Newbie with Computer Question

[Arpangel]

Just do it, those here will testify to my lack of technical knowledge in areas like computers and electronics, and its true, I know very little.
But I can use a computer, enough to have made over 30 albums with one, the only thing thats enabled me to this is to just get on with it, plus, I only know how to do what need to do, to make "my" music.
I couldn’t teach anyone else to do other things I don’t have that type of knowledge.
So, just get stuck in, its trial and error, learn by doing.

[ef37a]

Just do it, those here will testify to my lack of technical knowledge in areas like computers and electronics, and its true, I know very little.
But I can use a computer, enough to have made over 30 albums with one, the only thing thats enabled me to this is to just get on with it, plus, I only know how to do what need to do, to make "my" music.
I couldn’t teach anyone else to do other things I don’t have that type of knowledge.
So, just get stuck in, its trial and error, learn by doing.

That last sentence says it all...get a computer, get an interface (there are no 'bad' ones but just get a MOTU M4!) and get friggin' started!

I will qualify that with what I said earlier. Make sure the PC is working properly in the sense that it boots to a point where you enter a password or PIN and does not give you any hassle. But those things apply whatever you need a computer for, email, office work, games.

Dave.

[Hugh Robjohns]

...the point I was trying to make that it's still not the right solution for everyone.

I agree... and the tactile immediacy of a hardware recording system may be a better option for some individuals and some situations.

...an individual needs to have a certain level of competency and confidence with using computers to be able to get the most out of a computer based recording system.

Obviously true... but most people — especially younger people — already have that competence having used computers from school age.

...and even with a reasonable level of computer confidence it takes many hours to get to grips with a DAW and to start being productive

Again, very true... but equally true of learning to use a console and tape machine. And I say that as someone who spent a decade teaching people how to use consoles, tape machines, and outboard processors!

There is still a substantial learning curve. No one is born knowing the differences and practical applications of PFL, AFL, and SiP.

[James Perrett]

for some people a good analogue desk and reel to reel are still a valid studio setup.

OK - if you are such an expert on these matters, how do I adjust the tension arm height on a Fostex E-16? It is currently rubbing on the faceplate and causing all kinds of problems. The service manual is little help.

This is the kind of issue that anyone trying to use an analogue setup will face regularly these days and people who will work on this technology are becoming rarer. Like it or not, computer based recording is far simpler for most people and I do feel that you have taken this thread down a route that will only confuse the original poster.

[ef37a]

for some people a good analogue desk and reel to reel are still a valid studio setup.

OK - if you are such an expert on these matters, how do I adjust the tension arm height on a Fostex E-16? It is currently rubbing on the faceplate and causing all kinds of problems. The service manual is little help.

This is the kind of issue that anyone trying to use an analogue setup will face regularly these days and people who will work on this technology are becoming rarer. Like it or not, computer based recording is far simpler for most people and I do feel that you have taken this thread down a route that will only confuse the original poster.

I totally agree James. The aforementioned Teac does not record or erase. Yes, a bias oscillator problem (hopefully just a lost +ve supply). Now 'I' can fix that I am sure once I get mentally and physically geared up to do so but the thing is really too heavy for me to manhandle these days (26" TVs were once a "one handed" job!). Most people will not have a clue and finding a reliable person who does is getting increasingly difficult.

I have in fact found a local company who 'say' they can service the machine. Hope so because I want to sell it before the "tape bubble" bursts and everyone realises what a PITA they really were!

Dave.

[James Perrett]

I want to sell it before the "tape bubble" bursts and everyone realises what a PITA they really were!

At least it isn't a 3340 - they really are a pain to work on because they took a 2 track machine and just bolted on an extra set of electronics to the bottom without thinking about what happens if the card in the middle goes wrong. I've set myself the target of trying to do another all analogue recording session in the next few weeks and right now I'm kind of regretting it! I now know how to adjust the height of the tension arms - the Fostex designers actually made it really easy but they forgot to tell the people who wrote the service manual so I ended up taking most of the front panel off with all the associated trim before finding that you can access the vital screw by just taking off one side panel.

[Arpangel]

No one is born knowing the differences and practical applications of PFL, AFL, and SiP.

Pre-Fade Listen, After-Fade Listen, Solo-In-Place.

See, I know "something"
But, I never use those functions! probably because my mixer doesn’t have them! apart from the last one!

