Can someone help with computer recording/music/MIDI?

[Tom Wood]

Hi,

I'm working on an all 3D animated show that will be created in Lightwave and edited in VT. I'm trying to figure out how to record the voiceover from a soundproof closet (with the computer outside) as well as capture digital audio from a MIDI keyboard, add a synth module, and connect an electric drumset. I'm probably going to use ACID loops for most of my music and effects, but I'd like to add some odd stuff personally. I would really appreciate some guidance from someone who is knowledgeable about computer recording/music/MIDI.

Thanks,

Tom

[Tom Wood]

Okay, I knew if I Googled enough I'd stumble across useful information. Here is a product that does just about everything I want:

http://www.edirol.com/products/info/m100fx.html

My only remaining question is: What controls the computer? By plugging this into the USB port, isn't there a need for some software to tell the computer where and how to record? I'm still mildly confuzzled...

Tom

[bloontz]

You would want to use an audio recording app. I would suggest an integrated audio/midi app like Steinberg's Cubase or MOTU's digital performer, though there are cheaper alternatives. You may want to get a midi interface to record your synth via midi. There are lots of choices for both audio and midi interfaces, depending on your budget. MAudio has a lot of options, many that have both audio and midi and most should include an entry level software. If you have the cash, the lower end Digidesign systems are quite good and have very good software.

[bloontz]

Here is a link to a scaled down version of digidesign's protools that is free.

http://www.digidesign.com/ptfree/

[Tom Wood]

Thanks bloontz,

A friend has suggested that I visit the magazine rack and look up the home-recording mags. Doh! I should have done more research before asking this question.

The Steinberg site has a nice listing of competitor's products that they will give a cross-platform discount on if you switch to Cubase, so that's a good list to compare against.

Thanks again, I'll go do my homework now.

TW

[bloontz]

The free Protools app is really pretty good and may serve your needs until you get going. Protools is used by many high end studios. With an entry level interface like the MAudio Delta which combines both midi and audio interfaces in a PCI card for around $150 you would have the means to get high quality digital audio for a low price. There is a lot to learn in this field so do read up on the stuff.