Help- Starting from Scratch....

[bnlgirlln]

I have been reading all the FAQs and still have a few questions....can someone please help me out?

I currently have a mic, headphones, mic stand, audacity, cool edit (if anyone uses that anymore), speakers, and a great PC.

I have an immediate need for recording a demo. I usually play music in small groups, so we are talking about 1 guitar, 2 vocal lines, and perhaps a hand percussion line...although I want to have the ability to tape more inputs if I ever need it....but I cannot see myself needed more than 8.

Also, I want to eventually purchase a PA system to use for smaller gigs (2 speakers, 2 monitors, a mixer). I am hoping some of this equipment (at least the mixer) could be used for both gigging and recording.

Any thoughts? I want to make this as simple as possible.....

 

[ian410]

I'm in the same boat as you dude!

 

[Nick98338]

I've been impressed by the potential of the Alesis Firewire mixers. All of the analog features needed for hardware mixing and live stage mixing. Plus A/D converters and Firewire connection to a PC for recording uses. There aren't too many mixers with both analog and digital capabilities. Not too expensive, either. But, I don't own one so I can't say if they live up to their potential.

 

[bnlgirlln]

More info....

Do I need both analogue and digital capacity? I thought just one would be enough....

I was thinking that my shopping list could include:
- 2 PA speakers (for use when playing live and to listen to what I just recorded)
- Monitor (for use when playing live only)
- headphones (for use when recording only)
- mixer (for use when playing live and recording)
- Good Soundcard with many inputs (just for recording)

If I put this together with the stuff I already own (mic, headphones, mic stand, audacity, speakers, and a great PC), will I be set for both recording and live performance?

Is there an easier/cheaper way to do this, that would require less/different purchases?

I know I could do an audio interface instead of the soundcard/mixer....but I need a mixer anyway....

Thanks!

 

[therage!]

Do I need both analogue and digital capacity? I thought just one would be enough....

I was thinking that my shopping list could include:
- 2 PA speakers (for use when playing live and to listen to what I just recorded)
- Monitor (for use when playing live only)
- headphones (for use when recording only)
- mixer (for use when playing live and recording)
- Good Soundcard with many inputs (just for recording)

If I put this together with the stuff I already own (mic, headphones, mic stand, audacity, speakers, and a great PC), will I be set for both recording and live performance?

Is there an easier/cheaper way to do this, that would require less/different purchases?

I know I could do an audio interface instead of the soundcard/mixer....but I need a mixer anyway....

Thanks!

Lets separate out the live stuff from the recording gear, since this is a recording forum. But there's plenty of guys around here who will help you with live gear/

You do not want to use PA speakers in your recording rig. You need nearfield studio monitors to mix on. Do some searches here and you will find tons to read.

You already have DAW software so now you need a recording interface. A Firewire/USB mixer interface would work for you.

But plan this out. What exactly do you want to record? An entire band playing live? You mentioned live performances so you may need quite a few inputs for that. Give us an idea what you want to accomplish with recording then we can provide more detailed help.

Also, you might consider trying out Reaper software. It's got a growing base of users and it's only $40. You will be able to get a lot of help with it.

 

[bnlgirlln]

Thanks for the info....

Right now, I would like to record 2 vocal lines, a guitar, and perhaps some hand percussion (one mic will do). This is all acoustic-style. I would like to be able to record all 4 inputs at the same time....although I could start with the guitar and then add on....

Eventually, I may want to record a whole band (6-8 inputs), but I will not need that immediately....I just want to make sure that I do not purchase something that cannot be expanded later to record more....

You suggest a Firewire/USB mixer interface....this is new technology, right? Is it worth the extra $$$? Can I use it as a mixer when I play live?

Thanks!

 

[Chili]

I've been using the Phonic Helix 12 channel firewire mixer and like its convenience. It sends 10 channels of 24/96 to your computer and also has built-in effects when you want to use it live. I got mine for $300 online.

The Alesis FW series looks to be about the same function and cost.

USB can only stream 2 channels at once, so if you want to do 4 channels, you'll need firewire.

Good luck.