One of the first things you need to think about buying is an Audio Interface (AI) which is how you are going to get sound into the computer. Some computers have a built in soundcard (and Mac's have an audio input) but they generally don't sound too good, and you can't normally plug in a "proper" microphone (or use a condenser mic).
The descision about which software you will run and which interface you will use will probably be co-dependant and will influence each other. Lets look at some of the basic units and explain a bit about the features you need to look for.
Common Features
Inputs and Outputs
This is the first thing you need to check for, how many channels in and out can you have. If you are starting out you probably don't need more than two channels out (they just go to your speakers). And you probably don't need more than 2 inputs either (unless you want to record drums and are prepared to buy a load of microphones too!). So what you are looking for is propably something with 2 ins and 2 outs, preferably with the two inputs being microphone inputs. Most units have sockets that can take both a microphone lead (XLR) or a guitar jack lead.
Sample rate and bit rate
The Sample Rate is how many times the music is sampled each second. And the bit rate is how many bits of information is recorded with each sample. Big pro studio record at 24 bit, 192k sample rate (yes that is 192 thousand times a second!), but that is way over the top for a project studio. As you record at a higher sample rate the files get bigger too, so it's not a good idea unless you are doing serious recordings and have ample hard drive space. CD's play back at 16 bit, 44.1k so there is not much more point in trying to get better than that unless you are doing serious stuff. But a 24/48k would be great. Bit rate is always 16 or 24 bit, and the sample rate normall has a k or kHz after it.
Interface
The main choice here is how you want to connect it to your computer. I would recommend USB or Firewire over the PCI based cards, they are simple to use, portable (you can usually use them with a laptop) and require less mucking around.
Phantom Power
Microphones come in two main types, Dynamic and Condenser. Condenser mic's are usually more detailed and much better for vocals than dynamics. But condensers need +48v of power to be sent from the AI down the lead to the mic, and this is called Phantom Power. You probably want this because I would recommend that you get a condenser mic as soon as you can afford to!
Major Brands
There are hundreds of people that make audio interfaces, but there are some of the major players who make good stuff. I may add some more here as time goes by, but I like to speak from experience more than reputation, and these are the brands that I have used!
Digidesign (Pro Tools)
Pro Tools is one of the industry standard recording software platforms, and to run it you need to buy hardware (real things) that are compatible. Digidesign make a range of Audio Interfaces that start at simple portable and not too expensive units (M-Box) to more Prosumer units (003) to full professional systems (HD). You don't need an HD rig if you are just starting out, but the M-Box is great and I used one for a long time. It's both Mac and PC compatible, connects by USB cable and means that you can run Pro Tools LE (Light Edition) software. I think the Digidesgn stuff sounds great for audio but not so good for people using loops and stuff, so might not be best for the beginner recordist. If you buy Digidesign hardware you can still run Logic software through it, so it's great to buy if you want to use both Logic and Pro Tools too! See the Digidesign Web Site for more info.
MoTu (Mark Of The Unicorn)
Motu make a great range of AI , I used the 828mkII model for many years. It has many great features and is dead easy to use, sounds great and is moderately priced. They have cheaper units than that one, but it is a great unit for someone starting out that has a little more for the budget! Pro Tools will not sun with this unit, but Logic will and Motu also has thier own software that come with it, but I have never used it or even seen anyone using it, so I can't say anything about it, other than it is not very popular! MoTu Web Site.
M-Audio
M-Audio have a huge range of bidget interfaces available, many of which ar "M-Powered" meaning that you can run the Pro Tools LE software with them (I think they are owned by Avid, which also owns Digidesign). They come as PCI cards that you install into your machine, or as USB or Firewire versions. Which one you go for will depend on your budget, the more expensive models add more inputs (how many things you can record at the same time). I have quite a few students with these and they work. Not a good quality of sound to me as the Digidesign units, but considerable cheaper. M-Audio Web Site.
Apogee
These guys make serious high end gear, but have also released a potable little unit called The Duet, that is simple but sounds great. I know loads of guys that rave about this thing, though I have not used it myself. It is designed to run perfectly with Logic, and won't work with Pro Tools. It's not cheap but rave reviews. Apogee Web Site.
So what should YOU buy?
Well to be honest, I don't know what you should buy. I would recommend starting off with a medium budget, a unit that you can grow into, not get bored of it's limitations too quickly, but not something so expensive you have to sell your car.
But if you are on a very small budget the M-Audio FastTrack unit looks pretty good, and will work with both ProTools and Logic (I think, please check).
If you decide you like the look of Pro Tools - then pick the digidesign unit that fits your budget! The 003 is excellent medium price unit.
Don't by Pro Tools HD if you are just starting out - it will be a waste of money! Learn using Pro Tools LE.
If you like the look of Logic (which is really great for starting off with) then check out the MoTu 828 or pro tools units that will fun with ProTools.
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