While I kind of agree with John (JoVee), on a personal basis I really find
it more difficult to get into ideas when I have to futz with the computer.
Much better to put on a new roll of tape and just let it go. Of course, in
my case, there's only about 25 minutes that I can work before tape runs out,
but I wrote tons of songs with a Tascam Portastudio, and have written maybe
10 since 1994 and this studio getting up and running. I'd more suggest that
you look at something along the lines of a Tascam 788. Punch record and go
about making music. It's digital, has mic pres, and all the basic functions
you could want for capturing ideas.
Just don't let equipment get in the way of making music, is what I'm really
trying to say. Once you get involved with the ability to edit, etc., you'll
be spending time tryint to polish turds, as we say, than making those songs
live in their own right.
Other than the direction we're coming from, John's correct on the equipment
he mentions. The 535 is a great all around mic, look for good monitors in
your price range, perhaps on Ebay, etc.
Keep your eye on the prize and the rest of the stuff will work itself out.
Just my humble $.02
--
Roger W. Norman
SirMusic Studio
"Christine" wrote in message
om...
Hi - I am a songwriter looking to equip a very small home studio with
sufficient equipment to record my ideas. I am not looking for
mass-distribution quality, but don't want it to sound muddy or muffled
like the results of some of the small porta-studios I've heard
(however, could have been the recording engineer who made it sound
that way). I basically would just like to have nice, clear recordings
for my own personal use.
I am planning on using my PC for recording. I am upgrading my HD
substantially(or may purchase a 120 GB external drive - haven't
decided yet)but am shooting for at least 80 GB. I am lucky enough to
have access to quite a few software packages at a discounted price -
right now, I have Adobe Audition.
My main instrument is a piano - and I am purchasing a Roland FP-5
digital piano that has a USB port onboard...so I can plug that in
directly (right?). I also play guitar...most of my songs require
acoustic, but I have an acoustic/electric guitar. I also sing.
I have a background in audio prodution - took several college-level
multi-track recording classes on analog equipment (back then, there
wasn't a lot of digital stuff out there) and was quite proficient with
the technical stuff but haven't used it in years. I think I could pick
it up again quickly.
That said, here's what I need help with:
1) Sound card - is the consumer-based Creative Labs Audigy high-end
stuff (Platinum series) sufficient for what I want to do? Or is there
another card I should look into? My budget for a sound card is around
$200 - $250.
2) Microphone - I would like a good quality vocal mic for less than
$100. Although if you give me a good one in the $100 - $200 range and
feel that it is worth the extra money for the corresponding increase
in quality, I may spring for it.
3)If the above is a condenser mic, what kind of
pre-amp/power/equipment do I need in order to record vocals digitally?
Don't forget I am new to the whole digital domain. 
4)Mixer - I am used to using a mixer with buttons and knobs, and think
I may prefer having an actual mixer as opposed to a virtual one - I
think there's that extra feeling of control. Someone mentioned a
Behringer combo mic pre-amp/mixer...any thoughts? Can I get something
decent under $100? $200?
5)Monitors - something below $200.
Am I missing any major items? Please advise. I appreciate your
assistance.