Building Home Studio now...need input! My current setup: 1) PC - Dell 755 Optiplex Desktop -running Windows Pro Xp - Service Pack 3 - Processor Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU E8200 @ 2.66GHz Max CPU Speed 5200 MHz Memory Maximum Capacity 8192 MBytes Memory Slots 4 - video processor - Radeon AT 2400 PRo - 256mb 2) Line 6 TonePort UX2 - Gearbox software - Amp Farm 3) Studio monitors  -Yorkville YSM-1 4) Amplication -Vintage Pioneer Reciever SX-838 5) DAW SONAR Producer 8.3 6) MIDI controller  Alesis QX49 -------------------------------------------------------- Why I want to re-build? I'm primarily a guitarist that now wants to add keyboards and soft syths, midi drums....etc... I'm currently having conflicts with Alesis QX49 and SONAR when it comes to hooking up the MIDI contoller keyboard to SONAR - big conflict and they don't work together... First, need to answer question if I like Line 6 Toneport. Answer, yes and no. Latency is no problem, sound is OK, but Line 6 dropped this product and does not support. I like Line 6 easy-to-use guitar modelers, but i haven't been exposed to anything else. May consider other option if others can point me in a better direction. Secondly, SONAR 8.3 seems to work OK. Don't understand why I need to upgrade since mty PC is running Windows XP. I assume I would have to upgrade PC to Windows 7/8 if I upgrade DAW to new Cakewalk X2 product? Need advice here.... Finally, I'd like to add some sort of mixing board on the front-end of system if possible without affecting quality of signal. I like the flexibility to have an analog mixing board that has a USB/firewire type digital output if possible. Was eyeing $300-$400 Mackie mixers here...Need advice here. Willing to consider the idea of purchasing a new PC Desktop/ or Laptop to dedicate to music production. Need advise here too. Ok, ready for your input.

Hi Bob-

Well....you've opened up a can of worms. But, the good news is that no matter where you start, the change that goes on in this art never stops! So, in essence, it doesn't really matter where you start. The good news is that you can absolutely make good recordings with Sonar 8.3. In some ways, I preferred it to X1. There are some cool features in X1 and probably X2, but not having them won't keep you from making quality recordings.

I think the key to this artform is picking what it is that you want to achieve each year. The reason I say this is that as your gear and setup get better over time, your skills using the stuff does to. But it works a lot like a scaffold. The left can only go up so far before the right needs to catch up. So, try to pick what you want to achieve.

For example, if thick and juicy guitar tones is what you're all about, then there are ways to get them. Your DAW won't be the limiting factor at all. Adding soft synths for drum and key tracks worked fine in 8.3, and they should work fine on your platform. 

Bringing up analog mixers is sure to start a debate. I use one, but many folks on this forum do not. I prefer mixing out of the box, but if you are going to primarily use effects, etc. in the box, then a mixer is not really necessary, and it won't buy you better results right away. When you need flexibility with routing signals between different hardware is when a mixer becomes hugely useful.

So, the core of your home studio really will be built around your interface and converters. Most of the time, they are built into the same unit. Although, if you feel like spending >$3K, you can separate all of it into dedicated hardware. 

Being that you are currently running XP, look for a product that is compatibel with at least XP and Win 7. There are many, so it shouldn't be a problem to find one. You are inevitably going to replace your DAW at some point, thus you want to invest in an interface that will move forward with you. I have been really pleased with RME's products, and I know that others on the forum have been happy as well. I've also heard good things about the MOTU products as well.

After the interface, you'll eventually start looking into other gear too. There is absolutely one rule that adheres to all home studios: bad in = bad out!!! I can't emphasize this point enough. Many reputable folks on this forum and on other forums keep advising people of this fact, but unfortunately it's not sexy enough for most. What this means is......buy some sort of room treatment. It will make a huge difference. 

Afterwards, good guitar tones come from good sources, etc. You get the point I'm sure.

So, in sum, the point is plan a path that will allow you to work your way up. This art is totally addicting!! But, it's also totally worth it! Your current platform should work to get you going. If you can create a dedicated DAW, you won't be disappointed. But if you can't, you can do well with what you've got. If you have the opportunity to wipe your system and start from scratch, you'll be able to get your different devices to work together. It takes a little time, but remember, these are just machines.

Good luck, and keep asking questions.

