Newbie needs help!

Posted on

Member Since: Feb 14, 2012

I am slowly getting my own studio started...for my own personal use..here's the equipment I have so far:

Zoom MRS 1044CD (8 tracks, and stores everything then you can burn it to CD), also has built in drum and bass patterns
Powered monitors
condenser mic
dynamic mic (shure 57)
assorted stands, cables, etc.

I have recorded several songs and like how its going but I want to do more and be more demanding in the sound I want. The trouble I am having is that I believe the Zoom recorder is outdated and I can't do what I want with it. I believe I need to tweak the sound ( mostly vocals) BEFORE it goes into the Zoom (such as delay, reverb, or other effects and eq). So how do I go about doing this? Guitar work is not a problem because I use pedals, and mic the guitars. I plan on getting an electronic drumset to record my own drum tracks...but thats down the road.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, if you would prefer my email is [email protected]!

[ Back to Top ]


www.TheLondonProject.ca
Member
Since: Feb 07, 2005


Feb 16, 2012 07:12 pm

You could always purchase an effects processor and put it in front of the Zoom. Problem is that the effects would be printed and you could not change them after.

Uh, at least one more time . . .
Member
Since: Feb 07, 2007


Feb 16, 2012 08:41 pm

Do yourself a big favor and get some recording software. The Zoom recorder isn't out dated, just very limited. Use the Zoom for field work. BeerHunter's right--If you record the effects, you can't un-record them. Back in the old days, this was often unavoidable, but there's no reason in this day and age to be hindered like that. You will have to get some kind of software sooner or later if you plan on doing what you're doing, so start making inquiries . . . .

Member
Since: Feb 14, 2012


Feb 16, 2012 08:42 pm

what do you mean by printed?? Like I said, I am new at this and don't know the jargon,,,I'm learning by trying something and if that doesn't work, i try something else..

I'm a guitar player and not computer/gadget savy.

Member
Since: Feb 14, 2012


Feb 16, 2012 08:54 pm

i know i need to convert to the computer based recording, and I want to...just know nothing about it and it intimidates me...what kind of computer do i need, what kind of software, somewhere I read I need some kind of interface, how does it get hooked up..etc..I'm afraid it will all overwhelm me and I'll have to become computer savy (which i am not) that i won't be able to concentrate on the actual music writing.

http://www.reverbnation.com/2ndg
Member
Since: Nov 27, 2007


Feb 16, 2012 11:06 pm

took me a couple of good years to ferk around with computer software and learning, and yeah, to a degree you do get side tracked from the writing till you learn it...are you obsessive? If so you'll have no probs with it and it wont take long, if your arent obsessive then might just take a little longer but you'll get there.

There's no magic bullet as far as telling you exaclty how to go about it, you just gotta get the gear together then learn as you go, come on here, ask questions see what flyes and what doesnt.

no such thing as needing to be computer savy these days mate, most is self explanitory and when its not you can ask questions. If you wanna go full hog with yer music then you'll need softy i recks.






Uh, at least one more time . . .
Member
Since: Feb 07, 2007


Feb 17, 2012 12:01 am

By printed, we mean that the signal or track is recorded onto disc or hard drive or whatever media--it's a term from tape recording. The whole signal--delay or reverb or whatever, along with the actual guitar or voice--is "printed" to disc or tape, and once that's done, it's done. you can erase it, or delete it, but you can't "take out" the reverb (or anything) once it's printed.
There probably isn't anyone here who hasn't been where you're at right now. In 2004, I was using Tascam cassette recorders (!) to record stuff I thought I might someday get somewhere with. Sure. Right. I bought a Boss 532 digital recorder, and then soon started using Magix' Music Studio ($79.00) on a Dell single-processor computer in Windows 98.
I had absolutely no idea what I was doing, and was often frustrated, but over a period of months and years I picked up a lot of knowledge by going to forums like this and simply reading the manuals of the software. (I like reading that kind of stuff, so that helps.) I still have (and use) the 532 (for field recordings), but everything else is done on a computer. You'll eventually get the hang of it, and the possiblilties for expanding your chops are endless.
Getting started is relatively easy; even deep programs like Pro Tools, Samplitude, Logic, Cubase, etc. have "lite" versions that many novices start on, but even the "pro" software is relatively easy to set up to do basic recording. I started to record tracks almost immediately upon getting the software, and I'm sure you'll get up and running quickly. Just keep doing what you're doing, and slowly get into the digital /computer realm so you don't get overwhelmed. No question is too dumb/simple/stupid to ask, especially here, so be sure to come back.
To your question: You can print effects along with the track, but you're probably better off recording "dry." I'm guessing the Zoom doesn't allow you to add reverb or things like that via a "send and return" bus or an "insert" point, so, again, you're limited here. Good luck.


Uh, at least one more time . . .
Member
Since: Feb 07, 2007


Feb 17, 2012 12:09 am

I see that the 1044CD does indeed have insert effects. Have you used these? In the review I just read, here's a quote: "Overall, the MRS-1044's strengths far outweigh any gripes I have. Songwriters — particularly those without access to a drum machine, a sequencer, or a bass guitar — will get a huge bang for their multitracker bucks. If you have a PC with SCSI or USB, definitely spring for the interface card. Newcomers to recording and production can dive in without fear of a steep, frustrating learning curve." That's good news for you.


www.TheLondonProject.ca
Member
Since: Feb 07, 2005


Feb 17, 2012 04:00 pm

I noticed that there are effects in the 1044cd as well but I didn't see reverb, delay etc so I am under the impression that it is not capable of running the processor intensive effects that the OP is looking for.

Related Forum Topics:



If you would like to participate in the forum discussions, feel free to register for your free membership.