OK. So, here I go. I'll do my best.

Before graduate school, I used to record shit (years ago) using Logic Audio Platinum.

I have M-Audio Phile 2496, which I know is ancient for incoming midi.

What program would be good to use as a sequencer? It's been a long time.

I have a Yamaha Keyboard that I'm using as an incoming midi controller. Should I buy an extra midi controller with knobs to simulate an analog sound or should I just spring for a Moog little Phatty???

I don't know. I want to start recording again. I have no idea if this makes any sense whatsover. Usually, I play and my boy takes care of all of the computer stuff.

Hey digby...

I think that your M-Audio card is gonna be fine, if not somewhat above average for MIDI and audio!

QUESTIONS FOR YOU:
Are you just wanting to record MIDI, or will you be plugging in microphones and or instruments?

What are the spec's for the computer that you will be using?

Is the computer that you are using for audio going to be used for "regular" computer duties too?
(internet / games / whatever?)


SUGGESTED SEQUENCER:

I am a big fan of a program called REAPER which is a Multitrack Audio and MIDI sequencer for windows... Theres a mac port on the way...

Uncrippled version to try for 30 days... $50 if you decide to keep it.
It never "expires"... But your karma is on the line.
It is the most versatile and stable sequencer out there in my opinion.
I have used Protools, Cubase / Nuendo, Sonar and Audition (Cool Edit Pro) extensively and have chosen Reaper for myself.

Just have a looks at the features: http://www.reaper.fm/
Screenshots: http://www.reaper.fm/feat-ss.php

It has a community of super helpful and friendly users (including myself) available on the Reaper forums and on a 24 hour a day IRC Channel.

The development team is tiny (3 guys) who seem to never sleep, as there are updates to the program usually once a week, based on the requests of the community.

It is unbelievably stable (no crashing!), and comes with the highest quality plugins. Everything you need to make a world class recording (software-wise) are right there in the program.


I paid $200 a few days ago for the commercial license myself...
I just mixed the Fiery Furnaces record that is coming out on tuesday in Reaper.



So... Check it out!

REAPER: http://www.reaper.fm/




DOCUMENTATION:
Getting started guide / manual:
http://www.cockos.com/wiki/index.php/REAPER_User_Guide

ONLINE MANUAL:
http://www.cockos.com/wiki/index.php/Re ... umentation

VIDEO TUTORIALS:
http://www.cockos.com/wiki/index.php/ReaperVideos


Setting up MIDI:
http://reaper-howto.blogspot.com/ (scroll down)

These are very good, basic setup and recording videos:
"12 Video Tutorials (Pipeline Audio)"
http://www.cockos.com/wiki/index.php/ReaperTutorials


SUPPORT:
And add these bookmarks to your browser:

Reaper Forums:
http://forum.cockos.com/forumdisplay.php?f=20

Reaper 24 hour live chat IRC:
http://www.mixxnet.net/java/?channel=reaper

one of the best things about reaper is the community of users.
I have never seen such a kind and informed bunch of people anywhere on the internet.
There honestly is "no question too dumb" and people (including myself) are always chiming in to help the

newbies and power users alike.

You can also ask me anything you want here in my recording forums...
I really enjoy helping people get it together to record.
Let me know if you need any help!!!

If you used to use LOGIC... you are on a Mac right?
That takes Reaper out of the picture until they finish the mac version...

And besides... I know alot of folks who love Logic!

Maybe you should stick with it? Dont know.

Wow. Thanks. I'm a bit overwhelmed! Thanks. I'm going to do some serious research. I do use a PC though, not a Mac. Thanks again!

OK.

To answer your questions:

1. Yes, I want to be plugging into microphones and instruments.

2. My computer is a top of the line (as my husband puts it), custom built PC, now with AMD CPU and NVIDIA chipset (maybe intel soon?)

3. And yes, my computer is used for regular duties too.

Thanks again! I was so overwhelmed that I didn't even answer your questions the first time around.!

Digby...
Sorry for the lag...

My short advice and wisdom on this is that the most reliable audio recording setup for a computer is on a stand alone machine dedicated to just the operating system and the audio recording software... and even then then the operating system should be tweaked for performance.....


Second best scenario is one machine with a "dual boot" configuration.
Meaning that you have Windows installed twice, either on separate hard drives, or on a hard drive with two "partition".

That way, when you start up the computer you have the choice of a "regular duties" computer, or a "lean and mean audio computer" all within one unit.

Having said that, some people seem to have good luck with running audio apps right along side their regular stuff and get results that they can accept.

If you have an more questions about this stuff, please fire away!

Thanks! Hopefully I'll have time to start working on some recording in a month or two.

The school year just started and I teach 8th grade science, so it's going to be hard to find time for awhile.