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Stream Operator
Joined: Oct 13, 2007 Posts: 6221 Location: near Austin, Tx, USA
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Antimon
Joined: Jan 18, 2005 Posts: 4145 Location: Sweden
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G2 patch files: 100
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Posted: Sat Dec 26, 2009 7:55 am Post subject:
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It sounds like a sound interface with several outputs and several inputs fits a large part of your requirements. This will probably be attached to and managed from your netbook using some sort of GUI running on the netbook. Most of these have dedicated microphone/instrument jacks that can be used for a guitar as well. There are loads of these interfaces, each with its own set of quirks and benefits. As this kind of question is one of the most common here at electro-music.com I think searching around here would get some insight.
I'd recommend going for something that's been around a while, and asking here for specifics before purchasing. Stuff like mixing doesn't always work like I think it should (like I can't easily send audio from one program to another using my Ultralite, without resorting to Jack or similar stuff - just one example).
Also, make room in your budget for unexpected extra stuff you realise you need to buy. Those coins can start rolling pretty quickly...
You want to buy a microphone as well? Steer clear of condenser mics, unless you really feel like you want one. Though a lot of sound interfaces are able to give "phantom power" (which condenser mics need), you will probably get annoyed buy the spikes you get from pronouncing "p" and "b" into it, something that can be fixed with a pop killer. I guess for shoutcasting a basic cheapo mic will do, both others here probably have more insight. I usually run my mic through an EQ where I get rid of most of the bass, but that may just be because I don't like to hear my own voice.
You will probably have a hard time mixing each of the things you have on your emac on the new device, you'll have to use the emac's mixer. Some audio interfaces support internal mixing, otherwise you'll have to use up an output/input pair, to put the audio back in.
Just some random thoughts.
/Stefan _________________ Antimon's Window
@soundcloud @Flattr home - you can't explain music |
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Inventor
Stream Operator
Joined: Oct 13, 2007 Posts: 6221 Location: near Austin, Tx, USA
Audio files: 267
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Posted: Sat Dec 26, 2009 8:46 am Post subject:
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Stefan, thank you so much for your detailed response. I knew some of that from research but not all of it, so cool. Well, I was thinking and I realized that the bulk of what I need is not so much the guitar input or other I/O but rather good software routing. This meant only Linux and Apple as options and I don't know Linux. Plus some of my software does not run under Linux. So that meant Mac. I've decided to get a Mac Mini.
Funny, I went looking for a mixer and ended up with a computer.
Les _________________ "Let's make noise for peace." - Kijjaz |
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Antimon
Joined: Jan 18, 2005 Posts: 4145 Location: Sweden
Audio files: 371
G2 patch files: 100
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Posted: Sat Dec 26, 2009 2:57 pm Post subject:
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Glad to help, but I'm sure loads of others here that have superb additional insight into other corners of the tricky business of getting the optimal home studio.
I'm curious as to how you've deduced that Mac/Linux is the only way to go if you want software routing? Also, there are audio interfaces that offer internal audio routing, I know my E-Mu whatsitcalled does it (though that's a PCI interface, but I'd guess it works the same for firewire/USB).
I've glanced at the Mac mini, it looks like a cool machine. Don't you need a monitor and mouse and stuff for it though?
This is one subject where I think you'll really benefit from brooding on it before deciding on what to buy - the market is pretty big, there are lots of options for priceworthy stuff out there. The Les Hall show deserves it.
/Stefan _________________ Antimon's Window
@soundcloud @Flattr home - you can't explain music |
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Stream Operator
Joined: Oct 13, 2007 Posts: 6221 Location: near Austin, Tx, USA
Audio files: 267
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Posted: Sat Dec 26, 2009 3:54 pm Post subject:
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Well Stefan, I've been trying to do audio routing on this PC for some time now and it just can't be done. Asio4All does not work, Reaper does not see devices, the mixer won't mix right, it's a nightmare. Name me one piece of paid or free software that does audio routing properly on a PC and I'll consider changing my mind for sure. It just doesn't exist. This leaves only Linux and Mac as possible solutions.
Les _________________ "Let's make noise for peace." - Kijjaz |
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Antimon
Joined: Jan 18, 2005 Posts: 4145 Location: Sweden
Audio files: 371
G2 patch files: 100
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Inventor
Stream Operator
Joined: Oct 13, 2007 Posts: 6221 Location: near Austin, Tx, USA
Audio files: 267
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Posted: Sun Jan 03, 2010 7:28 am Post subject:
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Stefan, I now have a Mac mini all set up with software audio routing so I can do everything that I want to do on the radio! And it's all pure digital quality so no ADC/DAC conversions or mixer noise or anything, just the ADC from the mic and everything else to the listener's ear is pure digital (well, a DAC at the listener of course). Everything worked out, yay!
Les _________________ "Let's make noise for peace." - Kijjaz |
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Antimon
Joined: Jan 18, 2005 Posts: 4145 Location: Sweden
Audio files: 371
G2 patch files: 100
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Posted: Sun Jan 03, 2010 8:14 am Post subject:
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Glad to hear you got it the way you wanted after all!
/Stefan _________________ Antimon's Window
@soundcloud @Flattr home - you can't explain music |
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modulator_esp
Stream Operator
Joined: Feb 04, 2005 Posts: 2845 Location: Nottingham, UK
Audio files: 276
G2 patch files: 1
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Inventor
Stream Operator
Joined: Oct 13, 2007 Posts: 6221 Location: near Austin, Tx, USA
Audio files: 267
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Posted: Sun Jan 03, 2010 10:40 am Post subject:
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I just cleaned up my apartment including my messy studio and took a picture of the studio. Pardon the quality, it's a phonecam image. From left to right you can see the following:
Headphones, printer, netbook, Karplus Strong prototype, Asian bell from Shane, soldering iron, scope with monitor on top, Mac mini with kbd and mouse, eMac, parts bin, accelerometer and extension cable from destroyifier, tools and parts, Karplus Strong circuit boards, eChucK Lunetta circuit boards, and more parts.
Not shown is the guitar with Own Your Tone invention and guitar amplifier, also case with parts that Airlock gave me.
Once I'm done transferring all the data from my eMac, I'll reinstall the original software and give it to my brother for his kids to use. That will free up some space for more electronics like parts storage bins (you can see what a disorganized mess my parts bins are).
Anyway, that's my studio!
Les
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_________________ "Let's make noise for peace." - Kijjaz |
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Stream Operator
Joined: Oct 13, 2007 Posts: 6221 Location: near Austin, Tx, USA
Audio files: 267
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