What kind of Hardware with Cakewalk Home Studio or similar software?

I would like to set up a small recording set-up for personal use using my computer.
I would be using drum machines, a few keyboards, an electric guitar and an acoustic guitar, and a bass, as well as microphones used to record voice and other drums, instruments, sounds and percussion.
I am planning on gettin Cakewalk Home Studio or something similar I really just need to know what kind of hardware i need to put BETWEEN my instruments and the computer/software??
I would also be looking to do some analog recording using cassette/reel to reel and would be interested in mixing down digitally mastering digitally via my computer.
And while your at it if you could tell me what are some of the best softwares similar to Cakewalk that have recording,mixdown,master, reproduction etc. capabilities.??
And What is the best operating system, computer and computer set-up such as processor, sound cards, memory, speed etc.?
Big question but trying to be as specific as possible.
thanks

You’re right, this is a big question.

Hardware-depends on the amount of tracks you want to record at the same time..and ultimately, your budget. If you just need to do 2 (a stereo pair for your drum machine), I would go with an Onyx Satellite. Onyx preamps are clean. If you’re wanting multiple channels and on a tight, tight budget, go with one of those Presonus FireStudios. if you have a little more money to spend ($1500 or so), go with a Mackie Onyx 1200f or the 1640 w/fireware DAC. I have the latter and I love it, but I would have bought the 1200f if it was available at the time.

As for mastering, I like to use Sonar 7 Producer for my premix and SoundForge for “mastering” (mastering engineers were recording engineers for 20 years and grew bored with it..so now the only thing that can keep them interested is graphing frequencies and making mixes sound good even as ringers on your cell phone. calling what we do “mastering” isn’t quite fair). However, I have used a software in the past called T-Racks and it’s pretty foolproof. EQ, compression, limiting. It has alot of good presets that really help out the lifeless mix.

As far as the best computer, it would be the one that had this done to it: http://www.audioforums.com/resources/windows-xp-optimization.html You can also find a list of services that can be terminated for best performance. As far as a DAW pc, something atleast Dual-Core, I would go with atleast 2gb of RAM as a min, and 2 harddisks…1 for your OS, and one for audio. This will provide troublefree service while using VST plugins. Also; if you get the right audio interface, it’ll become your soundcard.

you can click on my name to see my gear list. some good budget friendly items in there.

I hope it helps.

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