What do I need to start out with

[wizard00]

Hello everyone, iam just getting into recording and I want to set up a home studio but I dont know what to get, I have a pretty good budget but I dont want anything I wont use. Iam going to be recording from 2 keyboards, 2 or 3 guitars and a few mics. Id like to have effects and at some point I want to go MIDI. So what do I need to get started? Do I need a mixer, if not can I use it if I get one? How about a multi-track recorder, or a compressor / limiter? And if so what kind and what should I look for when I buy these things.

Id be greatful for any help anyone can give me, id be especially greatful if someone could give me a shopping list

Thanks for your help.
Richard Davis
Ft. lauderdale ,FL

[c7sus]

This is a big can of worms.........

First, do you have any previous recording experience?

Next, do you want to use a PC, tape, or a standalone recording setup?

Next...... how many tracks do you want to be able to record at one time? Are you recording a band or just yourself?

Next, do you have any existing gear like FX, mics, etc? Monitors?

I would suggest doing a search around this site to find out people's experiences, likes, and dislikes about certain pieces of gear. The best thing you can do is educate yourself as much as possible BEFORE YOU SPEND YOUR HARD-EARNED DOUGH! Whichever road you choose to go down, it costs a few bucks to make it go. So the best thing is to be sure that you're using the right medium for your needs. The PC solution has it's plusses and minuses. Same with the standalone gear. I prefer the PC thing but there are many here among us that like standalone's more.

I gotta go now but more later.

Search around and good luck.....

[Cyrokk]

one of your searches on this bbs should be for recommendations of books for beginners.. also try http://www.studiocovers.com/basics.htm for some good articles on what to look for when shopping for gear and the pros and cons of certain recording formats...

and when you do start to purchase gear, try to buy one thing at a time.. the learning curve is steep and the technology can be overwhelming, so it's good to know the ins and outs of the gear you have before you make other purchases..

Cy

[darrin_h2000]

While you want to maintain an easy learning curve It doesnt pay to buy begginner crap that will make your tunes sound like you did them on a cassete or something.

I would have to reccomend the korg stuff right now to be honest because they are the easiest machines to learn and they have terrific sound quality. they range from 500 to 1500 so that makes them the most affordable as well. the effects are built in too, along with mic pres that are better than the competition( In my opinion).

[chesterfield]

Read c7's questions and make sure you know the answers. If you don't, DON'T SPEND ANY MONEY! You need to be able to say -
1) How much $$$ do you want to spend
B) How many tracks do you want to record at once (just yourself - 2-4, a whole band, at least 8)
3) Do you need portability? Can you always record where your computer/recorder is, or will you want to record at a gig?
D) How much $$$ do you want to spend.

Once you start buying gear it's like going down a toboggan run with no end in sight - so take your time and be sure of what you want. Hope this helps.

[zip]

What C7sus said.....