Yeah your computer's old mate! However I bought my old desktop 6 years ago, its still not too bad. I upgraded to Windows 7 however.
Its old! I have no idea whatsoever!
Im not THAT familliar with XP, but to bring up your specs. I believe its Start > My Computer > And in the left a little notice box thingy that collapsable should say System Properties > And under one of the tabs (General I think) Should give you all your main PC Specs.
To be honest how much does that matter? Won't a audio interface work with most operating systems?
And its more to do with the program taking alot of memory aswell, if youve got anything less then 1GB Ram, 2.0Ghz and 150gb Hard Drive then I would reccomend an upgrade. Software demands alot of memory now a days, the good thing is, if you do requite an upgrade. Extremely powerful are quite cheap.
Hey there! I'm looking to start recording drums but I must keep my cost under 450$.
I already have the drums, and the computer, and a great sounding room. I just need to know what I will need? Please recommend: mics, mixers, software, stands and all the other necessary equipment.
You are new to recording (As am I) but I will break it down for exactly what ARE the essentials and any optionals.
Mic Gear
ESSENTIALS
1 x Bass Drum Mic + Mini Boom Mic Stand
1 x Snare/Tom Mic + Mic Clip
2 x Overhead Mic. + Mic Stand (You can get away with 1 as that doesnt cause phasing issues)
XLR Cables to fit them into Interface/Mixer
Optional
1 x Snare/ Tom Mic + Clip (This can be used to mic the bottom skin to add that crack to the mix)
Several Snare/Tom Mic + Clip (For the toms if you wish to mic them)
Several Overhead Mic + Mic Stand (To mic certain cymbals and instruments)
XLR Cables to fit them into Interface/Mixer
PC Related Gear
This is where it gets tricky but Ill give you a reccomendation
Mixers:
A mixer allows you to plug in your mics, mix the analog sound using certain EQ Features such as frequency boosts, panning etc. Most mixers will provide phantom power to power condenser mics and have preamps which boosts low level signals to a usable level (I think!) and then it gets send to the Workstation by either RCA Cables, Jacks, sometimes USB and Firewire
Good
This is usually a great option to beginners as its fairly easy to mix and provides most things like Preamps and Phantom Power
Bad
Most mixers do not allow you to edit individuals channels (Toms/Bass etc.) and they are already usually edited to much for someones liking. This is usually countered by a hybrid analog/digital mixer which has a USB or Firewire interface.
Audio Interface
These are for more experienced users but are just as easy to use imo. They provide direct connection to your PC allowing for full editing and manipulation of each channel. People either buy seperate Interfaces or make use of thier sound card to plug in thier mics.
Good:
Full control of channels and manipulation, easy to plug in and setup.
Bad:
Most do not have built in Preamps, Phantom Power etc. they are also quite alot more expenesive.
Will add more info later but my battery is about to die!