Recording Noob, Please spare a few minutes
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Posted on Dec 16, 2007 02:48 am
adamjblakey
Member Since: Dec 16, 2007
Hi,
I have finally decided to get into the home recording scene and do not have a clue what is needed so hopefully you can help me out.
Basically i need a system that for around $300/$400 which will include everything i need. I already have a really good PC so this is not needed.
The majority of my songs will be done via just an acoustic guitar and vocals and maybe a few just vocals so this gives you an idea of what i might need.
Right first of all i am unsure on which microphone to buy as i don't know whether it is better to take both guitar and vocals in on the same microphone or to buy something like this www.amazon.com/Behringer-...4687&sr=8-1 which will bring my guitar in separate?
Also with a microphone what other equipment do i need to hook this up to my PC to record the vocals?
Hopefully you can help me out as i have not got a clue.
Cheers,
Adam
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pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Dec 16, 2007 07:46 am Hey Adam, welcome aboard!
First idea in my head is the Line6 UX2. This is USB, and will give you 2 simultaneous inputs, so you could record guitar + voice, or maybe two voices, etc. at the same time.
Those fetch 200$ I believe, but I think it's very worth it. A few on here have them, (Noize2u) and has been very happy with the Mic and Preamp modeling.
www.zzounds.com.../item--LINTPUX2
This way you'll be able to assist your mic/preamp combo (using modeling). Also, the UX2 has preamps built in, so you cover that ground.
For Mics, and under budget, I'd say look at :
www.zzounds.com...em--MSEMXLANVPK
This pack has 1 large condensor (LDC), plus 1 small condensor (SDC), for 99$. They certainly won't be Neumann quality, but I've heard several positive opinions about MXL stuff, so for the $$$, I'd say they're worth a look.
If you wanted to get a little better quality (in my opinion) for a little more $$$, there's this pack:
www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/AT2041sp/
(i looked on zzounds, no offering)
This is from audio-technica, which I've read to be a very good entry level mic. Plus you get a SDC for acoustics, and whatever.
For software, to keep it free (or shareware), there's Kristal audio engine, which is free, and gives you actual multi-track recording. I see it's 16 tracks. Maybe not a limitation to you, and still get you started.
www.kreatives.org/kristal/
My current fav, is Reaper, which is shareware (50$) but a full featured multi-tracker. Plus you get a ton of killer plugs.
www.reaper.fm/
For low $$$, there's Multi-track Studio (MTS), traction, Cakewalk Home studio, and I think cubase has a low-dollar offering.
cakewalk home stuido: www.zzounds.com/item--CAKHS
Tracktion: www.zzounds.com...m--MACTRACKTION
MTS: www.multitrackstudio.com/
Cubase SE: www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/CubaseSE3/
Cubase Studio: www.zzounds.com...item--STECUBSTU
Then high-end, there's full cubase, sonar (which several on here use), SAW, and others, that I doubt you're interested in yet.
You may want to include some closed-back headphones, if you're tracking guitar and vocals separate. (you will, actually). A mic stand or two, plus cables will round you out.
That should get you started, for cheap (for home recording, anyway). Plus you'll have a very decent product, provided you spend real time in learning your gear.
Hope that helps, and have fun.
* edit * added more linkys
Dec 16, 2007 07:59 am what he ^^^ said!
welcome to HRC!
wyd
Dec 17, 2007 03:35 am Thanks for the great answer pjk this has helped me out a lot. I am finding it hard to find the audio-technica mic pack as i am from the UK and i cannot find a stockist of this pack in the UK. Have you got any other idea's of what i should use in place if i cannot find it.
Would this be ok? www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/pa...roduct_id/19998
Also in terms of the software, would you suggest using pro tools over Reaper or not?
Dec 17, 2007 07:34 am I'm going to second the Line 6 UX 2. I just got ahold of the Line 6 UX 1, and it is outstanding! For doing what you describe, the UX 2 would be perfect.
Plus, it comes with Ableton Live Lite software, which, while slightly cumbersome to learn, would easily satisfy all of your recording needs and then some.
Good luck and welcome to HRC!
TallChapAnswer:On a good day, lipstick.Member
Since: Jun 24, 2004
Dec 17, 2007 10:18 am pjk, wyd, and Jim are all steering you right. Them there MXL mics are actually very good. Also check out Rode and Behringer. Low prices, big results. It's not a Nuemann, but it's not two grand either.
As for ProTools, it's a very good platform. However, it's expensive and you get sucked into a world of upgrades, hardware and more expense. Don't buy into the hype. Many of the less expensive software is extremely good quality. Try Reaper, or Krystal, or Tracktion. All very low prices (except Krystal which is free!). These will definitely get your feet wet, and you can upgrade later if you feel the need, or if/when you outgrow the software.
Home recording is a process, not a race. Many of us get away with minimal and inexpensive set-ups and manage to get very good results.
Dec 17, 2007 03:13 pm Hi Everyone,
I use the Line6 UX2 and Reaper.
This will work great for just guitar and vocals and is VERY easy.
There are a lot of Reaper tutorials on Youtube to get you started.
Let me stress
Reaper = EASY
Good luck and have fun! ! ! !
Keith WarrenMans reach exceeds his graspMember
Since: Oct 23, 2007
Dec 17, 2007 05:50 pm Hey, welcome Adam :)
I agree with all of the above, I wanted a Toneport, but because money restraints I ended up getting a Tascam US144, which I consequently didnt have enough computer to use so I ended up getting a new computer, lol. Defeated the purpose, but it was time for an upgrade anyway. I suggest both, but I've only tried the Tascam. As for the Toneport, everyone around here swears by 'em and the guys who run the site even use them on a 'daily' basis. Whatever you decided to use, welcome to the dark side and happy recording!
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Dec 17, 2007 07:05 pm Yep, UX-2 is killer. You get all the guitar and bass modeler's as well as a bundle of killer mic pre amp models which I will state are absolutely stunning for emulation's.
Dec 18, 2007 04:23 am Thanks for all the great advice. What microphone shall i go for though seeing as i am based in UK?
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Dec 18, 2007 07:59 am Here's one of HRC's affiliates:
www.gear4music.com
If you go through HRC page here:
www.homerecordingconnecti...pment_front.php
and search for JM472, there's nice Joe Meek bundle (LDC & SDC) for 99 GBP.
If you connect through HRC, and purchase, HRC will get a few nickels (pence).
I've not worked with Joe Meek stuff, but have heard good things about their outboard gear, mainly preamp and compressors.
Gear4Music also has a few Audio-technica mics, I found the at2020 on their site, but not the bundle I mentioned earlier.
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Dec 18, 2007 08:10 am cool, thanks.