Some of the usb mixers only output a stereo signal, which means you have to premix full rhythm sections, which kinda misses the whole point of a daw and unlimited tracks.  If you are recording just a couple of tracks at a time, using session drummer etc. and soft synths, then I would go for quality in my interface.  In fact, it is hard not to recommend quality.  While good converters can be had cheaply, you can't say the same about mics, preamps and effects.  while a mixer has advantages, esp. if you don't want to repatch, you get a better bang for buck (usually) in a straight interface.

Good interfaces in your circumstances as I read it would be the roland/Cake series.  A sleeper w/ excellent sound is the TC Konnekt.  Something like that w/ ADAT expansion could kill two birds w/ one stone - good quality sound that you could add 8 adda later and use the soft mixer in lieu of outboard.

One thing I've never heard people say is I'm going to buy some cheap stuff because I plan to drop recording/music pretty damn quick.  You might have a low budget at this time, but it doesn't mean you have to buy disposable gear.  If you stick w/ it, you'll appreciate having decent kit to work w/ and keep.

@ 

bobsacco

... First, need to answer question if I like Line 6 Toneport. Answer, yes and no. Latency is no problem, sound is OK, but Line 6 dropped this product and does not support. I like Line 6 easy-to-use guitar modelers, but i haven't been exposed to anything else. May consider other option if others can point me in a better direction.

Keeping the TonePort UX2 as your soundcard doesn't prevent you from using other amp sims.  And the UX2 works fine with Windows 7 64-bit, so lack of current support might not be a problem.

The never ending cycle of upgrades in features and performance to digital recording equipment can lead to purchasing errors. New OS introduced, old OS not supported; new DAW software, old one not supported, bunch of gear that used to work perfectly well can't keep up. So you get stuck with gear that is worth about a quarter of what you paid for it. I advise you to look carefully for gear that can keep up with the changes for the longest period of time possible.
 
High quality analog gear is always a good investment, and tends to hold its value. Cutting edge devices that don't have wide appeal will disappear. Assess your goals, put together a studio that will help you attain those goals, and bail out of the upgrade cycle. Actually it looks like you have already followed this path so I am probably wasting breath. What you have now will probably already do the job with the exception of your audio interface. The Toneport can be upgraded without too much expense to something nice and compatible with Sonar like the Roland Quad Capture. Then you can buy your midi instruments and go to work.
 
If you feel you have outgrown your studio, meaning that your knowledge, skill, and ability outstrips the gear you have then you might want to invest in a new dedicated DAW computer. That is where I would start.
 
Paul

bobsacco


Building Home Studio now...need input! My current setup: 1) PC - Dell 755 Optiplex Desktop -running Windows Pro Xp - Service Pack 3 - Processor Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU E8200 @ 2.66GHz Max CPU Speed 5200 MHz Memory Maximum Capacity 8192 MBytes Memory Slots 4 - video processor - Radeon AT 2400 PRo - 256mb 2) Line 6 TonePort UX2 - Gearbox software - Amp Farm 3) Studio monitors  -Yorkville YSM-1 4) Amplication -Vintage Pioneer Reciever SX-838 5) DAW SONAR Producer 8.3 6) MIDI controller  Alesis QX49 -------------------------------------------------------- Why I want to re-build? I'm primarily a guitarist that now wants to add keyboards and soft syths, midi drums....etc... I'm currently having conflicts with Alesis QX49 and SONAR when it comes to hooking up the MIDI contoller keyboard to SONAR - big conflict and they don't work together... First, need to answer question if I like Line 6 Toneport. Answer, yes and no. Latency is no problem, sound is OK, but Line 6 dropped this product and does not support. I like Line 6 easy-to-use guitar modelers, but i haven't been exposed to anything else. May consider other option if others can point me in a better direction. Secondly, SONAR 8.3 seems to work OK. Don't understand why I need to upgrade since mty PC is running Windows XP. I assume I would have to upgrade PC to Windows 7/8 if I upgrade DAW to new Cakewalk X2 product? Need advice here.... Finally, I'd like to add some sort of mixing board on the front-end of system if possible without affecting quality of signal. I like the flexibility to have an analog mixing board that has a USB/firewire type digital output if possible. Was eyeing $300-$400 Mackie mixers here...Need advice here. Willing to consider the idea of purchasing a new PC Desktop/ or Laptop to dedicate to music production. Need advise here too. Ok, ready for your input.

I don't know what your budget is. You would need to upgrade your system to upgrade to Sonar X2. As others have said, Sonar 8.3 is a great DAW. You should count the whole cost. Not Just X2 but a new system as well. 


