I was wondering what equipment I would need to record music on my PC and basically create me own home studio, and have a few questions 4 u all 2 answer:

what music software do u all recommend?

Also I am going to get a good microphone 2 record vocals & was wondering what mic would be best and which one you would recommend?

What computer specifications do you all recommend, ie what is the minimum requirements 4 memory, hard drive etc.

In regards 2 midi keyboards, do u all think I should just get a midi cable 4 my current keyboard (it is midi compatable) and do I need a disk/CD-Rom 2 install sound drivers etc. or not? or will it just work? or alternatively do u recommend a USB Midi keyboard?

Would I need any additional equipment or not?

Final question, how much do u think all the equipment I would need would cost?, I estimate around £1,000 to £1,500 for a new PC and everything else, do u think this will b more or less?

I would appreciate every1's opinions & advice

Thanx!

Here are a couple of starter online resources that should help
answer your general questions.

The "Tutorials" section of Electronic Musician magazine online.
http://emusician.com/tutorials/

The new "Backstage Lounge" section of EQ magazine online.
http://www.musicplayer.com/lounge/

tA

Tribal Disorder

http://www.soundclick.com...rmusic.htm

Thanx!

Hi Andy,

You should make sure you have a phat processor and lots of RAM (512 MB being the minimum) as most new music programs are really heavy.

I don't think you should buy a midi keyboard, your current one will do. Better spend your money on a good soundcard, for example the affordable M-Audio 2496. Buy a small mixer so you can hook up your mic and other instruments (if you have). I don't know anything about mics, but I'm sure Otan could help you out picking a good, affordable one.

As for software, I recommend Cubase and/ or Reason. Reason should get you started, but in the end it is better if you start using Cubase as you have more possibilities and can record audio in Cubase, which is not possible within Reason. Get yourself some cool softsynths like the Pro-53, Reaktor, Absynth2 or others, and a sample program like Kontakt. All of these are easy to download from Kazaa or Edonkey/ Emule, if you don't have the money to buy them.

You might need a midi interface to connnect your keyboard to your PC too.

OK, good luck, if you have any more questions, please feel free to PM me.

Many Thanx