How to get started?

[TEERS]

This is my first post on this forum so I hope you'll take it easy on me. I'm going to use my computer as the backbone of recording and mixing. I want to record acoustic guitar and vocals as well as vocals only(doo wop). I would like suggestions as to the minimum equipment needed besides mics to get everything hooked to the computer.

Thanks for any suggestions and I apologize for the first post being so introductory.

[Fishmed]

You will need of course a sound card, speakers, and recording software like Cakewalk, Cubase, VegasPro, etc. You will need to get a mic preamp so that you can get your mic signal to your sound card. The favorite one on this BBS is the Art Tube MP Mic Preamp. You can pick one up new for around $100, less if shop around. I would have to say that is about as basic as it gets.
Look around this BBS before buying anything, and do not be afraid to ask any questions. Most people here are friendly and willing to help.

[This message has been edited by Fishmed (edited 02-01-2000).]

[TEERS]

Thanks Fishmed. I've got Cool Edit 2000 and n-Track. Is that sufficient? Also, can I record more than one vocal track at a time. I sing in a doo wop group and would like to record some our practices.

If it helps my comp setup is a PII300, 96 mb ram, AWE64, and 8.4 gb hdd. I also already have a cd burner.

[Layth]

Things you might want to consider; A seperate dedicated hard drive for your music, cost about $150. A good sound card like the Aardvark DirectPro 24/96. About $560
There are lots of others out there but this is good one. Four Mic in's which should be enough for what you want to do. The Mic Pre's are built in so you wouldn't need the Art Tube MP. You could go with just your AWE64 but it will limit your quality and you would need to get a good mic pre that would handle as many mic's as you need at one time.You should be able to get by with N- tracks or cool edit.
Hope this helps.

[TEERS]

Thanks Layth. As good as the Ardvark sounds, it is way more than what I need. I'm just starting so cheap is of the essence, at least that is what the wife says.

Would something like the AudioBuddy from Midiman serve my purpose? It has two inputs with preamps.

I already love the folks on this board.

[Layth]

Then it's probably a good idea to go with Fishmed's idea to go with the Art Tube MP mic pre and go straight into the AWE64 line in. It's stero so you get 2 channels of sound. I think it's a full duplex card so if you want to record while you listen to another track you can. If you don't like the quality at this point then you could take the next step and get a better sound card.

[TEERS]

Thanks Laythe and Fishmed. It looks like I have an Art Tube MP Mic Preamp in my future.

One last question. What's is the least expensive way to record more than one track at a time such as an acapella vocal group(4 parts).

[Fishmed]

The most you can record with a SoundBlaster card is 2 tracks. If you want to record using those two tracks, then you will need two channels of pre-amps. You can buy 2 mic pre-amps or one dual pre-amp unit. If you want to record more than 2 tracks, then you will have to buy a card that has more inputs along with mic-pres for each input.

Here are two suggestions for your situation, and both would require the purchase of one mic pre-amp for your exsiting sound card.

1) Record one person at a time. After a track is cut, you can mix it with the previous track and listen to the mix while you record the other tracks.

2) If you just want to capture a practice session, then get a mic that has an omni directional patern, and have everyone circle around it and sing at one time.

[This message has been edited by Fishmed (edited 02-02-2000).]

[TEERS]

Thanks Fishmed. Good advice. Now it's time to start playing around.

[Raj]

Just a little correction to an earlier response... the Art Tube MP is mono. If you want stereo, you'll need the Dual MP or another manufacturer's equivalent.