Absolute beginner
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Posted on Jul 26, 2006 08:46 am
Suchmo
Member Since: Jul 26, 2006
Hello there HRC.
I am a complete noob who is looking to record music from various instruments (electric and acoustic) to my laptop. I have read the FAQ and have found it a little helpful but I don't know where to begin. Basically, I want a rundown of the essential equipment I will require. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Suchmo
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LokiCone PokerMember
Since: Apr 07, 2002
Jul 26, 2006 09:02 am Hey, first off Welcome to HRC!
So, you wanna record music on your laptop eh? Well a basic list of what you're going to need is recording /mixing software such as Sonar, Cubase, so on and so forth. You will also need a way to get the sound into the computer, so something in the lines of a usb soundcard would do ya good. A mixer might be a nice touch for the preamps, although you can get by with outboard pres as well. You're also going to need some mics, and some good monitors.
That's a very basic answer, but if ya got any more questions just post away, we're here to help.
SuchmoMember
Since: Jul 26, 2006
Jul 26, 2006 09:31 am Thanks for the reply. Showing my newbie colours again here, but what exactly do you mean by: (a) preamps (b) outboard pres (c) monitors? Apologies if these questions are basic, but everyone starts somewhere I guess.
TadpuiI am not a crook's headMember
Since: Mar 14, 2003
Jul 26, 2006 09:43 am Well the basic rundown is that a microphone transforms audible sound into an electronic signal. The signal strength coming from the microphone is generally very weak, so you need something to amplify it to the point that it can be used by your audio equipment. Enter the preamp, which takes the weak signal from a microphone and amplifies it to what we call 'line level'.
Preamps are either built-in to your audio interface, or they can be bought separately (what we call an outboard pre).
Monitors are specially designed speakers that provide a very accurate and flat reproduction of the sound that's fed through them. If you think of computer speakers or the speakers for your home stereo, they're built with the intention of making music sound as good as possible, which usually means exaggerating the bass, attenuating the mids, and maybe exaggerating the highs as well. Studio monitors don't do that...they give you an honest and accurate interpretation of what your music sounds like.
CptTrippsCzar of Turd PolishMember
Since: Jun 20, 2006
Jul 26, 2006 12:42 pm There are a couple ways to tackle this. I guess it all really depends on if you are going to record drums live, and how much money you want to spend/how serious is this hobby to you.
If I was working on the cheap and did not plan on recording an entire live drum kit, I would probably go with a Line6 TonePort UX2 (Comes with Ableton Lite recording software).
www.musiciansfriend.com/p...face?sku=249701
And a couple cheap condenser mics. You can get a matched pair of Behringer C2's for around $50. They are nice for acoustics and pretty decent for vox.
www.zzounds.com/item--BEHC2
Even with cables that should keep your recording setup under $300. A good price to pay to see if you even want to start diving into more expensive equipment and it should produce very decent results. Plus the Toneport and C2's would still be very usable even if you did decide to upgrade later.
On monitors, they don't make anything cheap. The KRK RP5's or the M-Audio BX5a's should keep you in the $200-250 range if that interests you.
Anyway, that is one example that would cover all bases (mics, pres, software, monitors) for around $500-550. I'll let someone else go into a more elaborate setup if that is what your looking for.
*NOTE* - I do not own any of those products minus the C2's and the BX5A's. Just a simple suggestion, I would definitely wait and see what some of the more experienced folks on the site have to say. Hope it helped you understand a bit more though.
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Jul 26, 2006 02:14 pm The Captain speaks good mojo there.
the UX2 is good on a bunch of fronts:
- 2 channels
- preamps on each channel
- phantom power (required for condensor mics)
- lots of modelling options
- can be used for guitars, bass, and vox
This would be a pretty good first step into recording w/ laptop.
then like stated above, you'd need mics, cables, and software. All of which has been touched upon.
As far as free software goes, there's Kyrstal audio engine, Reaper, Luna, audacity (though this is more of a wave editor)
Reaper
www.cockos.com/reaper/index.php
Audacity
audacity.sourceforge.net/
Kristal
www.kreatives.org/kristal/
Luna
www.mutools.com/products.html
* thanks to brandon drury's site - recordingreview.com - for the above links *
SuchmoMember
Since: Jul 26, 2006
Jul 27, 2006 05:13 am Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to reply. Another question: If I purchase the recording set-up now (with the intention of getting monitors within a couple of weeks) will I still be able to hear some sort of recording, as I presume?
SuchmoMember
Since: Jul 26, 2006
Jul 27, 2006 05:42 am Another question: With regards to monitors, how important is it that I buy a pair?
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Jul 27, 2006 10:46 am The ux2 has a headphone out, so you can plug into that and hear what's going on. Most interfaces will have a headphone jack.
Also, you can run the line out from the audio interface into some sort of home stereo, or bookshelf stereo, and use those speakers as monitors. This is certainly not a good solution, but it'll work in a pinch.
Be warned, though, that the speakers (and possibly the amp) will have extended bass, and possibly treble, built into the things. Thus making them sound better to the prospective consumer, looking for a home stereo / speakers, but not what a studio engineer type is looking for.
If you have a home receiver, or bookshelf system, you can use it for an amp, and just replace the speakers with reference monitors when you're able.
Like I said though, stereo speakers are not recommended, and you'll need to know how they're off, to make good mixes. They can be learned though, if you don't mind trial and error. =)
StacksMember
Since: Apr 03, 2006
Sep 08, 2006 09:57 am i don't think you will be able to buy a single monitor. Maybe in the more expensive range.
But you're gonna want 2, to hear in stereo. I am just beginning myself and had some skepticism about purchasing monitors. (I have not yet done so due to $$$$) After doing projects and putting them on CD and hearing them other places, I now see the need for them. It will most deff. be my next purchase for my studio!
I heard good things about the BX5As for the $$$
