How Do I Start Rocking In The Digital World?, a true beginner Options

[Zooey]

Dear friends,

I have some experience with the Tascam portastudio world, but little else. What I am essentially looking to do is reproduce that kind of home studio fun on the computer (15" imac), with better sound quality and more tracks. But I am lost in the field of terms.

I have guitars and an old korg, which is midi capable (but is the kind of midi used in depeche mode's early career). What kinds of things do I need to couple these forms of equipment to my computer. I have heard of a Logic Big Box..If I buy this would I be ready to go? How do you get a mic into a computer? (is this is the realm of the break-out box?)

ideally the set up would have singing, guitar, keys and drum loops...

If this question is too far sub-par, please advise my as to any websites that can adequate me to the lingo of the digital age...really, it's all i can do to surf the web.

best,

[rickenbacker]

The only caveat with the Mbox is that it's a USB device, so you can't run too much audio through it at once. The data transfer path is much smaller than FireWire, so don't be expecting to cram full, busy mixes down it's little tube. FireWire is much faster and more reliable, although therefore more expensive.

Also, with an Mbox in one USB port and a Midi device in another, you're running out of USB ports on an iBook. Your mouse, for instance, is now history unless you get a USB hub. You could try the Tascam US-122, 224 or 428 series - they're all USB devices with Midi built in. You'd have to buy recording software separately, though.

The current Mbox software bundle is very nice, though, and it's a decent interface. Just be very aware that it's not the only solution out there and it's by no means the perfect answer.