moog recording setup

martin · Post by **martin** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 12:54 pm

hi -
i was wondering if you guys could share your experience with setting up a pc based studio.

when setting up your moog voyager as a main instrument, what is the best option for orchestral arrangements demanding lots of tracks for arranging backing, solo instruements, variations, doublings etc.?

would you recommend a hard disk multitracker or rather a pc with software? and if so, which would be the best choice?

i guess with the moog being monophonic the best would be to have unlimited tracks, but what do you have to look out for when considering buying a computer based studio. which option is best for system stability?

e.g. what specs should your setup have as a minimum for recording lots of moog tracks? (i don't know much about pc based studios as i have used hardware most of the time - but this limits the number of tracks to whatever number of tracks you have)

any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

thanks

martin

RFBB · Post by **RFBB** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 5:45 pm

There are several factors that come into play to achieve great results. Since you mentioned PC, I assume your using a Windows based platform, and therefor I will rule out Mac based techniques.

Start with a good soundcard such as M-Audio or the like. Firewire connection is optimal as it is fast and helps to avoid any latency issues.

Memory:512 is a minimum.

CPU: Pentium 4 HT is a tried and true workhorse although many benchmark tests show that the new mobile processors are just as capable.

Software: This usually is a matter of preference. I personally like Cubase for several reasons. It's user friendly, hosts a ton of tracks as well integrating VST instruments, and REWIRE! There are others such as Logic, Sonar etc. and they have all received great reviews but it just comes down to personal preference.

Hope this helps and if there is anything I failed to touch on bring it up. I'm sure other forum members will be offering there suggestions soon so you'll have plenty of ideas to work with. Good luck and post some tunes when you get a chance.

Lengai · Post by **Lengai** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 6:17 pm

martin,

I'm sure you are about to get all kinds of great ideas from the more advanced Moogers so that will help a lot in researching your setup.

The main things that are going to matter are: 1) How much money are you willing to invest? and 2) Are you doing mainly studio work or gigs (or both)?

It sounds like you are experienced and know what you are looking to do with your music. I would recommend talking to a sales engineer at Sweetwater Sound. They are well informed, patient, and friendly. The number is 1-800-222-4700 ( or web: http://www.sweetwater.com ). They can walk you through the pros and cons of all of the top software and hardware (as well as PC's) so I would give them a call.

Also, if you can get a hold of the July 2005 issue of Electronic Musician or go to the website http://www.emusician.com/ and read the main article, "Build A Desktop Studio On Any Budget," there is some very useful information there too. The article covers many types of setups and software and why they were chosen.

Good Luck![/url]

martin · Post by **martin** » Mon Sep 19, 2005 8:50 am

thanks everyone for your feeback.
well, i am considering the different options for recording. up until now i have been a firm beleiver in hardware. it seems to me now that the software solutions available now are better and more flexible these days than to years ago.

i was taking a look at both the zoom and tascam multitrackers. the zoom has sampling options (which i may use for drum backings etc.). the tascam is the one with 24 tracks. but before you know it, the 24 tracks may be too little.

i guess for the same amount or a little mor you can probably get an excellent sounding music computer set up.

what i definitely need is:
- reliability
- little or no latency
- user friendlyness

i am not sure about macs because i have no experience with them and don't know how user friendly and reliable they are. they certainly look cool. but what about macs & music recording? are most sequencing and recording/mastering programs available for both pc and mac?

martin

Brian G · Post by **Brian G** » Mon Sep 19, 2005 10:23 am

It all depends on how much you want to spend

. Both platforms work fine. Pro Tool LE is available for both MAC and PC, Cubase is another popular choice.

For me I decided I wanted the hardware route and use the Roland VS2480. I’ve had the 2480 since it came out in May 2001 and has been problem free and for me easy to work with

. It will record 16 tracks at once and can play back 24 tracks with each track having 16 virtual tracks available. You can also install 4 effects cards giving you up 8 effects for recording or mix down.

If you fill up or are getting close to filing up all 24 track you can do an internal mixdown to two additional tracks or virtual tracks then continue, for me I haven’t hit that point yet .

With most of the Rolands you can master and burn your CD within the unit, for me though I mix down to WaveLab on the PC and master and burn from there.

If the 2480 is out of the range you want to spend the 2400 and 200 are good choices, also the BOSS line work well.

If you go the computer route, try and use the computer just for recording and maybe virtual instrument and or sequencing. Use it on the net only to download updates. It’s also a good idea to use a second drive to record on, keep the “C” Drive or main drive just for the programs.

I have a brief recording I did on the 2480 up on my ftp site if you want to take a listen, email me for the link.
Brian

Indeed · Post by **Indeed** » Tue Sep 20, 2005 6:09 am

I have become aware that software processing has its benefits as well as limitations. Some things, certain hardware products, will be better at certain tasks than software...of course this is entirely subjective.

But I used to 'fantasize' about an almost all software based sudio. I came very close to having it...too close.

It felt stale, didn't encourage my creativity...I just got stuck in parameters, manuals, and other time/energy consuming sidetracks associated with such a setup. For other people though, man it works for 'em...

I'd just like to say that I see the quickest road to one's satisfaction lies in (the) balance... I've opted for digital recording (Apple G5, Logic), analog synthesis methods (Voyager), tactile sequencing (mpc2000), vintage feel (Fender Rhodes piano), and ultra-simple yet decent quality Audio interface (Presonus Firepod). However, I see myself going the tape route somewhere in the future, to fit somewhere in an ever-evolving chain of simple yet effectiveky expressive parts.

I'm pretty happy with this setup, finally...Jeez, it took me 3 years to get the 'right' equipment that I needed!!! I just didn't know! And no-one can tell you what you need! You gotta feel it out yourself man! And now the music is flowin out pretty nice AND I'm able to capture it well & easily.

jus my 2 centz...
peace

falseface11 · Post by **falseface11** » Tue Oct 18, 2005 4:54 am

hello, i am currently using a pc with amd 64 dual core proc. and 4 gigs of ram, sonar 5 PE and 4 delta 1010 sound cards. i am capable of recording 32 channels of 24bit 92khz audio simultaneously. and have had as many as 171 Audio tracks with plug-ins and automation. very capable, very high fidelity..... very expensive.(works great with my moog... it just depends on how deep down the rabbit hole you want to go... and please everone dont let protools ruin your next recording..... it is all hype.... their hardware does lead the industry but sonar is capable of utilizing the highest levels of their hardware and in my oppinion the software used to be the best solution but things have changed, and peoples oppinions have not.... soo if cd's were not the only thing that got burned during your last recording, give the new sonar a try. you will be pleasantly surprized. the set-up i have outlined above is what i use in my studio and people are always amazed.
Good Luck

monads · Post by **monads** » Tue Oct 18, 2005 12:45 pm

Pretty good post with good advice. I will say mac or pc doesn't matter. Choose a platform you're comfortable with and like. I'm a mac user and I like using hardware as well. Problem is there is soo many ways to do a setup. It took me like 3yrs to get it right too. I just learned more as I went along. If you go the digital route, get the best AD/DA converter you can afford. After all, you can't improve the quality after the AD stage and you can't mix well what you can't hear at the DA stage