intro into recording

[nagapantala]

Ive been real interested in starting to due some recording, and was wondering if any one could give me advice on things that are required to start. Like interfaces, mixers, etc, etc. any help is appreciated!

[Minarets#40]

get a good mic - I actually just use a really nice USB microphone (Blue Snowball, google it) that plugs straight into my computer, and I record it with Audacity, some free audio software. it's good for beginners. if you were going to be recording for the purpose of making professional music, you'd probably need more stuff, but I'm not an expert on what so I'll let the people who are tell you

[chr35919]

get a good mic - I actually just use a really nice USB microphone (Blue Snowball, google it) that plugs straight into my computer, and I record it with Audacity, some free audio software. it's good for beginners. if you were going to be recording for the purpose of making professional music, you'd probably need more stuff, but I'm not an expert on what so I'll let the people who are tell youwithout a decent soundcard, it won't matter what mic you use:thumbsup

[MGH4007]

well if you wanted to go with something outside of a computer. I like 4 track "portable studio's". My friend got one, we play a lot together and it works damn good.

[GuitarGuy305]

I have an 8 track digital Tascam recorder that I do all my recording on, then I dump it onto the computer to mix, edit and master with various programs including Cakewalk Sonar and Cool Edit Pro. I use the AKG Perception 400 condenser mic for acoustic guitar and vocals and run everything through my mixer before going into the Tascam recorder. This setup was used to record and mix everything on my myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/adamstomp if you want to hear some of the end results. The songs I put up on myspace are just rough edits and are by no means what will end up on my CD, but you can get an idea.

[Minarets#40]

without a decent soundcard, it won't matter what mic you use:thumbsupI don't even know if I have a decent soundcard... so I'm guessing I probably don't :lol

I don't really understand how all that works, but I think I get a plenty good enough recording for my purposes using just a sweet mic plugged USB into my computer

[VanHorneDog]

I don't even know if I have a decent soundcard... so I'm guessing I probably don't :lol

I don't really understand how all that works, but I think I get a plenty good enough recording for my purposes using just a sweet mic plugged USB into my computer

ive been using a 10 dollar mic from best buy for 3 years. now im getting better stuff cuz it sucks.

but you will still be able to hear yourself and hear your sound and how you can make it better. plus you can give people a very rough idea.

[lestat1600]

a good condenser mic and cables. i use akg mics and monster cables, boss/roland digital recorders, and various computer software. pro tools and cake walk are very good. really though you just need to be willing to spend money. cheap shit should not be an option, and it also depends on what you want to do exactly.

[DaveHead36]

Dude, use whatever you got if you're just starting off. My very first ever recording was from a radioshack mic going into a tape deck on my stereo. I'd record one part, then rewind it, put it in the play side, position the mic between myself and the speakers and then push play and record onto another tape. Old school double tracking and it really didn't sound all that bad. Nothing I would put on cd mind you, but I was only 15.

Try the tascam porta studios. If you really start digging the recording thing, then start spending the money. In which case I would recommend an apple computer and the Logic recording program (it can do pretty much everything Pro Tools can do but at a fraction of the cost).

As for cables and such, get you some good cables, but don't let yourself get poked by Monster. It's the biggest scam on earth. I've bought monster cables on 3 different ocassions and all 3 crapped out on me in less than 6 months. I've never had so many ground issues as I've had with those cables.

[GuitarGuy305]

As for cables and such, get you some good cables, but don't let yourself get poked by Monster. It's the biggest scam on earth. I've bought monster cables on 3 different ocassions and all 3 crapped out on me in less than 6 months. I've never had so many ground issues as I've had with those cables.


I agree 100%. I have never bought into the whole Monster scam. People swear by them but I have never noticed a big different between those and the 5.99 cables I can buy at my local music store's bargain bin.

[DaveHead36]

I agree 100%. I have never bought into the whole Monster scam. People swear by them but I have never noticed a big different between those and the 5.99 cables I can buy at my local music store's bargain bin.

The big thing with them is the "shielding" they use to keep out RF. Well if you're doing short runs, you're not going to get that much RF anyway. I can understand if you're using a 50 foot guitar cable, but if you're doing recording, why would you use that much unbalanced cable? Besides, with everything turning digital it doesn't really matter. So long as you're getting 1's and 0's your $5 cables will work fine. Say NO to Monster! hehe :D

[Pig17]

Can anyone suggest an inexpensive one that is still good?