Hi,
 
I am new to the home studio build up and I have a great pc already but I need some advice on what to get to set up properly.
My PC is built on Windows 7 platform 64 bit.
I intend to purchase EasT West collections and I heard Sonar X3 would work very well with it. 
Now I do not want a crazy recording software but I do want something that works well with East West.
 
Question number one is does Sonar x3 base version work well with East West or should I upgrade to studio?
Second, as far as I have researched I need also a midi Keyboard and a midi interface is that correct? 
What would you recommend? Again I think the interface has to be something that supports ASIO for East West?
If there is other material I need please let me know.
 
 

You should probably post your computer specs as well as your usage intent.
 
Pardon me for saying this, but buying a DAW to suit a set of plugins just seems backwards to me. I mean no insult, just being blunt.

Look at the version comparisons on the X3 product page. You should be able to make up your mind there. I would look at the features and choose a little more than what I want in case I would need additional items/features.

What is it you're trying to create?

I am just trying to create epic instrumental orchestral music. I may occasionally do some pop or other genres. 
I basically just need a recording software that will be able to use East West VST because that's basically the sound platforms I will be using. As far as I heard I do not believe these VST's come with recording feature. I need something to put the various tracks together that works well with it. I am not quite sure what you mean by backwards. East West is probably the most amazing stuff I have seen out there as far as sounds to use go. Obviously if i'm basing myself on it I will need something that works well with it. I might go for the sonar x3 studio version. Middle never goes wrong.
Interface, probably a small one as i won't be putting more than one instrument or mic at a time, I heard it has to support ASIO.
I am not trying to go crazy but I obviously don't want to get things wrong since it's the first time I am attempting to build up something like this and I will keep it for a while that way.
I used to record off of Yamaha motif xs to cubase but I sold that out a while ago and I'm trying to up my creativity by doing things differently. More computer based.
 
I know I obliviously will have a lot to learn but I have to start somewhere and I don't mind the challenge.
 
I remember someone saying in a forum (unfortunately lost that page) all you need is those 4 things to use East West sound libraries:
Good pc
Compatible recording software
Midi interface compatible as well/
And Midi Keyboard controller.
 
 
My system is:
AMD phenom II 3.2ghz
16gb of memory ddr3 1066
800 gb of hard drive with 7800rpm
1gb graphics ATI Radeon Saphire for now I may upgrade that
Windows 7 Pro 64bit

It has been rumoured around these parts the X3 demo version is imminent (finally!) so you can always try before you buy.
Yes, you will need some kind of audio/midi interface - pc soundcards generally don't cut it for this sort of thing. Roland Duo or Quad capture will probably do everything you need it to, but there are many other options.  Obviously some kind of keyboard - many to choose from, really depends on your budget. I just use my Yamaha keyboard rather than a specific midi controller.  Your pc will be fine.
 
 

paulo
It has been rumoured around these parts the X3 demo version is imminent (finally!) so you can always try before you buy.
Yes, you will need some kind of audio/midi interface - pc soundcards generally don't cut it for this sort of thing. Roland Duo or Quad capture will probably do everything you need it to, but there are many other options.  Obviously some kind of keyboard - many to choose from, really depends on your budget. I just use my Yamaha keyboard rather than a specific midi controller.  Your pc will be fine.
 
 

thank you Paulo.
 
 

East West have a very large library of content. Do you have any specific ones in mind?

I don't think that East West is the best value.

I believe you would get better value from Native Instruments Komplete 9 or Komplete 9 Ultimate. I have both East West libraries Komplete Ultimate and there is a much wider range of sounds and fx available with NI. Just my thoughts.

mudgel
East West have a very large library of content. Do you have any specific ones in mind?

I don't think that East West is the best value.

I believe you would get better value from Native Instruments Komplete 9 or Komplete 9 Ultimate. I have both East West libraries Komplete Ultimate and there is a much wider range of sounds and fx available with NI. Just my thoughts.

He's looking to create orchestral music. So the strings in Komplete are not going to cut it, they're more for pop productions. Komplete is awesome value, but only if you're looking to buy a wide range of synths and effects. 

Well, ewql ccc, when it's 60 to 75% off is pretty nice and the new play engine is working much better than earlier versions...however, it is a close system...storm drums, choirs, orchestral, and other offerings can go a long way in satisfying ones desires...
 
The advantage of NI Komplete is it includes lots of synthesis, drum machines (battery is nice) and most importantly,  Kontakt, which many awesome orchestral packages like spitfire's  "albion" and other types of packages use...which opens up a broader world.
 
As far as interfaces go I'd stick to usb2... the presonus 44vsl has an amazing zero latency monitoring system and sounds pretty good for a few hundred bucks. I got mine for $240 from my local GC. I've recently upgraded to the focusrite Forte, which has far superior preamps/dacs and is exquisite; got mine for $425 and it's the best bang for the buck you can imagine... you won't need to upgrade ever as long as dual mic pres, dual instrument, and dual line ins are adequate for you.
 
I would go x3 studio... you get a lot!
 
Have fun! This will b an exciting time for you!

Thanks Everyone. NI is not out of my plans either. But yes I will be basing a lot on Orchestral.