The toneport/UX2 will work in X2a. Make sure you have the most current drivers from line 6 should you choose to upgrade your computer. If you decide to redo everything start with your system. You may just need to upgrade your OS to Windows 7/8. Line 6 has drivers for that hardware in windows 8.


I don't know enough about your processor to know if it meets the system specs for Sonar, but if it does a new operating system is cheaper then a new system. The rest of your system specs seem to fall in line. 8 gigs of Ram is plenty.


If you are getting into soft synths then consider that X2 comes with the full version of Rapture. If you use gearbox and like that software then you are going to love TH2 producer edition. The pro channel completely rocks too. Sonar 8.3 is very good. but the newer features in X2 is well worth the cost of the upgrade in my opinion.


I don't use Alesis products anymore because of their lack of customer support. I got some good stories in that area. It has been my experience that Alesis writes some pretty crappy drivers for there hardware!


We would need details on your conflicts to help you resolve those. 


If it were me I would start with your system. You have some pretty good specs there see if they match up to X2. If they do upgrade to windows 8. Download the latest drivers from line 6 to get your UX2 working. Then upgrade To Sonar X2 producer edition. That should hold you over until you decide where you want to go hardware wise.


Good luck with building your new studio. keep us updated with your progress. 

Thanks all for the reply.

Just a few clarifications here...

I'm mainly a guitarist that composes instrumentals. My immediate needs are as follows in order of importance:

1) great guitar sound through easy to use in-the-box modeling. I've been using Line 6 Toneport UX2 with Gearbox. Line 6 wnats an upgrade fee to get into their Amp Farm 2 stuff....Not exactly jumping at the chance since Line 6 discontinued the TonePort UX2 and then repackaged the exact same item by renaming it the POD Studio and then giving away Reason and Amp Farm 2.0 away for FREE with  a new purchase of this product thus leaving previous owners of the TonePort whom paid twice the current retail of the POD Studio out in the cold. This really pisses me off. But that's another battle for another day...So, i recap...I need a great guitar sound first and foremost.

2) I need to get a Midi Keyboard controller that actually works with SONAR 8.3. I need soft synth and drums to add to my mixes. My Alesis QX49 does not work with my SONAR 8.3 DAW for a myrid of reasons. I've been the victim of a catch 22 situation btwn Alesis Customer support and SONAR customer support which I no longer desire to be a party to. Each company blames each other for the items not working. It's childish and embarassing and not helpful. I am forced to sell my Alesis on Craigslist for a substantial loss because I can't simply get customer support through either of these companies. 

3) Folks here on the forums have mentioned Line 6 audio interfaces dropping out and making noises. I have experienced none of these problems. Perhaps these problems stem from other issues like lack of PC RAM? Anyhow, the Line 6 unit has worked well for me. I just am peeved at Line 6 because of their repackaging strategy of the same unit I own and them blocking me from the same upgrades they give other owners that I deserve.


4) If someone can recommend an Audio Interface that has great guitar sounds that rival Line 6 then i would consider selling my TonePort UX2. Also, can anyone recommend a midi controller keyboard that works with SONAR 8.3 that would be much appreciated.

5) Anyone have any thoughts on using a PC desktop vs. a PC laptop vs. an Apple computer I'd like to hear from you. If I buy a new computer i'd like to know which one to buy.


thanks,
bob

As far as a midi keyboard controller, I would guess that the folks at Cakewalk would have tested Sonar's midi funtions with the Roland 800-pro.
Good luck.

bobsacco

1) great guitar sound through easy to use in-the-box modeling. I've been using Line 6 Toneport UX2 with Gearbox. Line 6 wnats an upgrade fee to get into their Amp Farm 2 stuff....Not exactly jumping at the chance since Line 6 discontinued the TonePort UX2 and then repackaged the exact same item by renaming it the POD Studio and then giving away Reason and Amp Farm 2.0 away for FREE with  a new purchase of this product thus leaving previous owners of the TonePort whom paid twice the current retail of the POD Studio out in the cold. This really pisses me off. But that's another battle for another day...So, i recap...I need a great guitar sound first and foremost.

