Newbie questions

[Anders Eriksson]

Hello,

I'm a total newbie when it comes to recording. Used to use a Fostex in the mid 70 but nothing since...

What I want to do is simple. I want to record myself playing Pedal Steel with a backup that's either a CD or Band In A Box.

I have a Dell Vostro 1720 laptop. It has a lots of USB ports, 1 firewire but no visible input to the sound card.

What do I need?
Software
Hardware

// Anders

[Shane Glover]

Hi Anders

I use a product by Cakewalk called Guitar Tracks Pro.
Basically plug in and play just like the old 4 track recorders.
You can record your backing tracks to whatever media player you have. Then import them into GT Pro and record your steel on a seperate track.You can also cut and paste. Record several steel tracks and use the best parts of each track .


Hope this helps !
Shane

[Anders Eriksson]

Hello Shane,

Thanks for responding! The Guitar Tracks Pro looks interesting.

How do you connect the instrument(s) to the computer?

// Anders

[Robert Tripp]

Anders.........

You will need an interface such as the one I use which is the roland UA-4FX. It allows you to plug in mic or instruments and then connects to your computer via usb port. There are less expensive interfaces available, but this one was the best for me. Maybe check out ebay for a les expensive one or the best price for a new one.

The best source here in the usa is either Sweetwatermusic.com or Musiciansfriend.com. They both have great prices and good variety.

I build and use my own backing tracks for several different genre's of music, and still trying to learn to play the steel.

Good luck

[Shane Glover]

Hi Anders

I plug directly into my sound card. Since you don't have that option an interface of some sort is what you need. Sounds like Robert has a pretty good one.


Shane

[Chris Dorch]

You can get a used or new M-Audio 2 channel usb device for a couple hundred bucks and it comes with protools le... H/W and S/W purchase done... setup and record.