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336 Views 3 Replies Latest reply: May 29, 2012 2:54 PM by silverhead RSS
steeldragon_mark Just Startin' 2 posts since
May 25, 2010
Currently Being Moderated

May 29, 2012 9:33 AM

Computer recording HELP PLEASE!!

Hi

 

Please, can anyone help me?

 

I have been playing guitar for around 30 years so I think I am fairly experienced in the old music department. However, I have always recorded in a professional studio and let the technicians do the technology stuff.

 

I now want to try home recording on my home PC.

 

But ".......I KNOW NOTHING!......." about computer recording.

 

I own:

various guitars, amps, Line 6 POD x3 LIVE, Mics, Midi keyboard (with USB, aquired a while ago and not used), Senheiser Headphones  and loads of different cables

Window PC running windows 7, pentium dual core 2.5Ghz with 1 GB of RAM.

 

Can anyone give me a brief rundown on any extra gear I'll need (recommendations appreciated) and where to start?

 

For example: Do I need an audio interface or will my POD X3 LIVE act my interface? If so do I plug my keyboard into the X3 or direct to the computer?

 

See, I told you I KNOW NOTHING!! lol

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Mark

  • silverhead Expert Line 6 User 9,592 posts since
    Apr 1, 2009
    Currently Being Moderated
    May 29, 2012 9:52 AM (in response to steeldragon_mark)
    Re: Computer recording HELP PLEASE!!

    Here are some basics I think would help.....

     

    For Audio recording:

    You can use the X3 Live connected via USB to your computer. You will also need audio recording software. For audio only, you could use Riffworks T4 Edition. It is free and will get you some experience with the whole thing. You could also try Reaper - a much more feature rich program that includes MIDI capability and is very reasonably priced. Best value-for-dollar in the opinion of many here.

    http://www.sonomawireworks.com/T4/

    http://www.reaper.fm/download.php

     

    In either case you will need to configure your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation - your recording program) to use the X3 and its ASIO driver as your audio input/output device. You will figure out how to do that once you get your DAW installed and running.

     

    When you get to the point of actually recording a track you may be able to figure it out without difficulty, but feel free to come back with more questions. The most important thing to understand is the different signals that the X3 Live sends to your DAW. You must select the appropriate one(s) for each track you want to record. Check the USB Recording section in the X3 Live manual.

     

    Another thing to understand is that the X3 Live will become your computer's soundcard. You will need to connect your speakers (or headphones) to the X3 Live Outputs to hear any sound.

     

    For MIDI recording:

    You will need a separate MIDI interface connected to your computer. The X3 Live is not a full midi interface despite the fact that it has MIDI ports. You will plug your keyboard into the other midi interface, not the X3L. Reaper will recognize both the X3L and your MIDI interface device at the same time; some DAWs may not. Riffworks ignores MIDI - doesn't deal with it at all - but it is simpler than Reaper to get up and running. You may want to learn the basics of audio recording first using Riffworks, then move to Reaper when you want to introduce MIDI.

     

    That should get you going. Let us know when you have other questions - you undoubtedly will!.

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