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A Good Computer for Recording Music

The availability of affordable music recording software and computers has blurred the once defined lines of which computer is best for recording music. Previously, expensive computer hardware and specialized recording software was necessary for recording. Today's modern home computers, however, can produce high-quality music when loaded with inexpensive recording software and a few add-on peripherals.

  1. Mac or PC

    • Mac and PC fans are traditionally divided, particularly when it comes to music recording. In the past, Mac computers were preferred because their ability to handle music recording was better than that of PCs. Now that PCs are similarly efficient, and their prices can be well below Mac levels, budget-conscious individuals can use a PC along with one of the many music recording programs designed for the platform.

    Desktop or Laptop

    • Just as the processing differences between brands has equalized, so has the power of desktops and laptops. Many of today's laptops rival or exceed the specifications of some desktops, and therefore are quite capable of recording quality music. Some prefer desktops because of the ease of upgrading audio components, but laptops offer added space-saving and portability advantages, which is especially helpful when recording music in live music venues or other locations away from your studio.

    Specifications

    • The specifications of your music recording computer will depend largely on those recommended by your recording software. You can find these specifications on the software package or manufacturer's website. The CPU speed should be at least 2Ghz to process recording task commands, and a minimum of 1GB of RAM is necessary to to avoid software slowdowns, crashes or freezes. To handle music recording, the hard drive should run at 7200 RPM, and should be at least 60GB in size.

    Peripherals and Add-ons

    • With the proper specifications, necessary features and optional add-ons, you can make almost any computer into a good one for recording music. Necessary features for your recording computer include a CD burner, a USB or FireWire connection, a high-quality sound card, a pair of external self-powered speakers, recording software and a USB microphone. A USB or FireWire digital audio interface/preamp will allow you to connect microphones and musical instruments directly, while recording studio monitor speakers and headphones will add greatly to the quality and flexibility of your recorded music. If you want to record MIDI devices, you'll need a MIDI interface as well.

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Recording Music

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