Brand New to Recording

[bpandorf]

I am brand new to home recording, and have become interested in recording my drums. I am completely new to this, so I really don't know where to start. I can't record directly to a computer, but I would like to be able to take my recordings and put them on my computer for mixing. I would like to know what mics I should get and what other equipment I would need to record without going directly to my computer. Thanks in advance

 

[Lo-Fi Mike]

budget

I am brand new to home recording, and have become interested in recording my drums. I am completely new to this, so I really don't know where to start. I can't record directly to a computer, but I would like to be able to take my recordings and put them on my computer for mixing. I would like to know what mics I should get and what other equipment I would need to record without going directly to my computer. Thanks in advance

how much are you willing to spend?

you will need mics, mic stands, cables and a workstation, but which ones depends on your budget.

 

[bpandorf]

My budget is around $300 which is probably not enough. I would also be recording some guitar and bass, so if the mics could be used for both drums and guitar, that would be even better.

 

[ahrenba]

How come you can't record to your computer? Are you just saying that you can't do so as of right now?

Well, let's change that!

So, what you need is either a USB or Firewire interface. An interface is what will let you record to your computer.

Here is an example of one: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Lexicon-Omega-Desktop-Recording-Studio?sku=245505

You may also want to use a mixer in conjuction with an interface so that you have more inputs.

Here is an example of a mixer:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Alesis-MultiMix-8USB-Mixer-with-USB-and-DSP?sku=630166

You can either get an interface with the proper amount of inputs you need, or you can get an interface with just a few inputs, and run the output of a mixer into the interface.

Once you have that, you'll need mics, cables, and stands. Let me know if I can help with anything else.

 

[bpandorf]

Thanks for information, but it really is impossible for me to record to my computer because my drums are in my basement, and my computer is upstairs. I know it would be easier if my drums were by my computer, but it's just not an option

 

[ahrenba]

Thanks for information, but it really is impossible for me to record to my computer because my drums are in my basement, and my computer is upstairs. I know it would be easier if my computer was by my computer, but it's just not an option

Ah, I see.... Hmm...I think the most cost effective option would be to get a mixer, and record from its outputs to like a tape, CD, or MP3 recorder.

 

[bpandorf]

Ah, I see.... Hmm...I think the most cost effective option would be to get a mixer, and record from its outputs to like a tape, CD, or MP3 recorder.

So would it make sense to get a Behringer EURORACK UB1202 Mixer, an overhead mic, and a mic for my kick drum? Also, can you suggest a way to record the output onto a CD?

 

[Lo-Fi Mike]

h2

the only thing i can think of would be the h2 ZOOM H2 Digital recorder , it will give good results, and you could also process it in your computer latter. You would not be able to mix the drums individually, but you could over lay an acoustic guitar and some vocals using it as a usb mic.
but i cant see you doing all you want to do with $300.00, unless you get really lucky.
a few mics, a few mic stands and some cables would run you over $300.00

 

[cgneedzhelp]

Actually imma newb also. i figured id put my own 2 cents in on it lol. I have a Behringer Ubb1002 Mixer. Which is GREAT! Haven't had any probs with it at all. I have mine ran into the line-in on my soundcard on my pc. I know its corny buy maybe...go to a pc shop of some sorts. And see if they can make you a headphone wire. Then get it in X number of feet from your drums to PC and run it that way...or put your mixer halfway between the 2...and just get longer RCAs and mic cables for everything and run it like that. And have a friend or family member hit record when you holler at them if ya cant move your PC to the same room. Just some ideas ya know. lol

 

[Minion]

How about takeing your computer and lugging it down stairs and set it up next to your drums....Or if that isn"t an option maybe think about getting an old used PC to record on...a couple years ago i bought a brand new P4 2.4ghz PC on e-bay for $140 and I now use that as my recording PC... My set up is pretty cheap, My cheapo PC and a delta 1010LT and a Delta 44 and a hand full of stand alone DIY preamps and some Mics and Monitors and a headphone amp....I record my drums with 8 mics on to 8 seperate tracks, i would say my Whole setup probably cost about $1000 and I can record 14 tracks at once and Midi.....

 

[mjbphotos]

You can pick up a used Boss BR-600 digital recorder for about $250 if you shop around. It has built-in mics that will work for you until you buy some good ones. It will only record 2 tracks at a time, so a mixer will be needed when you want to record more than 2 mics/instruments at once.
The Boss unit USBs to your computer for burning discs.

 

[bpandorf]

You can pick up a used Boss BR-600 digital recorder for about $250 if you shop around. It has built-in mics that will work for you until you buy some good ones. It will only record 2 tracks at a time, so a mixer will be needed when you want to record more than 2 mics/instruments at once.
The Boss unit USBs to your computer for burning discs.

So could I use my own mics and plug them into that, or do you have to use the built in mic? Also, can you do any drum recording with this, or is it just guitar and bass?

 

[mjbphotos]

So could I use my own mics and plug them into that, or do you have to use the built in mic? Also, can you do any drum recording with this, or is it just guitar and bass?

Yes, you can plug 1 or 2 mics into it. It is a digital multitrack recorder, so you can record anything with it. It does have a built-in rhythm machine (drum machine) as well. I'm really liking mine!

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Boss-BR600-Digital-Recorder?sku=241151

You can find them on ebay all the time for under $300

 

[bpandorf]

Thanks for all the help I think I'll get the BR-600, and mic for my kick drum, and an over head mic.

 

[mjbphotos]

See my post in the Roland/Boss section of this forum regarding FlashCard compatibility - the unit only comes with a 128MP card which won't give you a lot of recording time, so a 1Gb card is a sure thing first buy!
Keep your eys on the eBay sales, if you wait you can get a good deal, maybe with a card and a power supply too.