Recording Noob

MelodyMan · #1 06-15-2007, 04:11 PM

Hi guys...so other than recording riffs into Sound Recorder with a cheap computer mic, I haven't really been able to record anything seriously. I'm looking to get into recording my stuff on the computer, but really have no idea where to start. I have Cool Edit Pro and a live mic plugged into the mic input of my comp right now, but I'm just wondering if anyone could give me some basic advice on what sort of equipment I'll need or if you know any good resources on home computer recording that would be great.

I might be purchasing a drum machine soon, but I'm not sure how that plugs into the comp or if I need to go through some sort of mixer or what...

Yeah, I know - I don't know anything - but that's why I'm asking you!

yoyo1299 · #2 06-15-2007, 06:33 PM

ok,
if you want good quality for cheap, go ahead and buy yourself a USB audio interface. something like an m-audio fast track pro is great. it's got two XLR inputs, a lot of 1/4 inches in as well. Lots of others, and it's only 199 bux. You should get that then get a shure sm57 to mic your amp, but if you're going straight into the box w/o an amp, get a DI box. recording software is always preference. i'll let others deal with that.

MelodyMan · #3 06-15-2007, 08:02 PM

Thanks, yoyo...so something like the m-audio would allow me to go amp into a mic into the m-audio into the usb of my comp? That would be great. What kind of sound card should I have for recording...I'm not really sure.

Also...if you have any recommendations as far as a drum machine goes, that would be great (if you use a drum machine).

yoyo1299 · #4 06-15-2007, 08:08 PM

any sound card is fine if ur using a usb device. drum machines... no, i don't know any, i'm trying to get some myself

dannymills · #5 06-16-2007, 06:38 AM

Audacity! It's an awesome program, and free.

yoyo1299 · #6 06-16-2007, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannymills

Audacity! It's an awesome program, and free.

it's ok, not the best

TheMusicBucket · #7 06-17-2007, 09:52 AM

I'd get an EQ board that has a USB interface such as the Yamaha NW10. It has a multitude of input options on it and is extremely easy to use. It also comes with some software(that admittingly I never learned to use XD). But I think a mixer is a good place to start. It's very expandable and an awesome tool, and you'd probably end up getting one down the road anyways.

I started out with just an M-audio fast track and a senheiser 609 mike. I was able to get -okay- sound with it. Actually if I actually had a good amplifier it would probably sounded really good. But then I got a mixer and now I can hook my PodXT, as well as my drum machine, and anything else I want to, up to the same device and record things with almost no effort.

Just my .02. But it's only a penny for my thoughts, so I wonder where the extra cents go.

markg5150 · #8 06-17-2007, 11:19 AM

I generally use my GT8 into my sound card and use Cakewalk Guitar Pro 3 for the recording software. It's simple and works for me. My $0.02

TheBoss84 · #9 06-28-2007, 12:50 AM

what soundcards do you use? is onboard ok?

yoyo1299 · #10 06-28-2007, 04:13 PM

NO! onboard sound always [almost] sucks. my one sucks. u need to get a high quality card. but u may as well get a USB audio interface, better quaity and it's usb.