i dont know anything about this

[mypetdinosaur]

i'm looking at recording devices and i don't know what any of this preamp and mixer and pretty much every other word, so this forum was the first result on google so im posting this here.

im looking to record stuff on my electric and acoustic - just for fun, no band, just me, for $250 or lower. i have a laptop, and i don't really care about the quality but i'd like what i can get for that money. what would you recommend buying?

[guitar zero]

Originally Posted by mypetdinosaur

i'm looking at recording devices and i don't know what any of this preamp and mixer and pretty much every other word, so this forum was the first result on google so im posting this here.

im looking to record stuff on my electric and acoustic - just for fun, no band, just me, for $250 or lower. i have a laptop, and i don't really care about the quality but i'd like what i can get for that money. what would you recommend buying?

On that budget, download Reaper recording software for free, and pay for it when you can (I think it's $50). Buy a shure sm57 mic (good but cheap), a mic cable, and a new sound card (audio quality) for your laptop, and start recording. Then prepare yourself for a lifetime of upgrading your gear, piece by piece.

P.S. This all assumes your laptop has enough RAM etc. to handle it, but if it's not too old, it's probably fine.

[Aled_King]

I think the above is pretty sound advice......

Although I'm not sure how good the SM7 is gonna sound on Acoustic Guitar.

I'm using the AT 2020 for my guitar and Vocals - Sounds pretty damn good for the price, although you may need a little bit of room treatment for vocals.....

[mousedadrummer]

downloading a free piece of recording software like reaper would be a good start, sont be put off if you dont know how to use it, just try reading some internet tutorials or something and you will eventually get it!!!

You will need a recording interface because your laptop soundcard will be poo for recording. I would recomend an M audio fast track USB interface, I bought it when I started recording and it provided good sound for a beginner and was easy to use and cheap, i got mine for about £60 here in the UK, so I dont know how much you would pay in the US.....my guess is around $100, but look around, try ebay and places like that.

The SM57 mic i would say is your best bet for starting out, it will be perfect on guitar amps and vocals, plus any percussive instruments such as bongos you might use. Might not be perfect for acoustic guitar but will sound alright. An SM57 is a good investment for a beginner and you will probably never sell it!

You might also want to get some computer speakers, dont worry if you cant spend alot on them, second hand ones are ideal, just something better than you laptop speakers

Good luck

[guitar zero]

Originally Posted by Aled_King

Although I'm not sure how good the SM7 is gonna sound on Acoustic Guitar.

I actually said SM57, SM7 would eat his entire budget. As already stated the SM57 will be good on vocals, very good on electric, OK on acoustic.

[mjbphotos]

I'm happy with the sound I get from an SM57 and my acoustic. just takes some experimentation with placement/angle/etc.

[Jammer429]

Originally Posted by mypetdinosaur

i'm looking at recording devices and i don't know what any of this preamp and mixer and pretty much every other word, so this forum was the first result on google so im posting this here.

im looking to record stuff on my electric and acoustic - just for fun, no band, just me, for $250 or lower. i have a laptop, and i don't really care about the quality but i'd like what i can get for that money. what would you recommend buying?

get this http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com...tem?sku=701346
and this http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com...Mic?sku=270102
that should work out for you in a good way

[blazingstrings]

Originally Posted by Jammer429

get this http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com...tem?sku=701346
and this http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com...Mic?sku=270102
that should work out for you in a good way

He has a laptop not a desktop.....

Specs on the computer would be good(Speed, Ram, Processor Model)

This is a better option
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com...ace?sku=703606
or if your cheap
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com...ct?sku=703606V
This is better
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com...ace?sku=701368
The 57 is a good option but if your again cheap
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com...ne-?sku=270288

Get Reaper and learn it! And yes get ready to spend your life upgrading.

[Aled_King]

Originally Posted by guitar zero

I actually said SM57, SM7 would eat his entire budget.

Yeh, sorry. Meant to write SM57.

Reaper's an excellent program, little confusing at first, but the manual explains things well!

[Waffleness]

SM57 is probably your best bet. Read up on mic placement, but I would recommend starting off with it aimed at the hole, ~5 inches away and pointed slightly back towards the bridge.

Only thing I would add is to buy a soundcard that has phantom power. You might not need it now but it will definately help you in the future when you decide to buy a condensor or active DI.

[blazingstrings]

Originally Posted by Waffleness

SM57 is probably your best bet. Read up on mic placement, but I would recommend starting off with it aimed at the hole, ~5 inches away and pointed slightly back towards the bridge.

Only thing I would add is to buy a soundcard that has phantom power. You might not need it now but it will definately help you in the future when you decide to buy a condensor or active DI.

Yep or you could skip the cruddy 57 and get this folowing setup:
Since you say your budget is $250 or less.

you could get a M-Audio Mobile Pre USB:
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MobilePre/
and a real microphone like this:
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/B1Mic/
and be right on budget.

Oh and check out www.sweetwater.com over musiciansfriend.com !
Sweetwater has better customer service and if you ask for a package deal you can get all this under budget too.... My main sales guy is Nate Edwards and he's really helpful. Oh and they give you Free two year warranty's and free shipping on everything you buy.