Hi everyone I need your advice.
I've been meaning to get around to this for a very long time. So, I'm a flamenco guitarist and actually recorded an album of my own music more than 20 years ago, back in 1997 to be precise. Yep I can't believe it was that long ago. So you may chuckle a bit when I tell you what my set-up was. Tascam digital portastudio 564 recording on to minidisc (this was a 4-track but could bounce up to 10), a Lexicon Reflex rack reverb unit (amazing unit), Alesis SR16 drum unit, 2 x Audio Technica AT835b pencils (can't remember why I went with those tbh), pair of Absolute 2 Spirit monitors (although I ended up putting on my earphones most of time).
The sound from one of the tracks can be heard on my YouTube channel, look up "Dunc Eduardo Remolino Eterno Track 2". Don't think I can include link here as a newbie.
I recorded in a fairly large room with high ceilings and wooden flooring and had a bit of air and echo. Main issue was trying to get mic placement and also correct levels to get maximum gain without distortion. I didn't use compression. I still have all that equipment. The challenge with this style is that within one track I can have heavy strumming and then very reflective and long sustain with sweet high treble notes the next phrase.
Anyway, now I'm planning to re-record my album of 10 tracks but this time I want to create the highest quality stereo sound and highest level of gain across the range without degradation and take advantage of the latest recording technologies. This time it would be in quite a small room (not acoustically dampened yet but am willing to purchase shielding around the mics) . I'm willing to purchase whatever required. So, based on my research, so far I reckon I need a) pair of high quality microphones (but what type?), b) a decent digital audio interface, c) digital audio Workstation software, d) short length cabling like 0.5m, e) some kind of unit or portable trolley to house this stuff between PC and where I'm sitting. Some of my music involves playing a 2nd guitar track over first, like overdub, or playing a natural rhythm like clapping or a percussive effect on guitar.
I recently purchased a Roland RC300 looper station so I have that (not sure how to connect this up for direct recording) and I also have a spanking new high spec PC with plenty of USB connections etc. Still to look at sound card spec so not sure what I have right now. I can download a DAW for that but I don't mind paying for one IF it comes with high quality effects like reverb (I play nylon string fingerstyle acoustic so I don't need all the strange electric guitar effects, just the highest quality sound possible) and the best editing and mixing suite. For digital audio interface I had considered Roland Rubix 44 as it provides multiple xlr inputs. Someone recommended the Yamaha MG 10 XU as well (taking output from Roland) but I wondered why I need that, unless it is to take multiple channels and premixing (?) but is that more for live performance rather than recording? Then there is the microphone choice but I'm bewildered by the options. Here are a few I looked at:
Aston Origin, Sennheiser Mk4, Aston Starlight, AKG P420, MXL 770, Rode NT5, Neumann TL103. Do I go with cardioid, small diaphragm, large diaphragm, omni pattern etc????? I'm looking for high clarity and low noise if that's even possible without spending thousands. I am willing to spend a good sum though.
Here is another piece I composed where I would just love a really high quality recording to do it justice :
Look up "Dunc Eduardo Tarantas Destino Eterno Track 3"
You can hear it is very airy and spacious.
What's your advice regarding microphone type/model? DAI? DAW? Connectivity?
Any advice much appreciated. I'm really excited to get this project up and running.
Thank you so much.
I've been meaning to get around to this for a very long time. So, I'm a flamenco guitarist and actually recorded an album of my own music more than 20 years ago, back in 1997 to be precise. Yep I can't believe it was that long ago. So you may chuckle a bit when I tell you what my set-up was. Tascam digital portastudio 564 recording on to minidisc (this was a 4-track but could bounce up to 10), a Lexicon Reflex rack reverb unit (amazing unit), Alesis SR16 drum unit, 2 x Audio Technica AT835b pencils (can't remember why I went with those tbh), pair of Absolute 2 Spirit monitors (although I ended up putting on my earphones most of time).
The sound from one of the tracks can be heard on my YouTube channel, look up "Dunc Eduardo Remolino Eterno Track 2". Don't think I can include link here as a newbie.
I recorded in a fairly large room with high ceilings and wooden flooring and had a bit of air and echo. Main issue was trying to get mic placement and also correct levels to get maximum gain without distortion. I didn't use compression. I still have all that equipment. The challenge with this style is that within one track I can have heavy strumming and then very reflective and long sustain with sweet high treble notes the next phrase.
Anyway, now I'm planning to re-record my album of 10 tracks but this time I want to create the highest quality stereo sound and highest level of gain across the range without degradation and take advantage of the latest recording technologies. This time it would be in quite a small room (not acoustically dampened yet but am willing to purchase shielding around the mics) . I'm willing to purchase whatever required. So, based on my research, so far I reckon I need a) pair of high quality microphones (but what type?), b) a decent digital audio interface, c) digital audio Workstation software, d) short length cabling like 0.5m, e) some kind of unit or portable trolley to house this stuff between PC and where I'm sitting. Some of my music involves playing a 2nd guitar track over first, like overdub, or playing a natural rhythm like clapping or a percussive effect on guitar.
I recently purchased a Roland RC300 looper station so I have that (not sure how to connect this up for direct recording) and I also have a spanking new high spec PC with plenty of USB connections etc. Still to look at sound card spec so not sure what I have right now. I can download a DAW for that but I don't mind paying for one IF it comes with high quality effects like reverb (I play nylon string fingerstyle acoustic so I don't need all the strange electric guitar effects, just the highest quality sound possible) and the best editing and mixing suite. For digital audio interface I had considered Roland Rubix 44 as it provides multiple xlr inputs. Someone recommended the Yamaha MG 10 XU as well (taking output from Roland) but I wondered why I need that, unless it is to take multiple channels and premixing (?) but is that more for live performance rather than recording? Then there is the microphone choice but I'm bewildered by the options. Here are a few I looked at:
Aston Origin, Sennheiser Mk4, Aston Starlight, AKG P420, MXL 770, Rode NT5, Neumann TL103. Do I go with cardioid, small diaphragm, large diaphragm, omni pattern etc????? I'm looking for high clarity and low noise if that's even possible without spending thousands. I am willing to spend a good sum though.
Here is another piece I composed where I would just love a really high quality recording to do it justice :
Look up "Dunc Eduardo Tarantas Destino Eterno Track 3"
You can hear it is very airy and spacious.
What's your advice regarding microphone type/model? DAI? DAW? Connectivity?
Any advice much appreciated. I'm really excited to get this project up and running.
Thank you so much.