NOOB to recording
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Posted on Jan 12, 2009 10:38 am
Mickey
Member Since: Jan 11, 2009
Hi, I'm new to the home recording thing. I'm very eager to learn how to record, and mix my own music. I recently was given Fruity loops FL studio 5. After some research, I realize that it's outdated but it's all that I've got, and I'm working with little to no budget. What else will I need to get started?
Thanks all,
Mickey
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pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Jan 12, 2009 11:44 am If you have the registration, then you can upgrade your version to the current one. But Image-line will ask for credentials, which you may not have.
I wouldn't worry about it much though, as FL5 is pretty nice. I've used it for quite awhile, and just recently upgraded to 7, i think (8 is out now, i think).
Anyway, what type of music are you thinking? what parts would you create, and will you be making beats, and/or will you be recording audio, as in guitars, vocals, etc.
These things will require different devices / directions, so it's helpful to know what you're planning.
If you're going to be recording things, will it just be you (one-man-band) or will you try to record several people / things at once?
What type PC are you using? os/speed/ram/etc.
Fill us in on those things, and we can come up with some good details.
And, Welcome to the HRC.
MickeyMember
Since: Jan 11, 2009
Jan 12, 2009 12:44 pm Thanks for the welcome!
Ok, here's the skinny. I want to record both hard rock and blues. I also am going to try to blend both styles. Guitars for sure, and vocals in the very near future. I'm probably going the "one-man-band" route as of right now, I will be making beats as well as using the ones on the program itself. As far as the computer goes, I'm almost ashamed to say that I'll be using a 7 year old desktop. It has XP and I can't remember the memory on it ( I'm at a different PC at the moment.).
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Jan 12, 2009 01:42 pm First, I'll assume you're going to be using the onboard sound, or some sort of basic soundcard. This will be a limitation, but not a show stopper.
Audio cards built for recording will give you much better (lower) latency, and better conversion (from analog to digital, and back). But don't fret, recordings still get made on such.
For making drum beats, FL is very nice, in that its step sequencer is nice to work with. You can drop in the drum sample you want, then just sequence to your heart's content. I've done many drum patterns with FL5. It may be time consuming, but it's possible.
I have some drum samples on my website :
www.kondratko.com/TomHicks/tom_hicks_samples.html
Unpack those to directories under the fl tree (i can't remember where off hand) and you can see them in the tree at left in FL.
To record guitar and bass, you may want to record directly into the PC, with no MICs. For this, you will want some sort of preamp, or boost (like a pedal/processor) to bring up the signal near LINE level.
Or,
if you want to record your guitar / bass using an amp and MIC, then you'll need a MIC and preamp of some sort. The MIC signal will need to get boosted up to LINE level, for the computer to work with it. This is what preamps are for. A mixer will work, as will a guitar processor of some sort.
Sorry to say, but pretty much everything is going to take some coin. This recording biz ain't cheap.
For recording audio, give Reaper a look. It's free to try (shareware) and cheap to buy. It's quite nice to use, and full featured (non crippled). I've used it for over a year with good results.
Alternatively, there's krystal audio engine (free) and luna (free) which may be Mu-Lab now, i'm not sure. These audio programs will work better for capturing / recording audio from instruments / vocals. FL is good for beats, and sequencing, but I don't use it for recording. I'm using reaper (great for audio).
MickeyMember
Since: Jan 11, 2009
Jan 12, 2009 02:55 pm Awsome! thanks for the tips, I'll check out my options and see what all I already have. One thing I know I have is a 4 channel Peavey PA. Will that work? And if so, how do i route it to my computer?
thanks,
Mickey
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Jan 12, 2009 03:04 pm Yeah, that should work. I'm assuming it's one of those 'lunchbox' looking things. I've played through one before, with JBL signature 15's in an upright 2-15 crate box, playing an original 57 LP Junior. What a sound !
Anyway, yes, that should work, providing you have an insert, or a 'pre out' type jack. CTRL Room out would work, as would Tape Out. You want to tap signal out from the amp before the power amp. If you tell what model it is, i can look online and see what jacks are on it.
Well, I guess hopefully that box should work anyway =).
MickeyMember
Since: Jan 11, 2009
Jan 12, 2009 10:14 pm
Its a Peavey MP-4. It has the word plus on the faceplate as well, i'm not sure if it's part of the model or not.
I'm envious over your setup BTW, I'm working with the MP-4 through a peavey 2x10 and a Realistic 1x15. My Epiphone special II LP just isn't a Gibson, but my Jackson JSX-94 picks up the pieces. lol
thanks,
Mickey
MickeyMember
Since: Jan 11, 2009
Jan 15, 2009 07:30 pm Update:
Yep, you were right. The PA is working fine to route the audio to the computer. I found a trial for Reaper, and Thanks for the tip. I like how simple the interface is, I've already got a track in the works.
thanks again,
Mickey
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Jan 15, 2009 08:53 pm Yep, the one I played through wasn't quite exactly like that, but very close.
That stuff wasn't mine, but a friends. The Junior was a present from his dad right when they came out, back in the late fifties. He's had it ever since. Unfortunately, it took a header from atop a piano back in the early 90's. Small hairline crack down the neck. ugh.
Anyway, glad you got it sorted, and are diggin Reaper. It's full featured, there is no trial. it's the real program. But you get the nag screen for 5 seconds after 30 days, i think.
MickeyMember
Since: Jan 11, 2009
Jan 22, 2009 06:58 pm Update:
Working diligently on a few different pieces, liking the combo of FL and Reaper. FL is great for creating any beat I could want without an actual drummer. Reaper almost has my low-rent rig sounding professional.
