Minimum to get started on computer recording

[scotstrum]

I've read the pages and many forums and still wonder. I know I could get a 4 track tape recorder for minimal bucks, but... I have a pretty good computer with a CD burner and, I think, an adequate sound card. I want to record at least three voices and three instruments. I have the instruments and mics. I would like to be able to burn CDs of my music. So... what equipment do I need now? Can I still do it for under $500?

[drstawl]

You might need 6 pres at least as good as your soundcard (preferably better).

But:

Do you need to record these 6 tracks simultaneously?

Do you need them saved as individual .wav files or can you live with a mixdown to stereo at tracking time?

[Chrisjob]

You can most definately get started for under $500, and most likely much much less.


Do you have a mixer? What kind of soundcard? What kind of mics?

[SPINSTERWUN]

Give us your computer specs.

[scotstrum]

Here's my computer specs:
2.66 GHz Intel Pentium 4 processor
533 MHz system bus
512K Level 2 cache memory
Intel Full ATX RAID-ready memory system board
512MB DRAM (1 x 512MB) system memory, expandable to 1.0 GB
266MHz double data rate SDRAM
80GB Western Digital Ultra ATA/100 (7200RPM) server grade hard drive
40x CD-RW Drive
16x DVD-ROM; 48x CD-ROM
32MB SDRAM video memory
NVIDIA GeForce2 MX200 graphics processing unit
ADI 1981A integrated audio (2-channel analog output)
vpr Matrix 2-piece powered speakers (analog)
(of course that description is committed to memory... just not mine.)

So... Does the integrated audio mean I don't have a sound card, or is that my sound card? My computer description says I can record music with a keyboard and midi. In my system file it says I have SoundMAX integrated digital audio.

I don't need to record more than a couple tracks at a time, right now. Mixing down to stereo at tracking time is fine... I think.

I have access to at least one Shure SM58. Can access another mic, but not sure if it's a Shure. No mixer, yet.

Yep folks... my name is Scott and I'm a newbie. Got any more thoughts for me on where to start?

[Jotosuds]

well, the delta 1010 has 10 inputs i believe, and it's $279 at newegg.com. it says it has preamps, but i'm not very sure. this is the soundcard recommended most for that many inputs.

if you don't need more than 2 inputs at a time, then you could get the delta410 or the audiophile, both around 120bucks.

if you need preamps as well, you could get a couple of audiobuddys, 2 for 140 bucks again at newegg.com. or something better, but it'll be more $.

as for mics, good dynamics are sm57's for all around use, and Studio projects B1 for a all around condenser. both are around $80 i beliieve.

that should get you started me thinks.

it might be a tad more than 500 if you get the 1010, but i don't know exactly what you meant by "couple" of inputs