Equipment recommendations
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Posted on Jun 03, 2010 01:23 am
ChrisN
Member Since: Jun 03, 2010
Hey guys!
I'm trying to get my wife set up to record her music as a surprise.(guitar and vocals) It doesn't have to be fancy studio stuff, but I don't want it to be horrible either. I just bought a Blue Snowball usb mic which I've read mixed reviews on but will work good for what she wants to do. I'm just wondering if I should get a usb mixer or just get something like the Stealth Plug, or a Behringer product. Please help!
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J-botByte-MixerMember
Since: Dec 04, 2007
Jun 03, 2010 03:13 am Hi Chris, and welcome to HRC.
I'm assuming the Blue Snowball will be used for the vocals, and you'll be running the guitar directly in? Or is it an acoustic you'll be recording? Or, will you be recording both through the mic?
If you are recording both, through the mic, then you may not need a mixer or interface at all, since the mic would go straight to the computer, and you'd set your recording software to detect the mic, and use it for the input (I think that's correct)
The snowball seems to have gotten some okay reviews over on zzounds. One guy I know said something the lines of "There's no such thing as a bad mic, just bad application/use of the mic." (Though that's probably arguable.) I think it's just because its a USB mic that people are iffy on it.
Anyway, even if you are sending the guitar direct-in, I don't think you'll need a mixer for something that simple. However, for recording quality, you may consider getting an audio interface like one of the Line6 Toneports. A number of folks here like the UX2, and it comes with a lot of guitar amp modeling software as well. They also make a slimmed down version, which is the UX1, and it's only about 20 bucks more than the 12 channel Behringer Xenyx USB mixer.
www.zzounds.com.../item--LINPSUX1
The stealth plug is also an option, but I think it only takes a 1/4" jack. With the Toneport UX1, you get at least 1 XLR input if you ever need it in the future, as well as a few 1/4" inputs.
But like I said, if you're only using the Blue Snowball to record both vocals and the guitar, you probably won't need an interface or a mixer, since the snowball should connect straight to the computer's USB port.
As for actually recording the music, there's some pretty good freebie options out there. Reaper's trial version is uncrippled, you just have a nag screen after the trial period expires, and the discounted license is cheap at $60. Another option is Audacity, which is a nice freebie for recording, but not a fully featured DAW.
Let us know if you've got more questions, and we'll be glad to help.
ChrisNMember
Since: Jun 03, 2010
Jun 04, 2010 02:52 am The snowball will be for vocals and I wasn't sure which way to go in terms of hooking the guitar up. She has an electric and acoustic electric. I was thinking it would probably sound better to hook the guitar in seperate. That toneport will probably work great. It would be nice to have more freedom to tweak the sound and have another option with the XLR input
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Jun 10, 2010 01:39 pm also, to add to what Jbot has said, regular condensers require phantom power, which the ux2 will provide. the ux1 does not.
The ux2 will also provide nice low latency, so you (she) can hear previous recorded tracks, along with what she's singing or playing, in her headphones without any noticable lag. This is mucho important for tracking with confidence. High latency makes your incoming signals sound behind the playback.
Reaper is a program I use, and like it much. Yes, it's shareware, so you can explore and try it out to your heart's content without worrying about some things not working, or it expiring.
A few ideas on home recording, try and record to a click, or a drum track, to keep things on beat and timed. wavering time is icky. Also, try and record the 2 (guitars and vocals) separate, so you can tweak each one individually.
have fun.
Jun 10, 2010 04:03 pm Cubase 5 will handle everything you need done as far as recording vocals,midi instruments, etc
www.cubasedojo.blogspot.com
TadpuiI am not a crook's headMember
Since: Mar 14, 2003
Jun 10, 2010 05:59 pm I think that Cubase 5 might be overkill for a beginner, especially when Reaper is free to try and only $60 to keep, compared to $500 for the current full-blown Cubase. As a former Cubase user that's converted, I can attest to the fact that Reaper is every bit as capable as Cubase as far as the demands of a home recording setup.
Jun 10, 2010 06:23 pm So what advantage does Cubase have over Reaper?
Quincysanhttp://www.unitedmusicians.infoContributor
Since: Nov 11, 2007
Jun 10, 2010 06:51 pm I think most DAW users tend to agree that Cubase has a bit of an unfriendly user interface...of course once you get used to it it's no big deal just like anything else, but for a first timer it might be overwhelming.
I personally think Sony ACID was a perfect first step for me and I'd recommend it to the OP. The software interface is even simpler than Reaper in my opinion.
I don't feel like Cubase is a good first step unless the user is willing to put in a good amount of reading before becoming proficient...I wasn't that patient, personally. "Have song! Want recording NOW!"
Jun 10, 2010 07:27 pm Yeah, I used Acid Pro back when it was owned by Sonic Foundry. I think it was version 4.0. Great program, especially for matching up loops with various tempos.
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Jun 11, 2010 01:56 pm Quote:
So what advantage does Cubase have over Reaper?
a dongle?
HA!
I crack me up!
