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I currently own a pro tools mbox 2 and have 2 computers. One for production. One for recording. I am debating on weather or not i should take the memory from the old one and put it on the new one, and control everything from there or use both computers. Thats one question. My real problem is that I only have the recording hard/software (pro tools). I have decided on a mic (the rode nt1A), but i cant find any QUALITY, cost efficient monitors.

Also what are the +/- to buying a sound card.
Pro Tools lets me mix through the software. Why do i need a mixer?
Mic Pre Amp. Why?
I know its a lot, but I really need help on this one!
Look out for me!
Thanx.
I am lookin more for a final mix down mixer (if that made sense), but what are the advantages of an input mixer? What about a sound card? any advantages of getting one?
By the way. Thanx! That helped

I’ve got the software, the microphones, cables, and so forth, but the last step I need is to find a way to hook up multiple microphones into my laptop. It’s difficult for me to just get another sound card because I am using a laptop, so what other alternative ways could I hook up the microphones to the computer? Currently, I just convert the microphone to a 1/8th and fit it into the headphone slot in the laptop, but I understand I lose quite a bit of quality that way as well. What better methods are there for under $200, and hopefully would allow me to record from up to at least 2 or 3 microphones at the same time? Thanks.

Right. I have a guitar, a bass, a small amplifier, a laptop (on Windows Vista) and a copy of Ableton. That’s all. What I want to get now and have advice on:

1) A synth/keyboard (must be small and portable, yet also able to make ‘unusual’ sounds)

2) A microphone

3) A drum synthesiser

I would like to know a decent option for me to buy for each of the above, and I can’t really spend a lot of money. I’m not going to reveal my budget, as I don’t want to be given the most basic options. I’m going for the midrange, basically.

Also, I do ultimately want to record my music. As I mentioned, I have a home studio program (Ableton) on my laptop. What I need to know is:

1) What do I need to record my guitar and bass guitar directly to my laptop? As in, I’m guessing I need some kind of gadget which connects my amp to my computer, but what? And where can I find it to order online?

2) I like Ableton, it’s nice, but is there any other kind of software which is better for recording and mixing electronic guitar music?

Please don’t tell me to buy a Mac - I’m happy with my Toshiba laptop and my vast external hard-drive.

***Thank you very much for any help you can offer me!***