computer stuff

[superhairycamel]

So, i want to get into recording some simple stuff, im 14 and im just thinking like demo kind of thing. i have decided to do it all digital. i need a computer, we've got an old computer that we just left lying aroung the house when we got a new one for the family. the old one is far gone, it only has 2 gigabytees of hard drive and is really crappy, i was thinking of just replacing the parts that contribute to speed and performange, (obdviously i would need a new hard drive) that kind of thing. i have everything else that is needed for it to work, keyboard, screen etc. i am in australia and was wondering if this is possible and if so, how much it would cost and how to go about it.

[sam_at2001]

Well it's certainly possible

It really depends on what sort of budget you have. Ideally, you'll want a fair amount of memory (Maybe 1gig of Ram) and a decent size hard drive (You can get a 40 or 80 gig hard drive for real cheap now). Also, you might want to think about upgrading the processor. This is the part I'm not too sure on, as you can get Pentium, AMD etc...Also, you'll probably need some sort of software like Cubase or Cakewalk, and a guitar-PC interface - check out the Tascam US-122. I have one and it's all I need. Also, you may want to get a midi keyboard too

Lots of goodies to try out lol. Sorry, I wouldnt know where you would buy one in Australia though.

[superhairycamel]

So where do i go first? a computer shop, or an internet site, ive got no idea!

[Jemwielder]

Ok man this is what's goin on. You're going to want a computer that's goin to have the software you need to record right off the bat. Turns out that Apple makes some fine machines that come equipped with a program called Garageband. This is an amazing little program that turns your computer into a recording studio. You can get some recordings that are pretty close to proffessional grade if you have one of these puppies. Since you're on a budget I'd suggest the new Mac mini. These things are the bees knees, the wasps nipples. They are the erogeonous zone of every insect known to man. But I digress. One of these will set you back about 500, but since you're gonna want a little extra power for recording purposes I'd recommend ordering on with a ram upgrade. They can also throw in some additional goodies like Bluetooth, wireless, dvd burner/player. Granted the more goodies you wanna get your hands on the more it will set you back, but hey that's what parents are for am I right my man? Just remember two words: brown and nose By the wayGarageband comes free with a new mac. I'd start browsing the Apple website and check prices there and then check some other sites, or run searches. You'll find what you want.

[damo7v]

too many variables to give you a simple answer!

if you're after some pc parts, you might want to have a look at http://www.auspcmarket.com.au/. i used to find their prices very competitive, and they have a comprehensive website.

depending on the age of your pc, though, it might not be a simple case of upgrading the processor, ram, etc. it all depends on what your motherboard will accept. so once you factor in a new motherboard, cpu, ram and hdd, well, you've got yourself a new pc!

in terms of software, the sky's the limit! there's some great stuff out there (cubase, audition, etc). as most of it is designed to let you get some very professional results, there is a bit of a learning curve involved, though.

the great thing about recording to pc is that you can share the results immediately on sites like http://www.soundclick.com. actually, based on some of things i've heard there, maybe it's not so great...

[superhairycamel]

well, im not so sure about the apple computer, i have never use one and i would still need to type up homework and that with it, at the moment im using windows xp. me and my friend have got this little band kind of thing going called Monkeys Like Peanuts, it is retard metal, baisacally just us two havin a bit of fun. we have so far done all the recordings on his computer (nothing fancy) all multi track and stereo and it seems to work fine. This is the kind of thing i want to get the old peice of crap to be able to do. i would also need a burner to make cds, and yes it would need a new mother board, is it worth removing stuff and filling it with good quality parts, or just buy a new tower? My mum works in an office and has a guy who runs around fixing the computers when there is a problem and he also does restorations of old computers, would you think it is a good idea to hand it over to him?

[megadeth]

hey kid...
check out www.edealinfo.com . this site has alot of dell coupons for desktops. a MUST SEE.

[Jemwielder]

I'm still gonna recommend the apple, you can still type and do all the necessary things, and i'm sure any files you've already got on your current computer will transfer to the mac, depending on what they're saved as. I think it'd be the best move but i was a hardcore PC guy myself until the college I'm currently attending had my buy one (i'm going to Berklee College of Music.) When i switched on that mac and everything worked perfectly right away it's good stuff. Like I said tho it's hard to convert someone who's still got that chip that Microsoft implanted in their brain working.

[damo7v]

Originally Posted by superhairycamel

...i would also need a burner to make cds, and yes it would need a new mother board, is it worth removing stuff and filling it with good quality parts, or just buy a new tower?

a cheap tower case will probably only run you $50, and once you've upgraded m/b, cpu, ram, hdd... what else is there really? you won't need a fancy graphics card for recording music. you don't even need a fancy sound card to get started... you can get very listenable results from lower-end soundblaster cards.

i'm a pc man, myself, but have heard good things about the new apples for sound recording. they're pretty expensive, though, right? and probably a bitch to find upgrade parts.

another link you may find useful: http://www.beecom.com.au/frsys.htm but just an example really of the low cost system builders in australia. i used to deal with these people back when i was australian.