Newbie needs some much needed advice from the pros on this forum
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Posted on Jan 06, 2006 01:39 am
mustbenu
Member Since: Jan 06, 2006
hi guys,
i am interested in making and recording hiphop songs with my computer.
i wont be using any instruments, it will be my vocals and maybe a 2nd mic for guests. i want to make my own beats, i have fruityloops and reason that im going to use.
i dont know anything about what hardware i will need.
so which sound card should i get... i want a really good sound card and money is not an issue. also what mic is good for what i need to do, i want everything to be cd quality in the end so i can make an as-close to professional sounding album as possible.
what about this sound card? www.soundblaster.com/prod...p;product=14064
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cooloFrisco's Most UnderratedMember
Since: Jan 28, 2003
Jan 06, 2006 02:40 am to get your vocals into the computer, you will need a microphone, a preamp of some sort and an audio interface/soundcard. For the details:
Microphone: You will want a large diaphragm condensor (LDC) mic. I personally use a Neumann TLM-103. You can get by with a less expensive mic and get good results, but my mic sounds nice (check 1).
Preamp: You can either use a stand alone preamp or a preamp that comes within a mixer or depending on what interface/soundcard you get, there could be preamps there too. You will also want to make sure your preamp has 48V phantom power (your LDC will not work without it). Stand alone preamps will be the most costly here and the nicest, though you may not see a real noticeable difference unless you get a very nice mic. I personally use a Grace Model 101 preamp and it sounds super clean!
Sound card/interface: You want something with good analog to digital (A/D) converters, and preferably something with 1/4" or XLR (those 3 prong connections) jacks, and low to very low noise. I personally use an M Audio Delta 66 and am extremely pleased. Since you will only need one channel (one mic at a time), you could get by with an M-Audio 24/96 or something similar. Some people on this site also advocate the ESI line of cards.
But this is just the beginning. To get a pro sounding cd, you will need to learn how to mix (or get someone to do it for you) and master (ditto). A compressor would also be nice for controlling your signal while recording. If you want to hear some of my recordings (Hip Hop) check the link. You will hear my equipment and hours of mixing and mastering. All the song from Chim Chim Charoo and after are Hip Hop.
www.soundclick.com/monkeyvsrobotmanvsmachine
Jan 06, 2006 07:30 pm would a midi keyboard be a nessesity for making beats?
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Jan 06, 2006 08:00 pm It will surely help make it a little easier, but it is definately not an absolute must have. If you are good at step writing in a sequancing program, or notation program you can go that route. But there are many budget minded midi controllers out there. Have a look on this page, www.homerecordingconnecti...boards+and+MIDI the first few lines will take you to a variety of controllers that cover all price ranges.
cooloFrisco's Most UnderratedMember
Since: Jan 28, 2003
Jan 07, 2006 07:06 pm like noize said, it's not necessary, but does make it somewhat easier. Also depends if you are planning on using mostly samples or creating beats from your own melodies and stuff. If you're using mostly samples, probably won't need a keyboard.
