So let's say you have your computer, or you've selected your computer. What should you buy and how much money should you expect to spend?

1. Budget $440
   A singer songwriter who needs to get his ideas into the computer, or a small band whose willing to record by mixing down to two live tracks or is willing to record one instrument at a time.
   • A/D Converter: Edirol UA-5 - $300
   • DAW Software: ProTools Free or Quartz AudioMaster Freeware - $0
   • Microphone: (2) Shure SM-57 - $140
   • Monitors: Computer Speakers/ Home Stereo / Headphones
2. Budget $690
   A band who wants to be able to record the whole band at once and overdub tracks.
   • A/D Converter: M-Audio OmniStudio - $450
   • DAW Software: Cubasis VST - $100
   • Microphone: (2) Shure SM58 - $140
   • Monitors: Computer Speakers/ Home Stereo / Headphones
3. Budget $810
   A singer/songwriter looking to put his ideas down with sequenced drums
   • A/D Converter: Digidesign M-Box - $450
   • DAW Software: ProTools LE, bundled with M-Box - $0
   • Microphone: Shure SM-57 - $70
   • Keyboard: Oxygen 8 / - $140
   • Sequencing Software: Battery - $150
   • Monitors: Computer Speakers/ Home Stereo / Headphones
4. Budget $1410
   A singer/songwriter looking to record an album with a mix of live and sequenced instruments. This option closely reflects my setup.
   • A/D Converter: M-Audio Duo - $260 (or Edirol UA-5 for instrument inputs)
   • DAW Software: Cubase VST - $180 on eBay
   • Microphone: Shure SM-57, Marshall MXL 603, Marshall MXL 2001 - $70 + $180
   • Keyboard: Roland ED PC-70 - $140
   • Sequencing Software: Reason - $280
   • Monitors: M-Audio SP-5B or Event TR5 - $300
5. Budget $3350
   A band or person looking to start a recording studio capable of producing pro-quality recordings.
   • A/D Converter: MOTU 896 - $1250
   • DAW Software: Cubase SX - $600
   • Microphones: (4) Shure SM-57, (1) Marshall MXL 603/2001 combo pack, (1) Berhinger ECM8000, (1) Rode NT1 - $280 + 180 + 40 + 200 = $700
   • Monitors: Event 20/20bas - $800

The above scenarios don't include plugins for the DAW software or sound modules for the sequencing software - usually the defaults are enough to get you started and you can upgrade later.

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