Cheap ways to record via laptop

[defcon]

I did a cover/takeoff of Watchtower for one of my classes today, done in my own style (although with the power chord intro ala Dave, then Am, G, F in open chords, then barre chords) in front of roughly 50 people for an academic project. I got a standing ovation. People want to hear more. I'm thinking about recording some acoustic stuff and putting it on MySpace for input, mostly original but also covers. It's a real rush when you get a standing O. I've performed twice before, and a few open mics, but I've never really received such a warm reception. I guess hours of practice paid off.

Question: what are some cheap ways to record my guitar and vocals on a laptop? Get a microphone and software? If so, what?

thanks.

[randumox56]

yeah I do that all the time... if you're looking for ease with awesome quality I would suggest that you start by recording to your laptop with this easy interface:

http://www.guitarcenter.com/shop/product/buy_presonus_inspire_1394_firewire_audio_interface ?full_sku=103943718

You will need to have firewire... this unit also offers up zero latency monitoring which rocks! I dunno what you wanna use for software but if you're not real familiar with all the settings I would suggest something older and simpler such as cool edit pro. Let me know if you might need some software... I would NOT suggest using the cubase that comes with this unit because there is ZERO support. E-mail me if you have anymore questions

NBMutsch@aol.com

Nathan

[defcon]

yeah I do that all the time... if you're looking for ease with awesome quality I would suggest that you start by recording to your laptop with this easy interface:

http://www.guitarcenter.com/shop/product/buy_presonus_inspire_1394_firewire_audio_interface ?full_sku=103943718

You will need to have firewire... this unit also offers up zero latency monitoring which rocks! I dunno what you wanna use for software but if you're not real familiar with all the settings I would suggest something older and simpler such as cool edit pro. Let me know if you might need some software... I would NOT suggest using the cubase that comes with this unit because there is ZERO support. E-mail me if you have anymore questions

NBMutsch@aol.com

Nathan

Thanks :thumbsup

[lestat1600]

I did a cover/takeoff of Watchtower for one of my classes today, done in my own style (although with the power chord intro ala Dave, then Am, G, F in open chords, then barre chords) in front of roughly 50 people for an academic project. I got a standing ovation. People want to hear more. I'm thinking about recording some acoustic stuff and putting it on MySpace for input, mostly original but also covers. It's a real rush when you get a standing O. I've performed twice before, and a few open mics, but I've never really received such a warm reception. I guess hours of practice paid off.

Question: what are some cheap ways to record my guitar and vocals on a laptop? Get a microphone and software? If so, what?

thanks.
when it comes to recording there really is no cheap way. unless you have what is needed or can borrow what is needed. really all is needed is decent software and mics (mid-grade or better)

[lestat1600]

if your looking at buying recording stuff i.e. interfaces, 4 tracks, etc... pay a few extra dollars and get the boss br 600 costs about 324.00 and you can do all you need, record/mix seperate tracks, effects, etc... if serious about recording get a 4 or 8 track. the br 600 is well worth it and is about the size of a laptop

[Panoramical]

If I were you I wouldn't record anything so you build up anticipation for your next show...

But if you do, it costs however much you want it to cost. It can cost $10 if you want. Depends entirely on your budget...If your budget is low a Shure SM57 mic and Fast Track USB interface and Audacity is your best bet. Otherwise, you might want to look at a mixer and Firewire 410 with Pro Tools. Or a 1/4 Jack to 1/8 Jack converter and a $1 microphone go nicely into your computers line in port. Well they don't...but you can record that way. Wouldn't ever reccomend it...but here I am now recommending it.