Im confused on what i actually need but this is what i want to do.

I want to be able to play my guitar/bass/mic at the same time and all record into my comp at same time, and each instrument will show up as a seperate track. Then from there i can edit each track/master it etc..

Right now. I have to record 1 instrument at a time directly into comp and its getting a bit annnoying this way.

What hardware do i need to do this?brands etc..

Software I use Cubase/FL/Acid


thnx

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Phunktronix Mixes

Well you need a sound card with at least 3 audio inputs.

Set each audio channel in Cubase to a different line in on the sound card.

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is there any other way besides that.a piece of hardware to use?

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Phunktronix Mixes

I believe (not entirly sure) that a mixing board would work.

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"Buy Low - Sell High!"

You can use a mixer but if you want to record each channel seperately, you will still need a sound card with at least three inputs. The mixer will also need two or more bus/sub channels if you want to use a mixer.

You will have more control over each piece if you do them individually though, because the mic is going to pick up the guitar and bass as well as the vocals, so editing the vocals could be a little tricky, especially is you're using a condenser mic.

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1 out of every 4 people in this country are mentally disturbed. Look at your 3 closest friends. If they seem okay, then you're the one.

Hmm ic I came across this. 410 from m-audio would that fit my needs or is there any better?
Or sumtn that i can attachto my soundcard to add more inputs instead of a whole new card.
Are the signals gonna be low doing it this way?
is a pre amp needed then?


thnx

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Phunktronix Mixes

You got two options really.

Either you get an audio interface with multiple inputs, so you can record several sources at the same time, which is more versatile.

Or you can get a basic mixer, which output you connect to the soundcard. The main problem with this method is, you'll have to make a premix of your sources on the mixer, and once that is recorded, there is no way of changing the individual levels.

So personally, I would go the audio interface route. A word of care though. You say you want to record guitar/bass. I don't know how you recorded it so far, but I'll say it anyway. Never plug a guitar/bass guitar directly into a regular line in. If you mike the amp, no problem, if you use a DI, no problem. But if you want to plug it in directly into the audio interface, make sure it has an instrument input. Otherwise it will sound crap (impedance not matched).

Now about the audio interface which 410 do you mean (Delta or Firewire), I dunno what gear you already have...

Either way, I wouldn't recommend them. The Delta 410 has no microphone preamps, so you can't plug in mics directly into it (you need either an extra mixer with preamps, or a separate mic preamp). The Firewire 410 would be good for you, except it only has 2 analog inputs working at the same time (it's one of the limitations of that device).

Like I said, I dunno what equipment you already have. Can you be a little more specific? About your way of working (how do you record the guitars, do you mike them up, do you use use DI (or effect box with integrated DI), plug em straight in? Do you have any way of preamplifying your microphone (mixer or separate preamp). With this info it would be easier to provide you with viable alternatives.

What i have now is audigy 2 plat zs ya i know it sux heh
I have a effects proccessor that i run the guitar from and into the card.

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Phunktronix Mixes

Ok, then a Hi impedance instrument input is not really a life necessity (although it can still be useful).

The only problem I still see then is the microphone, as the 410 has no mic preamp. Either you can go for the 410, but you will need an extra preamp then (could be a separate one, or just a cheap mixer that has one, behringer has some very cheap ones).

You might look at the Terratec DMX6fire, or preferably the new Phase Usb systems...

The Omni i/o from m-audio would be an ideal choice for you, but the price is already more consequent. Or for a little bit cheaper the Delta 1010 LT, cuz that one has two mic preamps integrated, and you got in and outputs enough then.

Anyway, other brands you can look at are : Terratec, ST audio, Edirol, ...

It all depends on how much you want to spend. If it has to stay cheap, get a card with a decent amount of inputs, and buy a cheap mic preamp. As soon as you want decent preamps integrated in the audio interface, the prices will go up right away.

thnx for everyones input. Ill think about every ones suggestions.

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Phunktronix Mixes

good thing u were helped out i was too