2) I need to get a Midi Keyboard controller that actually works with SONAR 8.3. I need soft synth and drums to add to my mixes. My Alesis QX49 does not work with my SONAR 8.3 DAW for a myrid of reasons. I've been the victim of a catch 22 situation btwn Alesis Customer support and SONAR customer support which I no longer desire to be a party to. Each company blames each other for the items not working. It's childish and embarassing and not helpful. I am forced to sell my Alesis on Craigslist for a substantial loss because I can't simply get customer support through either of these companies. 

3) Folks here on the forums have mentioned Line 6 audio interfaces dropping out and making noises. I have experienced none of these problems. Perhaps these problems stem from other issues like lack of PC RAM? Anyhow, the Line 6 unit has worked well for me. I just am peeved at Line 6 because of their repackaging strategy of the same unit I own and them blocking me from the same upgrades they give other owners that I deserve.


4) If someone can recommend an Audio Interface that has great guitar sounds that rival Line 6 then i would consider selling my TonePort UX2. Also, can anyone recommend a midi controller keyboard that works with SONAR 8.3 that would be much appreciated.

5) Anyone have any thoughts on using a PC desktop vs. a PC laptop vs. an Apple computer I'd like to hear from you. If I buy a new computer i'd like to know which one to buy.


thanks,
bob

I understand the Toneport issues. I owned a Toneport. Later I purchased the UX2 because I thought it was upgraded hardware. Line 6 implied that it was USB 2.0 when in fact it was 1.0. When I addressed this in the line 6 forums they said that their claim was that it works in USB 2.0......Duh....any device that is 1.0 will work in 2.0, but the way they worded it seem to imply that it was a USB 2.0 device. When you looked at the system specs it did not give USB 1.0 it said USB 2.0 compliant. I gave my toneport away and kept the UX2 because of the software packs that were added on. Later on I purchased the Pod X3 pro. I have had no problems with line 6 hardware and dropouts. I understand your frustration with the Toneport.


If you change your audio interface you may want to hang on to your Toneport. Copy the gearbox vst plugin files from the line 6 folder into your default Cakewalk VST folder. Keeping the toneport plugged in while using another audio interface will allow you to use and unlock Gearbox within Sonar. If you don't think you will use Gearbox then by all means sell it. I have found line 6 customer support to be really good even though I don't agree with the way they market some of their stuff.


Alesis is the problem not Sonar. I speak from experience. At one time I used a bunch of Alesis products. Their customer service sucks! I looked up your keyboard on the Alesis site. It is made to work with apple and ableton. It has cubase mapping too, I could not find anyplace to download updated drivers for the device. This is typical with Alesis. They tend to release hardware and then they don't follow through with the bugs in their drivers! This is why I no longer purchase their products!


Let me give you just one example. I bought the Alesis Multimix 12 firewire. At the time I had Windows XP and Sonar 7. I upgraded my machine. The new computer had Vista and it was a multicore processor. I could find no drivers that worked with the Multimix at the time. I contacted Alesis. They told me to buy a new machine with windows XP and to stay away from multicore processors. That was their solution? I sent them a heated response as the mixer was only a few months old. I went back to using my line 6 hardware. Vista had already been released for a while.


A year later they came out with a new driver for Vista. The multi mix never worked. Two years later they came out with another updated driver for vista. I could not get it to work with the multimix. Then they discontinued the firewire version all together. Alesis has a bad habit of releasing hardware without supplying the proper driver support. That is why I stopped buying there products.


That keyboard is meant for apple based machines and limited windows machines depending on the software. Going buy the history of Alesis. I think the problem lies with the keyboard not with Sonar.


http://www.alesis.com/qx49 


As to what keyboard you should get. If you stick with Sonar check out the Hardware aspect too. You will find customer support much better. Here is some of the cakewalk hardware to consider.


http://cakewalk.com/Produ...akewalk-Hardware 


Check out the keyboards in there. I have the Edirol versions and all of them work great! Also consider these interfaces. I personally use the VS-100 and I have been really happy with it. If you have questions about any of this hardware you will find people here that use it. They can help you.


http://www.roland.com/products/en/UA-1010/ 


http://www.rolandus.com/products/category/498

bobsacco

Folks here on the forums have mentioned Line 6 audio interfaces dropping out and making noises. I have experienced none of these problems... Anyhow, the Line 6 unit has worked well for me. I just am peeved at Line 6 because of their repackaging strategy of the same unit I own and them blocking me from the same upgrades they give other owners that I deserve.

Same here.  I have PodFarm, supplied with a Line6 POD GX that I don't use anymore, and I would like to use it with the UX2, but apparently this is not possible.