so im obviously new at this. i just bought
magix music maker and i have made a few simple beats to start with. Before i was testing out the demo of fl studio but decided to go with magix instead. So the beats i made are pretty simple and i made them for my friend to rap and freestyle on. I borrowed a mic from a friend and i figured it would work out alright. The mic is cheap and so in result the recordings sounded pretty bad. Any suggestions to help me? Like any effects i should add to edit and make the vocals sound better? And any suggestions for a mic? Im learning fast and i appreciate the help!
Hi BA and welcome.
Well, you have done everything wrong except one. Come here!
Heh! The very first thing you need is an Audio Interface. Work your way thru the Stickies but essentially an AI takes the signal from your microphone (and usually guitar as well) turns it into a digital signal and feeds it to your PC via a usb lead. These start at about $50(? but more on prices soon). This is the same process that your computer does when you plug a mic into its built in sound card but it does it very, very badly.
You have MAGIX Music Maker? Unfortunate, but at least I would guess you are now registered with MAGIX? That being so look for
MAGIX Samplitude Silver. It is free and very much a "pro" recording piece of software. It is limited to 8 tracks but that should keep you busy for some time.
Prices and gear:
A very good mic is
the Shure SM57 or
SM58 but far more versatile IMHO is a small diaphragm condenser (aka capacitor) mic such as
the AKG Perception 170. The P170 is also about $30 cheaper than the 57/58. Don't forget you will need an XLR-XLR mic cable (10ft min) and a stand. A boom stand of perfectly adequate quality can be had here for £15.
Audio Interfaces. Best buy for a basic today would seem to be
the Steinberg UR22, about £100 here. How are you listening to your creations? The Sennheiser HD202 headphones are pretty decent at ~$20.
"We" need to know. Computer: Desk or laptop? Operating system? Your country of residence is also nice to know then at least I can get things like currency and mains supply right!
Dave.