[Hugh Robjohns]

If your mixer is still the A&H MixWiz3, I think it only has PFL on the input channels, and AFL on the outputs. No SiP at all.

[Arpangel]

If your mixer is still the A&H MixWiz3, I think it only has PFL on the input channels, and AFL on the outputs. No SiP at all.

I never use these things.

"In monitor mode, press the switch to create an engineer’s monitor wedge feed
from the AFL/PFL mix. It is common to use a wedge speaker of the same type
used on stage to listen to and check the various monitor mixes being sent to
the performers. Together with the group/aux REV function, the WZ414:4:2
can be configured as a compact yet fully featured monitor console.
LR Masters Separate faders control the main mix L and R output levels."

[junkmale]

for some people a good analogue desk and reel to reel are still a valid studio setup.

OK - if you are such an expert on these matters.......

er, in which of my posts did I claim to be an expert?!

I don't believe I've said that anywhere.

the only point I've been trying to make is that it's worth considering all options before committing to spend hundreds of pounds.

most DAW's have demo versions available and I would highly recommend any new user downloading a couple and having a play with them before shelling out their hard-earned.

[ef37a]

for some people a good analogue desk and reel to reel are still a valid studio setup.

OK - if you are such an expert on these matters.......

er, in which of my posts did I claim to be an expert?!

I don't believe I've said that anywhere.

the only point I've been trying to make is that it's worth considering all options before committing to spend hundreds of pounds.

most DAW's have demo versions available and I would highly recommend any new user downloading a couple and having a play with them before shelling out their hard-earned.

No, you didn't SAY you were an expert but you did say "or some people a good analogue desk and reel to reel are still a valid studio setup."
And that is distracting rubbish. You also say "before committing a few hundred pounds...." Well a good analogue desk and 4 track OR machine in tip top order would set the OP back at least £1000 and have you seen the price of a NAB reel of tape?!

A decent AI and a computer will give him sound quality far better than tape, no headroom worries (at 24 bits) and virtually free and unlimited recording time.
Leave us K.I.S.Sir!

Dave.

[James Perrett]

for some people a good analogue desk and reel to reel are still a valid studio setup.

OK - if you are such an expert on these matters.......

er, in which of my posts did I claim to be an expert?!

I don't believe I've said that anywhere.

So why suggest things that you know nothing about when those of us who do use analogue desks and reel to reel tape regularly are suggesting a computer based setup? I started in the days when reel to reel multitrack was the only option and went through the early digital machines like ADAT (which was actually a retrograde step in many ways) and have now progressed to a computer based setup that gives me the choice to work in the old fashioned way, with the computer just acting as a multitrack machine, or in more modern ways where everything is built up from loops and samples in the computer.

The secret with computers is to not allow yourself to become distracted by looking for the latest plug-ins or sample sets. Use templates to allow you to get a session started quickly and just play.

Also, buy the gear that the pros really use - not the gear that the marketing people say they use.

[Hugh Robjohns]

for some people a good analogue desk and reel to reel are still a valid studio setup.

er, in which of my posts did I claim to be an expert?!

I think the point James was making is that a 'traditional' hardware console and reel-to-reel tape machine setup is valid, but only providing that you know how to maintain it, or have someone capable of doing it for you (and a suitable budget).

A decent multitrack-capable desk isn't cheap, even second-hand, and all tape recorders are now 40+ year old nightmares of maintenance issues and scarily high tape stock costs. So this traditional hardware approach is a valid setup... but only for those with the knowledge and experience... in other words, an expert.

But definitely not for someone wanting to get into home recording for the first time.

One of the modern integrated desk/digital recorders such as the Livetrack you mentioned is a more realistically practical suggestion, but one which imposes significant restrictions when it comes to editing and general post production (which may be a concern for the OP... or not, depending on what the end goal is). In general the manufacturers assume the recorded files will be exported to a computer for post-production.

So, for most people, most of the time, a computer DAW based system is — by far — the most cost-effective solution with the easiest upgrade path as skills improve and requirements develop. Pretty much any modern computer will be easily up to the job, combined with a USB interface to get good quality audio in and out, and basic computer skills will get you up and running pretty quickly.

And good suggestion about trying out the free demos for a variety of DAWs — this is a good idea as different people gel with different DAW workflows. It also helps to pick a DAW which your friends use so you have a handy support path... And there are always people here with experience to be called upon.