What is favored for PC recording today?

[zenabi.777]

I'm looking for some suggestions on what PC type of software would be good for recording and converting to mp3 etc. What equipment do I need in addition to the software and how much can I anticipate spending? Thought I'd pick the brains of people doing this every day. Thanks in advance for all the advice.

Zen

[sry777]

Computer:
2000MHz Cpu with atleast a 333MHz Fsb
512ddr ram or rambus or more (pc2100 or pc3200)
7200rpm 40 gig hard drive or 2 in raid fashion
cdrw at 52x/24x/52x--------------------------------------------------\ just
cd 72x-------------------------------------------------------------------\ one
Dvdrw at 4x/16x/10x/32x (burn dvd/burn cd/burn cdrw/cd read--/ if $
dvd at 16x--------------------------------------------------------------/ 2
firewire 2.0
usb 2.0
operating system: win xp/linux #?/mac 10
network card/modem/both
video card: Geforce4 or Radeon 9000/9200/9800
sound card: Creative Labs Audigy2 Platinum 6.1 (Retail olny) I'm not even going into other companies everybody has their favrorite
This is all within the price range of 1000-3000$ And yes you can buy less but its worth it to save up. This is just a opinion of mine this way if you get anything within the next 2 years you will still be recent. Its like this: by a 555 now or a 7vwh in a few days/months/years? o 2 things this is w/o monitors and moniters (speakers and screen) as these are subject to your taste. Remember a good combination is everything (with regards to cpu,ram yadda yadda)

[glynn]

For software, I like Sonic Foundry. I use Acid, Vegas, and Sound Forge as my main programs (you can find them for $150-$200 in some places). Midi is kinda lack luster tho, so I use Cakewalk for any midi intensive work.

To get started, there is a free version of Acid at sonic foundry's site, its kinda limited, but it works pretty well.

For Mp3 conversion, LAME is a fine encoder, and you can get a windows version here

A good soundcard is a must for good results.

I have been pretty happy with M-Audio's stuff, I use the Delta 1010, and have setup systems with other cards and the quality of the A/D is pretty good. Looking at 200-600 depending on the card, and how much I/O you need.

A couple of mic's and a small mixer, or a mic pre, and you will be all set.

[sry777]

Thier I think thats all you need. I still think you gotta check it all out (for sound cards and software I mean) O I left out speakers (can't live with out those ) but again speakers (monitors) IMHO are the same as sound cards/software.

[juiceofvenus]

Yeah try Acid or Vegas, but the last one might be more expensive