Hi,
oldschooler, I will suggest: 1) a good tape recorder like TAEC 80.8, or Tascam TSR serie, 8 tracks, sync via MIDI...
2) Digital recorder, 8/16 tracks or higher if can afford it. The Roland VS serie are good enuf, also Akai DSP serie but i don't really know bout them.
3) AFA software, i don't know if you're using PC or Mac, but there so much of dem, tht you better do a search and see what will cover your needs...
www.digidesign.com
www.emagic.de
www.motu.com
www.sonicfoundry.com
www.steinberg.net
Me, i use Pro-Tools for editing & "mixing" backup my sessions, bring dem to studio for mixing & mastering... i rarely use P-T as main recorder, i can record on other recorders have got and then backup to P-T...
"you got some nice stuff there btw." got mo' but i don't want to strir up! call dem "secret weapons"
"how long are you already into making beats?"
I see myself half a musician half a producer, not at all as a beat-maker, feel me? I've started playing double-bass/electric bass by the age of 15. I went to music school during 7 years, i use to do session as bassist at 21, and i really came to "production" in '94/95 I was 25, i'm 35 now... so it's been 20 years!!!
Long process indeed!