PC-Based Studio?
 

I'm thinking about putting together a small PC-based recording studio, but I don't know much about these kinds of setups. Does anyone have any experience with this stuff?

Here's the basic setup I want to start with:

-- Novation ReMOTE 25 2-Octave MIDI Controller
-- Tascam US-122 USB Audio/MIDI Interface (MIDI, XLR, line level, and guitar inputs)
-- Propellerhead Reason 2.5 software
-- Shure SM58 microphone

Will all of this stuff work together?

Later, I want to get a guitar and add Cakewalk Guitar Tracks Pro software for recording guitar tracks. Would I be able to import tracks from Guitar Tracks Pro into Reason so I can mix them with the synth and vocal tracks?

I'm not sure about the hardware, but have you thought about using Powertracks? Its very cheap (like $30 from the website) but pretty good, and you can mix midi and wave tracks, so that might eliminate the need to run the two other programs.

look at this website... a friend of mine has a PC based studio...

http://www.dy-nas-d.com/System.htm

Chilly << Thanks for the suggestion. I watched the overview video for PowerTracks 9, and it looks pretty cool. I'm going to try out the demo version.

Cynthetiq << Your friend's setup sounds nice, but it probably cost a fortune. I'm looking to do this as a hobby and don't want to invest much in it right away. Thanks for the tip though.

I use Ablton LIVE. It's a GREAT software for your needs. You can probaly find a version on Kazza or Edonkey to get ya started. Price from purchase is around 150 bucks. It is awsome!

PowerTracks looks pretty cool, but I don't think I'm going to get very far trying to play anything by clicking an onscreen keyboard with the mouse. I'm going to need a MIDI controller.

I just have to say....I love your quote! I remebering hearing that years ago, but it flashed back into my mind.
Anyways, Yes Ableton Live needs a MIDI controller, however, any ols key board will interface to do the job. I bought a cheapo at Radio Shack for 69 bucks and it works great.

I was just looking at Ableton's Web site. The software is very impressive and looks like a lot of fun. I especially like the sampling and groove box-style features. That's definitely something I'll want to check out. Thanks for the tip, Dawson! :D

We have had alot of success with that software. It takes a while to figure out all the bells and whistles, but once you get it, you will record songs and mix them like a pro. We have been very impressed and others that we have shared our samples with have been too. Good Luck, glad I could help. :)