[James Romeyn]

Voice tracks only are being recorded for an educational DVD. 

Sony ACID Music Studio was purchased ($70) but not yet opened.  How does this product rate for a computer recording noob?  Would love a recommendation for a different product, noob appropriate, for not too much more money, if audibly better for live music recording, a future possibility.  (Dell desktop circa '04; HD replaced.)

Would appreciate suggestions for a host web site to post the work for the DVD producer.

Considering a parallel backup HD.  Yes/no?  Recommendations?

At the music store my ancient Ampex 2001 mic was compared to a new Shure SM87.  On my voice the Shure was quieter but only marginally better sound quality.  My phones sounded OK next to a $150 M-Audio closed-back pro-audio type. 

The above mic/phones sounded pretty horrific at home on the wife's karaoke (CDs sound great), I assume the result of a dawgmeat mic preamp.   

How bad is my Dell's mic input?  I've not yet heard it.  Like the above karaoke?  Am thinking I may need to get the recommended M-Audio $200 dual mic-preamp/ADC.

Please suggest a different circle if appropriate.

Sorry I'm all over the map; such is the case w/ noobs 

Many thanks. 


 

[whubbard]

The Mic input isn't going to make a 'huge' difference. Especially if it is just voice. If you were recording music, then you might consider going outboard. As long a you have a good mic you are fine. The Mic is the most important. The input does very little other than pass the signal along, it is the mic itself that does the hard part. I wouldn't spend the $200. If you do want to spend it...get a creative x-fi card (IMHO) because then you have 'better' sound in and out. You can also get the optional outboard component which will make things easier to organize.

-West

p.s. I use hostmonster.com ...but I'm not quite sure if its what you want.