Practically every musician, regardless of the instrument they play, feels the urge at some point to record their ideas. Tools for “portable” recording have been around for ages: little 4-tracks and a long list of gadgets. Now all this is simpler with a computer (among other existing systems). The basics.
This article is aimed at all those restless musicians who want to record, who want to use their computer as a starting point and who are having trouble getting started because they know nothing at all about the system.
Can a computer record MIDI, audio or both?
If you have a very old computer and an unsuitable sound card, audio may give you problems. On the other hand, MIDI sequencing will be possible with practically any computer. These days, for little money (if the computer is up to it), you can easily put together an audio and MIDI recording system.
Can I record with my computer?
In principle, the answer is yes, although it depends on the computer you have and the audio system (card) built into it. It also depends on what we intend to do. MIDI work is much less demanding; in other words, it runs on almost any kind of computer, however slow it may be. Since MIDI information is based on numeric codes, your computer's processor can handle it with no trouble, as numbers take up little space and are processed quickly. When we want to record audio, we'll need a few more requirements, since audio files are bigger, heavier and need more horsepower to be processed.
What computer do I need?
Most users try to make use of the computer they already have at “home” to set up their “music shack.” One of the biggest advantages of this (computer-based) system is that it can grow progressively, adding more things little by little. Let's start with the basics.
If you're reasonably familiar with computers at a user level, you won't find big differences between music applications and any other kind. As you know, software gets more powerful every day and “eats up” more of the computer's resources. Even to install games we need more machine every day: more RAM, a better processor and so on. The same goes for music. Music software offers more possibilities every day, and for that it requires a machine that can process what we're asking of it. If you have a machine that's 5 generations old, you'll most likely have plenty of problems: system crashes, sluggishness and things that just won't work. Let's say there's no exact minimum (although each program, as in every area of software, usually states the minimum requirements for it to run properly). Ideally, whatever music program you choose, you should have a reasonably modern processor (the faster the better) and plenty of RAM (a minimum of 16 MB would be advisable). Later on you can add more RAM as your needs grow.
I've already tried, but the computer freezes, it doesn't work properly, it's impossible. What am I doing wrong?
Many beginners get rather desperate when they try to record or turn their computer into a small studio without success. The most common reasons for things not working are some of the following:
a) An old computer, unable to handle modern software. The same will happen to you with a game, or even with versions of Windows (or any modern operating system). It's not a music problem; it's a computer that's ready to retire.
b) The program crashes, but the computer is fast and modern. We're tired of repeating that one of the main causes of things not working is pirated software. If you work with pirated software, forget about looking for logic or finding answers to what's going on. Everyone who has been through pirated music software has realized how many hours they wasted and what a real ordeal it is not to have the originals (besides being a crime). Bottom line: ORIGINAL SOFTWARE.
c) Everything works fine, but as I record audio and add effects, the machine slows down, and even freezes. RAM plays a crucial role in several respects: audio processing, inserting effects (on audio), loading libraries, samplers and so on. Your system may run fine at first and then, as you load it up, run out of RAM. How much RAM do you have installed? Check this.
d) The audio doesn't sound right, there's lag, delays, I can't hear the audio properly. It's important that the audio device in your computer supports the software's requirements. In many cases, users have tried to run the latest music software with the most basic, low-end card that comes by default in a consumer computer. These days there are many devices (USB, FireWire and PCI interfaces, etc.) designed specifically for multitrack recording with music software. There are truly affordable brands that work. We recommend checking your audio device and, if in any doubt, getting a dedicated interface. For little money, you'll save yourself lots of problems and get things working properly. Make sure the hardware you buy (M-Audio, EMU, Terratec, Tascam, MOTU, Creamware, Behringer, Edirol, etc., etc.) is compatible with the software you plan to install (Cubase, Logic, Cakewalk, Sonar, etc.). Many early problems come down to configuration. The hardware drivers may not be properly updated, may not be compatible with the software, and so on.
Almost all programs have a TEST stage to sync with the audio device. It's essential, first of all, to check that the software and hardware “understand each other” perfectly.
e) I've bought a new audio device, I have a modern computer, RAM and so on, but nothing sounds, only MIDI plays, etc.
Before you get nervous, check that all the cables are connected properly. Don't overlook a single detail, from the power to every device to all the cabling. Do it in stages and check step by step: first MIDI (MIDI OUT/MIDI IN – MIDI IN/MIDI OUT connections), then the correct connection of the audio device to the computer (and that it shows up in the system's hardware), then the AUDIO cabling. Check the audio routing through the cables: from the instruments to the device, from the device to the computer, from the computer to the speakers or monitors, and so on. Sometimes one wrongly connected cable can cost us quite a while. Take your time and go slowly, checking the manual if you're unsure.
