Cakewalk Sonar3 Studio ($299)
+
Sound Blaster Audigy Bulk Package ($75)
http://www.newsoundcard.com/g/garvin/default.asp?S=503&A=E&PKV=SBAUDIGYBULK|0
or
Lexicon Omega Desktop ($350)
As a first time home recording (singer/songwriter) I'm looking for the best bang for my buck. Also, any other suggestions for packages for around $400 will be appreciated.
Advice?
Experience with these name brands?
Problems with USB Devices vs. On-Board SoundCards?
About $200.00 more but check this out anyway.
http://www.samash.com/catalog/showitem.asp?itemid=29074
Otherwise I would go with the lexicon or you could also go with an M-audio delta 44 which comes with a lite version of Abelton Live for about $200.00 CDN. Add Mackie's Traction software for another $100.00.
A decent AD/DA converter/input with decent headroom is what you're looking for. Neither of which you will find with an audigy soundcard.
Im sorry, I think I posted this in the wrong spot. I am looking for a home recording system, not effects for just my own guitar.
Look again. That Gxn4 has inputs for mics, speaker outs, a basic drum machine, an amp modeller and comes with a 32 track recording software. Not to mention it has an 8 track on board recorder which u could use for live performance.
for pure expandability I'd go with the soundcard/cakewalk bundle.
It's what I use, along with Acid Pro 4.
If you want a soundcard, check this out.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/sid=040726220353012216121243388149/g=rec/s=computer/search/detail/base_pid/701376/
It's a great card. Ten times better than creative labs.
And if you like the Cakewalk line of software, try this, http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/sid=040726220353012216121243388149/g=rec/s=software/search/detail/base_pid/706048/
There really aren't many differences between that and sonar.
Or you could try this package. I almost exclusively use steinberg products, and they are great. http://www.zzounds.com/item--STESYSTEM4
Don't get that Audigy. The line otu ports are the little 8th inch ones. You'll get more clarity with 1/4" inputs. The Audigy can also only record 16 bit, while the Audigy ZS does 24 if i remember. I know, I'm in the same pickle as you, but I'd look at some stuff from M-Audio. I'm at a loss of what to get since they are no longer selling the Audigy 2 Platinum anymore.
The king of rock, some say lives
the lizard king, is surely dead
the king of France, lost his head
the King of Kings... bled
( email me at esherman@wideopenwest.(com). I almost never check my hotmailaccount.
Since you are planning on recording at home, I suggest "Cakewalk Home Studio Version 2". It's simply an amazing software with incredible capabilities. I personally own the program and have had and used it with my band for the last year to make 2 records. You can buy it for around $100-120 on the net. Cakewalk has really outdone itself with Home Studio 2. Go for it!
Home studio 2 is $99 at musicians friend now. Hit the link in my other post.
