Hey, I'm new and could use advice

[HornPlayingGuy]

Hey I'm Corey, and know exactly nothing about recording,

Anyway,

What would be an affordable set up (cheap as can be heh) that would allow me to record my french horn playing onto CD's?
I'm supposed to send cds in with applications to everywhere, and my teacher is getting sick of doing them with me. Anyway, I don't have a mic... but I have a comp a cd-r (yay lol) and a french horn. So... all I need is advice on the software/hardware I do need.

Anyway thanks a bunch, I'll make sure to check in here in a while. BTW- sorry If I forgot to mention anything, I sorda have no idea how this stuff works.

Oh ya, I am thinking of getting two mics because my teacher uses two when he records me... (but you guys probably already know that)

Sincerely with Newbness,
Corey

[manning1]

do you want to record just one track at a time ?
do you need midi features or to record midi from a midi keyboard
or STRICTLY AUDIO.

[Cloneboy Studio]

Buy an inexpensive digital 4 track like Zoom makes, and an inexpensive dynamic microphone. You don't need two mics... with your lack of knowledge it would probably be more of a hindrance than a bonus.

Just make sure the device can accept mic level signals; i.e. it has a XLR input.

[HornPlayingGuy]

just one track at a time. And I really would like to use two mics at a time if its possible because it gives a more accurate (and darker) horn sound.

I don't plan on using a midi keyboard with the system. And thanks for the advice, but do you have any specific names and um one last question. What software should I get?

[notbradsohner]

two mics probably means two tracks, unless you send them to a mixer and mix them down to a mono signal. But trust me, you will want to do this in stereo. Do you have a decent computer? Mabye you can go directly into the comp. I suggest you use n-track studio, a great software program. Some other people on this board (manning1) will tell you powertracks is better. Its really your call.

[HornPlayingGuy]

I have a pretty good comp, 512 ddr ram 2200 AMD athlon gforce ti4600 comp, used to be good for gaming, nows its outdated but I want to use it for recording just because it would be simpler for me. So you all agree I should only use one mic? **boggles in confusion**

[Cloneboy Studio]

Two mics means potential phase problems. If you are as wet behind the ears as you say, this could become a major problem. Especially since your instrument isn't static.

I NEVER use multiple mics on any potentially moving sound source like vocalists or horns.*

*Exception: acoustic guitar

[manning1]

hornguy. french horn is a delicate instrument.
your computer is great by the way. good for loads of tracks.
BUT if you use the on board sound you wont get fidelity.
you need a DECENT PRO SOUND CARD.
if your open to a decent recording signal chain (but it will COST !!)
for high fidelity recording of your french horn. post back.

[HornPlayingGuy]

well howmuch does a good sound card /mic recording comp system cost and how big a difference does it make?

[manning1]

try a cad gxl mic into a yamaha mg mixer into an delta audiophile pci sound card. about the cheapest i know. 240 bucks approx. or for a more expensive mic try a cad m179.
if you have no bucks try an old shack pzm flat mic into a home cassette dek mic input feeding an audiophile sound card.
for loads of bucks neumann mic into a hardy preamp into a RME
sound card. several thou' bucks !!

[wheelema]

Horn,

I would start with Tweakz guide to recording as a general introduction to migrane headaches. The suggestion for a simple (and inexpensive) digital recorder is a good one. Here are some to consider...

• Zoom MRS4B
• Zoom PS04
• Fostex MR8
• Korg PXR4
• Tascam Pocketstudio 5

... and the list goes on...

I would get a solid respected dynamic microphone like the SM-57. The digital recorder will hook directly into your computer (via USB most likely), no soundcard required.

There is also the brand spanking new Edirol R1. Now, at $439 it may seem a little pricey, but the beauty of the Edirol (other than it's built in stereo mics and direct creation of WAV and MP3 files) is that it is by Edirol, and Edirol is big in the academic market...

...you may be able to find it at a much cheaper price point.

[HornPlayingGuy]

wow thanks, I can actually sort of understand what your saying wheel