Hi! I'm new and I have a question

[erikgitaar]

Hello, I'm new here and I can say that I know absolutely NOTHING about recording and stuff, most of this forum is like chinese to me:P

But I play guitar a lot, and I write a lot too. So I got some ideas of songs written down, (chords and lyrics and stuff) and I wanted to record them.

What would be the best way for me to record my songs at home? I would basically have guitar, vocals and I probably would like to add bass parts/ a second guitar in my songs too.

Someone once told me about a 4-track or something which could be the right thing for me, but I really don't know so I decided to ask you guys!

thanks in advance

[benage]

Hi, Here is a good site that may help you, I've linked you to the page about which equipment you might need but there's loads of other useful information on this site aswell.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/onemusic...equipp01.shtml

[soldierone]

A four track is a great way to learn the basics of recording. Starting out with a simple recorder is also nice because you don't have a million different options staring you in the face to get the basics down.

Aside from that, figure out how much you want to spend to get started and try to absorb as much as you can from here, other recording sites and any book on the subject. It will help you out a lot!

[poppadp]

if thats all your really looking to do right now there is inexpensive and/or free software available that can do what a 4-track can do, yet more! very simple as well. i haven't done all that much recording but got way more flexibility out of software than a 4-track tascam.

Check out Reaper and Audacity:

http://www.reaper.fm/ - Free fully-functional trial

http://audacity.sourceforge.net/ - Free Open Source Software

[erikgitaar]

OK thanks a lot for your replies! Those sites will really help me out a bunch.
I'm really not into software and computer stuff. I'd rather have some sort of portable thingy:P

I've found something called "Zoom H4 handy recorder" which I think is exactly what I need, but it isn't very cheap so I'll look a little further

but thanks!

[Dani Pace]

If you want something small, cheap, portable and easy to use, you might look for a used 4 track cassette recorder. Don't expect studio quality recordings from them but you can get fairly good recordings and learn a bit about recording on one. There are various models to choose from (Tascam, Fostex etc...) Some are better and have more features than others. I have a Yamaha MT 120 which I've been using for years for a sketchpad recorder and even made a few decent demos on it. I found it in a pawn shop for less than $100. A lot of folks around here are down on cassette recorders but while they do have their limitations they do still have a use, especially when writing or for quick referance recordings of practice sessions.

[Bomer]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Korg-PXR4-Pandor...d=p3286.c0.m14

I've had one of these for a while now and at the price it would probably suit you well. I don't really use mine anymore but this auction is probably cheaper than I would be willing to get rid of mine for.

[erikgitaar]

Looks good. but I guess I would have to buy microphones and stuff too right?

[Randy Johnson]

Originally Posted by poppadp

if thats all your really looking to do right now there is inexpensive and/or free software available that can do what a 4-track can do, yet more! very simple as well. i haven't done all that much recording but got way more flexibility out of software than a 4-track tascam.

Check out Reaper and Audacity:

http://www.reaper.fm/ - Free fully-functional trial

http://audacity.sourceforge.net/ - Free Open Source Software

Great idea.

Of course you will also need to get an interface into your computer.

If you think you will want to grow your ability to record and see a possibility of being more serious down the road with your music I highly recommend that you get started now with learning recording from a home computer.

You just can't go wrong with what you learn from it. As far as a stand-alone goes if you plan to expand you will throw it away eventually and then have to start learning recording from a computer.

Just go for it!