Hi all. Newbie here trying to set up a home studio to record my 6 piece band and do some track by track original recording. Still doing some research on how all of this works.Up to now I was still doing it the old fashion way(analog.Haven't figured out the best interface to use yet but looking to spend $100-$200 to start off with. My biggest question is which software to purchase on here that will accomplish what im trying to do without breaking the bank or take me 6 months to understand how to record and put a finished song together.Definitely willing to put the time in to understand it all just don't want to make any foolish purchases that are well beyond my capability's. Below are my computer specs and if im missing something needed please advise. Thanks in advanced for the help. Ed. Windows 7 Ultimate. Processor: AMD Turion 64x2 Mobile Tech. TL 60 2.00 ghz. Ram: 2 gb. 32 bit. Hard Drive: 103 gb of free space

Well Id hate to say it but I would start by getting a newer computer if possible regardless of which software you go with. 

If your doing a 6 piece band a track at a time, the interface should be easy enough to figure out, but I would opt for something with at least 6 inputs for just a little extra money. 
Id look at Sweetwater due to warranty and help-they usually give you a real good warranty outside of the manufacturer and phone support to boot.

One thing to keep in mind when looking is that a lot of times you can find software bundled with an interface.

Heres a good one for $200

http://www.sweetwater.com.tore/detail/DuoCaptureEX

Thanks for the reply Mike. I really appreciate it.Where in your opinion is my computer lacking? Maybe an upgrade will fix it. Also Do you use your Mackie mixer for recording? I have the same mixer I use on gigs.

I think in todays standards, the computer is lacking in everything.

The software itself doesnt take much space at all but the projects you create will.  Id atleast get 1 TB

8GB of Memory is working good for me 

Im not sure about the processors  Id say atleast an I5

Definitely go with 64 bit

Sorry Im not a techie on computers, just been around since Sonar 8 and seen what has worked well for myself and others.

Look at the minimum specs on what ever DAW software you decide to go with


I do use the Mackie for recording 
My typical setup for a 5 piece band with a huge drum set using MAUDIO Fast Track Ultra with 6 inputs and the Mackie--

Everything goes thru the mixer and routed out to Fast Track
Channel 1 - VOX
Channel 2 - BASS
Channel 3 - Rhy Guitar
Channel 4 - Lead Guitar
Channel 5 & 6 are a stereo sub mix from tracks 9-16 off the mixer

For me it works out great for what I do and has led to many jobs and gigs

Heres an Example for Sonar X2 minimum requirements

Keep in mind the hard drive size as well, I dont think it takes into account the many projects you will create and I know once a hard drive gets about 1/2 full it can play heck trying to keep stuff running good sifting thru all the data.

IMO  these stat might be ok for a 32 bit system but I wouldnt even attempt it.  You can probably find one of the big box store specials for about $300-$400 that will do Okay just to get by

System Requirements Minimum system requirements
Windows 7 or Windows 8 (32 and 64-bit). XP and Vista are no longer officially supported. Future updates will not be compatible or install on XP and Vista as they are no longer officially supported. Intel Core 2 Duo E8200 2.67 GHz / AMD Phenom Quad Core 9750 2.4 Ghz or higher 2GB of RAM 1280x800 minimum screen resolution 4.5GB for minimal install, 20GB recommended Broadband internet connection for download Cakewalk Publisher requires available web server space with FTP access

That 2GB of RAM they suggest will become a severe limiting factor as soon as any project goes beyond a fairly modest track/plugin count.

I'd suggest 8GB should be the minimum and provided your budget allows, investing in 16GB (or even higher) is the way to go.