Recording!

Hello!, I just started to record my beats on my PC cause i just received my 256mb ram!!

I was wondering how to make it TOP quality!! cause it seems to lack a little quality somewhere!!

I have a Soundblaster audigy ex platinum, I am recording with the LINE IN of my sound card and my mpc's stereo out On ''Sound forge'' !!

I want to know, what the best way to do it! or whats the most popular program to record! or what volume to put in the max, or not to, if normalize is important after all this... etc

Thanks!!!! Cant wait to share my beats with all of you! this is my third week using my mpc!

peace

I was wondering how to make it TOP quality!! cause it seems to lack a little quality somewhere!!

Record in 24 bits/44,1 kHz as standard (if your card supports it).

I have a Soundblaster audigy ex platinum, I am recording with the LINE IN of my sound card and my mpc's stereo out On ''Sound forge'' !!

Good. You can try other programs like Adobe Audition (previously Cool Edit Pro) or Cubase.

I want to know, what the best way to do it!

Each track separately and mixing later in the software program.

or what volume to put in the max, or not to

When recording tracks set input levels so they can go up , close to the 0 dB, but remember to leave some space, let music breath.

if normalize is important after all this... etc

No. That's why you have to choose apropriate levels when recording. If you really want to apply normalization, don't do it before mixing, adding effects...do it as one of the last steps of mastering.

Normalizing isn't always a good idea though. If you plan to put different songs together, with different characteristics etc., better not use normalization unless really necessary. It will give you more flexibility to adjust levels of songs and let the whole cd/album (whateva) play through nicely.

Thanks for this clear answer!!!! I am doind tests now and i just found i could put 32 bit float ?? I do have 24 bit but what is 32 float ? better or not!

and do the quality of cables do something.. ? like if my cable is worth 2 bucks at the dollar store should i buy one at 20 bucks in a electronic store ??

I do have 24 bit but what is 32 float ? better or not!

32 bit float is better for sure, but it uses more disk space. Although my soundcard supports only 24 bit recording as max, I always load files into my DAW in 32 bit (because I can only choose between 16 and 32 in Cool Edit Pro ). It helps to prevent loss of quality when editing, adding effects, eq'ing etc.
In Cubase it's a different situation, I'm switching to it now, learning the basics etc. In this program you can operate on 24 bit, and it's good enough for me.

and do the quality of cables do something.. ? like if my cable is worth 2 bucks at the dollar store should i buy one at 20 bucks in a electronic store ??

You don't necessary have to buy the most expensive cables, which go way beyond 20 bucks I assume. However it does matter what cables you are using, that's for sure.
Look for some medium priced ones, if you can afford em. Remember, that these are the cables that carry your audio signal. Cheapest isn't the answer here IMO.

thanks a lot!