Recording on a budget

[Guitar Noize]

I want to set up a nice budget home studio using my Macbook Pro. I need a good Audio interface, decent but cheap recording software and at the moment I am without an amp.

So far I am thinking of a Peavey Windsor Studio as it has XLR outs which could go into an M-Audio interface? I've also been looking at Abelton Live. Anyone got any other suggestions? Oh and I want to be able to use my Takamine TEAN46C also, this has a tube preamp built in to the guitar.

[Chris Gibbs]

Are you getting the amp because you need one? If not, maybe the amp is superfluous. How about a DIGITECH GNX4, which has all the inputs you need and comes with software. I have run vocals, bass, electric guitar and acoustic guitar through mine and it works great.

The software is good too, but it depends on what you are used to using.

[Guitar Noize]

I actually want an amp too, probably not for gigging but I don't want to be playing through my headphones the whole time, I'll have a look at the GNX4 thanks!

[Chris Gibbs]

Cool. All of the tones on my page are from a GNX4 straight in to the computer. The songs were recorded and mixed using the provided software (Cakewalk Pro Tracks). I did take the drum loops from the LOGIC loop library though. Good luck!

[Stonecypher]

check out the presonus firebox, or others, they are awesome quality and can be linked together for more inputs. also, you don't need an amp, just plug in computer speakers or headphones or whatever. garageband is an awesome program and does a whole heck of a lot. Logic studio pro just came down in price to $599, used to be something like $1599. It's a pretty sweet deal, but it might be a little much. The song on my page was recorded with logic if you want a demo!
Good Luck,
Chris

[Guitar Noize]

I have an old Zoom GFX-3 I think it is I bought about 8 years ago which might be ok but I need the audio interface because of latency. I also have riffworks which is ok for putting down ideas but I have always used Cubase and wanted something with similar capabilities just more simplified, Garageband is ok but I wanted something that had better wave editing features, unless I'm missing something? Just seen Abelton have announced version 7 of their cut down LE product, might be worth a look too!

[Norbert]

+1 on Logic - I just picked up Express.

There are many interfaces available, but many of them have issues with the drivers. Motu, Apogee, and Presonus are the ones I'd guess would be most likely to work with your MacBook.