Hi, I'm a guitarist of some 55yrs and I just want to do a simple thing, I want to lay down a 4 track piece from my guitars and keyboard.
I have guitar, I have amp I have pc. What else do I need to get going laying this 4 track composition to my pc that I can replay at leisure? Thanks in advance and sorry for being from the Stone age.
Hello young 'un (me near 73) and welcome. I shall not prevaricate around the shrubbery but tell you EXACTLY what you need in order to capture your "Mag' opus"! From input to output...Assuming a decent budget (you never said?)
Microphone(s): Shure SM57 but buy a good quality foam "pop" shield with it and a couple of XLR mic cables*. Mics plural because if you have an acoustic guitar a Small Diaphragm Capacitor (aka "condenser) is more useful. The Se Electronics Se8 takes some beating.
Mic stands! Peeps often forget these. One full sized boom stand if you are an upstanding singer but the $20 half sized jobbys are great for getting at an amp or Ac git sat down.
Audio Interface: I shall strongly recommend the Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6. Tell you why more later if you like but, you mentioned "keyboard"? You may not have heard of it but you will kick yourself later if you don't get an AI with MIDI. Likewise you need an AI with low "latency" (again tell more 'ron if you like) Yes, there ARE cheaper AIs but nothing I know of with the connection versatility, stability and low latency. The KA6 will also work on PC, mac and any Operating System I am aware of including Linux.
Digital Audio Workstation: This is the software you use to record, edit and repaly your creations. The KA6 comes with a very workable version of Cubase but that does not suit everyone. Try Reaper but you can (now!) download working demos of all the major DAWs. I use Samplitude Pro X 3 and there is a very powerful free version called Samplitude Pro X Silver. Be advised..NONE of this software is "easy" you will need to put in some work.
Harkening unto stuff: Start with a pair of Closed Back headphones. I love my AKG K92s (abt $50) but there is a vast range. You will however need a pair of monitors eventually to get a proper idea of your sounds. Again VAST range but I see "Adam" have just entered the budget market with the T7V at around $400pr. I really would not spend less. (revd Sound on Sound Aug 18).
*You will need a few and don't stint on QUANTITY. Nothing worse than being stuck of a wet Sunday with a dodgy mic lead, have spares. Don't pay silly money but good quality will be more reliable (won't make Jack S diff' to the sound) I suggest spending around $1.00 per mtre on XLRs and a bit less for jack leads.
Hope all this helps. Not touched on room treatment and techniques but you'll larn and there is plenty of help about.
Dave.