So what I need is...
1. A computer that runs well and can handle the latest programs
2. Enough RAM; better to err on the side of too much than too little.
3. A MIDI/AUDIO device that supports the software and is compatible.
4. Naturally, powered monitors or some kind of listening system (amplifier, speakers) connected to the computer.
5. Original software
6. The instruments you want to record (master keyboard, guitars, mics, etc.)
I now have a basic setup that works. How can I improve my system?
Once you've got everything working properly, you can start expanding your possibilities. How? Here are some suggestions:
1. One of the basic pieces is the computer. So this is the first element that needs to be modern and fast. We recommend building the system on a computer that won't give you trouble. If you don't have one, this is the first step.
2. RAM. You can (and probably should) add more RAM. As you know, it's relatively simple. You just need to make sure what type of RAM your computer uses and upgrade. If you don't know how, the store where you bought it will do it for you. With more RAM you'll be able to add more effects, work faster and, above all, work with high-quality sampler libraries (or complete virtual instruments)
3. Software. Although to start with you don't need the very latest software, since it'll take you a good few hours to get the hang of it, it's advisable to have a good version. These usually have powerful tools like audio quantization, support for Rex2 formats (for working with loops) and a long list of other conveniences when working.
4. Monitoring. We all want to hear clearly what we're doing. Also, to try your hand at mixing, it would be a good idea to think about getting some powered (active) reference monitors. If you're working with a hi-fi system, or even with a PC's basic speaker system, you'll notice big differences as you upgrade your monitoring. Compared with a consumer computer's basic system, it goes without saying that you'll definitely improve. Compared with a hi-fi system, reference monitors will give you more faithful, more realistic and more accurate sound. (Depending, of course, on the monitors you buy.) You can get to know reference monitors gradually, starting with some cheap ones, or you can (the recommended option) go for something mid-range and upgrade (by buying better ones) according to how much you use them.
5. MIDI master instrument. Another important element is the master instrument you play all your sequences on. There's plenty on offer on the market. If you have an old, beat-up keyboard, you might think about buying a more modern one, with weighted keys (a feel similar to a real piano), more octaves and so on.
6. Virtual instruments. This is a separate topic for everyone who basically plays solo. You may be a beast on keys but less up to speed on guitar, drums and so on. Virtual instruments are collections of (usually) real sounds that are triggered when you play your keyboard (or master instrument). There are hundreds of virtual instruments that will bring a great deal of richness to different tracks in your recordings: from drum collections (kicks, snares, hi-hats, cymbals, effects, toms...) and string collections to instruments for generating guitars (real ones, from the keyboard), basses and bass effects, brass and woodwinds, orchestra, piano, vocals, ambiences, ethnic, jazz, acid and vintage loops, and more.
A virtual instrument is usually installed as a plug-in inside your main program. That way, once inside the software (Cubase, Logic, etc.), you can open all your virtual instruments and use them as if they were sound modules. The difference compared with a module is that these are generally sampler libraries designed specifically to provide everything you need for the virtual instrument in question. For example, if it's a (good) virtual drum instrument, we'll have rich collections of kicks, snares, hi-hats, toms, rides, crashes, splashes, chinas... We'll probably (depending on the case) have loop tools at our disposal, or even ready-made loops of truly mind-blowing (good) quality. The difference will be really noticeable, since you'll go from mediocre drum tracks to absolutely powerful results.
You can apply this description to other families of instruments, such as acoustic and electric guitars, backing and solo vocals, orchestral instruments, contemporary instruments, etc.
7. Control surfaces, preamps and external devices. The advantage of this type of system is how easy it makes it to add any kind of peripheral over time: mic preamps, control surfaces, external effects racks, dynamics processors...
8. Monitors (screen). Another useful thing to keep in mind is upgrading your display. The main software, virtual instruments and so on are often made up of dozens of windows that tend to pile up. In a project with many tracks, a 14” monitor commonly ends up completely crammed with windows. So buying a bigger screen, or even two 17-inch (or larger) screens with the right hardware to split the desktop across two monitors, is an idea and an investment you'll appreciate.
In summary
Our advice is not to buy things at random, to think carefully about what you really need, to ask about anything you're unsure of before spending, and to gradually build up a stable system. It's better to buy slowly, but things that offer guarantees and a reasonable lifespan. If you spend little on, say, some reference monitors, but a month later realize they sound terrible, you'll have thrown your money away and will have to buy better ones all over again.
Getting started is a bit tedious, but once everything starts working properly, you'll have transformed your computer into a perfectly capable music workstation that can surprise you with the results you get.
