Recording to PC-- mic/mixer/interfacing questions.

[kmano8]

The only recordings I've made are with a really low quality mic I got for christmas a few years back pullged into my PC.

I'm looking to put together a decent quality demo. This is what I've got so far...

I have an ovation that I will plug into my amp.

I have a PC with an external soundcard.. Creative Audigy2 NX. It has a mic in and a line in.

What is the best way to get the best recordings out of this? Two new mics will be good for me right now (1 for vocals, 1 to mic my amp). What mics would fit my needs well? I suppose I'd need a mixer too... and a quick rundown on how to interface from the mixer to the soundcard would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

ps- I'm looking to keep the budget for 2 mics and a mixer under $300ish. If this isn't realistic, let me know.

[Firedncin8nancy]

what instruments are you using? just guitar and vocals? If so, I picked up 2 condensor mics from Sam Ash, MXL 990/991 for vocal and instrument, for $100 total. Then I also picked up a M-Audio mobile Pre USB preamp which has 2 mic inputs and 2 stereo inputs for guitars or wahtever. I did all my recording in Mac's Garageband and my mixing in PC's Adobe Audition for effects, levels, etc. I got a pretty decent sound out of it. the mobile pre is basically an external soundcard so if you ahve the audigy this may not be the best solution for you... i do know there are some people on here who record with a similar soundcard so hopefully they can help you more specifically. i used to use a behringer eurorack mixer before i go the mobile pre. it was pretty good and i think you can get them on ebay for not too much

[kmano8]

I've been hearing good things about the Shure SM57/58. Would it be reasonable to say I could pick up an SM58 for my vocals, an SM57 to mic my amp... both mics go to the Behringer Eurotrack..

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Behringer-Eurorack-UB1202-Mixer?sku=631236

From there, the eurotrack goes to my Audigy2 NX soundcard. Also, what type of output is on the eurotrack? In other words, what cable do I need for Eurotrack-->AudigyNX?

[navajow]

you will need a stereo RCA to 1/8" miniplug. the RCA plugs will goto the line out on the eurorack and the miniplug to line in on your soundcard

[kmano8]

oh alright, sweet.. I believe I have one of those lying around my house someplace that I used to use for sending the audio from laptop->tv when playing DivX files.

So would the sm57, sm58 and eurotrack work well for what I need? I'm not looking for studio quality, but I'd like to have a nice sounding recording. Tell me if there is something I'm missing that I should consider.

Also, the shure mics don't come with cables, do they?

[navajow]

i think so. and honestly ive been eyeing the same exact setup for awhile. not that my opinion is that big of a deal

[Firedncin8nancy]

that setup sounds like it should do you just fine for a demo recording. search google for tips on recording vocals and guitar and all that in terms of levels and placement such as don't record vocals with a reflective surface at your back (or something crazy like that) for best results. me, i just sit at my computer and get'r done

[kmano8]

me, i just sit at my computer and get'r done

This is what I've been doing... but with a crappy setup:BANG

[onemanguitarban]

oh alright, sweet.. I believe I have one of those lying around my house someplace that I used to use for sending the audio from laptop->tv when playing DivX files.

So would the sm57, sm58 and eurotrack work well for what I need? I'm not looking for studio quality, but I'd like to have a nice sounding recording. Tell me if there is something I'm missing that I should consider.

Also, the shure mics don't come with cables, do they?

2 things

scrap the Sure SM57/58 mic idea. You want condensors for recording purposes.

Also throw out your idea of pulgging in your acoustic into an amp and then micing the amp........get a condensor and just mic the guitar.

You need Phantom power for most condensors....find out if your current gear has this.

[kmano8]

2 things

scrap the Sure SM57/58 mic idea. You want condensors for recording purposes.

Also throw out your idea of pulgging in your acoustic into an amp and then micing the amp........get a condensor and just mic the guitar.

You need Phantom power for most condensors....find out if your current gear has this.
I'd mic the guitar if it weren't a slim body ovation.. the tone is weak unplugged.