As some may know (Specifically -dog) I purchased ProTools Firewire 410 and Cake Walk software, this week. ( It's here but I haven't even opened the boxes yet. )
Reason being, is in the interrum I've been playing with Audacity and I just downloaded Krystal_AE (?) for testing. Using my existing sound card I am able to connect my V-AMP2 to the computer and record anything I want that I'm playing. This also enabled me to post a riff for the Guess the Riff thread which I couldn't do until I installed Audacity.
Based on the patch cables I'm using I can plug any stereo signal into my sound card so I'm thinking I can connect my electric drums as well. That will be quite the chore considering they are permanently quartered in my basement and my computer and outside life is in our Home Office on the main floor. Haven't quite figured out how I'm going to do that yet.
So my dilemma is I'm not sure if I need this new recording tool and software that cost me $400. This may be difficult for you guys to convey in text but I'm just trying to get a basis for comparison as to what vast amount of extra ability will I actual get and/or benefit from having the 410 and Cake Walk, over what I have for free. I'm not cheap or attempting to cut corners. Just wonder if I jumped the gun here.
Thanks if you understood my question.
Bish
"I play live as playing dead is harder than it sounds!"
My personal opinion is that unless you are planning on getting more professional about your sound then using a combination of the V-AMP and Audacity and/or Kristal you should be in pretty good shape for basic recording. The riiff you posted sounded decent.
If you do want to go more professional the 410 will help alot with the different kinds of inputs for mics and stuff. Does the V-AMP have mic input? If I remember correctly only unbalanced 1/4 inch which fundamentally works OK with the right mic.
As far as Cakewalk goes you will need other opinions on that since I am not a Cakewalk user. I am also happy with using Kristal and Audacity (for easy editing of Kristal and other wav files). I use the Kristal for all recording except when I want to record "stereo mix" that I might be playing in Media Player or a DVD and such which I then save as wav and import to Kristal to mix.
I hope this helps a little but I know you will get much better opinions since I am not an audio expert.
Good point about the micing issue. No low impedence inputs which is probably safe for me anyhow.
Thanks for the compliment on my riff. I didn't have the VAMP for that. It was straight from my guitar and amp to Audacity. You should here me now...
as a matter of fact see what you think....
Bish
"I play live as playing dead is harder than it sounds!"
Benefits of 410 and Cakewalk/Protools LE:
-unlimited tracks as well as midi capability.
-Downloadable plugins
-Real time application of Effects(you can listen to the effects as you add them. You can't do this in audacity)
-Mixdown automation of faders, effects, panning.
-Real time application of EQ.
-24 bit recording= more headroom
-Pro quality sound
-True zero latency monitoring
-ASIO support for program like Cubase, Logic
-VST support (Cubase/Logic)
-A general increase in clarity and dynamic range. Means everything from a whisper to an high gain distorted guitar will be more clearly audible.
The last point being most noticeable from the outset. You can settle for your existing soundcard but you won't know what you are missing till you try out the new gear. The first time I plugged into my Delta card with a preamp my thoughts were "How did I ever do any recording without this?" The thing is this card is no where near the top of the heap. There are plenty of A/D D/A converters that are miles ahead of the one's in this M-Audio card. Apogee comes to mind.
Hue has a good point, Its amazing how much headroom i have now. This thing rcords like a dream :D The only problem I'm having is with latency and I'm sure that's something I'm doing wrong on my part :lol: --the dog
