[linux-audio-user] where to begin or where's the beginning begin?

[John Mulholland]

Richard Hubbell wrote:

>Very new to sound input and linux.  I've listened to music on linux
>but recording and manipulating sound is all new to me.   I'm just
>going to put into words what I'd like to do and take it from there.  I
>have an electric guitar and I'd like to record riffs and then apply
>software filters (right word? maybe software effects?)  to the riffs
>to give them a different sound.  I'd like to be able to edit them,
>save them and record them to disc (cd/dvd).  I'd also like to be able
>to record singing and sound effects.   I have read the archives a bit
>and I saw a July thread about hardware but the original poster had his
>thread hijacked and it went a little astray.
>
>I know there are a few hardware vendors who's products work well on
>linux.  But I'm trying to get some solid advice from folks who are
>using hardware to do what I want to do.
>
>Do I need one box or several?  I don't want to spend a lot to start
>but would like to have something that's made reasonably well.  If I
>have to put together my setup over time then that's what I'll do so I
>don't have to layout a big chunk of money at the start.  So maybe
>first I'll get the guitar connected and then later get the mic and get
>it connected.  Then next get recording device(s).   And so on, to
>build a complete system over time but still get quality components as
>I go so that in the end I have an all-around quality system.
>
>My concerns are compatibility with linux and the software that runs on
>linux.  Compatibility amongst the different components and
>compatibility with the popular storage mediums.  i.e. cd/dvd
>
>Over time I would be willing to spend $1000-2000 for something that
>will last and do a good job for me.   But I don't want to spend it all
>now.
>
>Thanks,
>Richard
>
>  
>


Perhaps another way to approach the hardware question would be to ask 
what you would need in a non linux setup, and then look to like for its 
linux comparison. You seem unsure of  using hardware or software to 
drive the effects you'd like to use. Do you have a preference eaither way?

Software will be cheaper, but some may argue, produces less professional 
results. Personally, I'd go software all the way, and have a studio that 
is almost entirely software run. The Behringer mixer suggested is an 
excellent piece of kit and well worth you checking out. You may also 
want to consider getting a controller keyboard - even if you dont play 
piano - they can be invaluable.

You could have ten or twenty or a thousand little linux boxes each 
running an effect in your studio, or one monster machine doing it all. 
I'd recommend the latter because of the noise the former could make may 
make audio recording difficult. But, thats your call, and if you happen 
to stumble across a whole load of cheap medium spec machines it may be 
the best option.

If you are looking for a hardware box for each effect type, in a rack 
like setup,...then it's going to be tough trying to find a list of 
hardware compatability. Such a list is something that really needs to be 
put together asap. If there are any specific pieces of hardware you are 
looking at, give us a shout about them and I am sure people on this list 
will be happy to help investigate them.

Whichever way you go, the Behringer mixer is an excellent suggestion.

hope that helps
John