Regarding fasttrack Pro, it is from M audio and it got what usually needed. You can read review here.

http://www.zzounds.com/productreview--MDOFTRACKPRO

Note: on Windows 7 you might face some problem because there are many people here in forum talking about different products not working well. So, you have to deal yourself as we (user) do on Windows Vista (headache).

A friendly advice, do not hurry, listen to others, read review on internet, check your budget, try product which is best, cheap and easy to use with Customer support. Yes customer support is very important part. Always ty to use product which is used by friends and could be consulted through Forums and customer support, in case of problem it will help a lot.

Thank you

nihon94

District-Handsom wrote on 1/25/2011, 9:51 PM

your cpu aint bad, cause macbook pros r 4 gigs with a dual core processor, any way im on magix 15 premium, wich is vst upgradable imma tell u now, i was like u u need other vst,s and u need a masteren program, i recommend t-racks delux, cause u can insert any of those 9 on any track, or use it as a stand alone once u mix, me im thinken about samplitude bit dont lmow why i woild need it unless its gonna make my sound better thats my ?