new to all this

[rigs]

o.k. I'm definitely new to all this so any feedback would be appreciated. I have lots of questions but I'll start with the basics. First of all, what's a better system to record on? PC or Mac?
What's a decent starter program/software that's easy to figure out? I've heard Sony Acid is fairly easy to use. I've used Garage band, thought it was pretty simple, any suggestions?
I want to record guitar, vocals, bass, drums, keyboards etc. I have all these instruments and also have a Tascam US122 interface. Should I upgrade the interface or is it sufficient?
Currently have a Dell laptop running vista. Is this good enough to get started? Do I need an external soundcard of some sort or is the Tascam all I need?
I'll stop here for now, so many questions.

 

[mikemorgan]

I'll go first
www.tweakheadz.com

 

[Lo-Fi Mike]

Currently have a Dell laptop

I've used Garage band, thought it was pretty simple,

also have a Tascam US122 interface.

I want to record guitar, vocals, bass, drums, keyboards etc. I have all these instruments

you haven't mentioned any microphones, or headphones, other than that all you have to do is record somthing and post it up in the mp3 section and we can take it from there.
Not sure if you can use GB on a dell, if not go download the free trial of Reaper.

-mike-

 

[gcapel]

I am not saying you can't record a drum kit with the tascam interface, but you only have 4 inputs with only two of them having microphone preamps. You will need two additional mic pres to feed the two line level inputs in order to record with 4 mics simutaniously. Depending on the type of music this is for will decide if this is enough. With four inputs I would use overheads, kick, and snare or overheads kick and kick.

As far as guitar keyboards and bass your interface will be fine.

I am suprised your tascam didnt come with software.

 

[rigs]

The Tascam did come with software. Cubase LE 1.07, I just found it difficult to use and setup initially. I was hoping someone would suggest something (software) a little more user friendly.

 

[rigs]

I do have 2- normal mics as I would call them, 1/4" jacks. You mentioned preamps for an additional 2 mics for drum recording. Could you explain the preamp setup. Is this an external amp between the mic and the interface. If so could you tell me what type of pre you're using or suggest one?
Also, what is the difference between a "regular" mic and a "dynamic". I beleive it's that the dynamic requires the phantom power and the regular mics don't. What type of mic is best to record drums?

 

[gcapel]

I do have 2- normal mics as I would call them, 1/4" jacks. You mentioned preamps for an additional 2 mics for drum recording. Could you explain the preamp setup. Is this an external amp between the mic and the interface. If so could you tell me what type of pre you're using or suggest one?

Yes you have two preamps on board your tascam. You will need a preamp for a mic for recording, so yes you will need two additional seperate mic preamps to get the audio signal level where it needs to be to satisfy your two line level inputs.

Also, what is the difference between a "regular" mic and a "dynamic". I beleive it's that the dynamic requires the phantom power and the regular mics don't. What type of mic is best to record drums?

A dynamic mic is one that will capture sound directly on the source usally placing it up to a distance of 12 inches or less. Typically your snare drum, toms, kick, guitar amp, bass amp would use this type. Popular of this type are the shure sm57, audix I5 for snare drum and guitar cab. Typically for your
kick and bass cab popular mics are the AKG D112 , Sure Beta52, or Audix D6.
A dynamic cardioid does not require phantom power.

A cardioid condenser will capture sound in the surrounding area and much further distances than the dynamic mic. Condenser mics come in different sizes and characteristics. Typically a large diaphram condenser is used to record vocals, and a pair of small diaphram condensers are used overhead of a drum kit which will capture the sound of the kit as a whole. Condenser mics do require phantom power.

 

[gcapel]

The Tascam did come with software. Cubase LE 1.07, I just found it difficult to use and setup initially. I was hoping someone would suggest something (software) a little more user friendly.

I don't think any software will be ultra user friendly. I personally use cubase. It takes a some time to learn your way around any software package. Are you able to record with cubase at all or where are you with it?

 

[mattr]

A cardioid condenser will capture sound in the surrounding area and much further distances than the dynamic mic.

I think to generalise that dynamics are used for close-micing and condensers for distance micing is a bit too general. I often close mic with condensers - drums, piano, vocals, guitars... everything really. I'd be surprised if you've never put a condenser less than 12" from a sound source. There's that other active thread at the moment about this, discussing the common belief that condensers are more 'sensitive' to room sound than dynamics. The characteristics of the mics aren't as hugely different as they are often made out to be.

 

[gcapel]

I think to generalise that dynamics are used for close-micing and condensers for distance micing is a bit too general. I often close mic with condensers - drums, piano, vocals, guitars... everything really. I'd be surprised if you've never put a condenser less than 12" from a sound source. There's that other active thread at the moment about this, discussing the common belief that condensers are more 'sensitive' to room sound than dynamics. The characteristics of the mics aren't as hugely different as they are often made out to be.

good point I realize this...

I never put a limitation on the condenser of 12" or more. I absolutely knew I would get crap from one of you matter-o-fact people.


I was trying explain the characteristics in general terms using the words typically and popular.

Please explain further since i was first to post a response.

 

[rigs]

I just tried installing my Tascam US-122 interface on my laptop running Vista. Can't do it, says it won't run on Vista. I beleive the Tascam is too old, it was designed for Windows 98 and XP I believe . I looked for update drivers on the net but not sure if I trust them as my internet security is questioning it's origin. Should I trust these sites that offer upgrade drivers for my Tascam? Is an upgrade even available?
Do I need to upgarade my interface?

 

[mattr]

If there are newer drivers available then they'll be on the Tascam website, and anything you download from Tascam should be free from malware.

 

[obsidian3d]

I have a Mac and a PC, and initially chose Garageband over the packaged copy of Cubase 4 LE that came packaged with my Presonus Firebox. The reason being the complicated initial set-up that Cubase seemed to require. Garageband got me started without having to do that. However, I found that after some messing around, there was some stuff that I couldn't do w/ GarageBand that I could do (according to the manual) in Cubase.

Since you already have a PC and the bundled software, as well as the Tascam, I'd say to go with that stuff. It sounds like you really only need some mics and you're on your way. The folks around here will steer you right.

 

[Lo-Fi Mike]

here you go

I just tried installing my Tascam US-122 interface on my laptop running Vista. Can't do it, says it won't run on Vista. I beleive the Tascam is too old, it was designed for Windows 98 and XP I believe . I looked for update drivers on the net but not sure if I trust them as my internet security is questioning it's origin. Should I trust these sites that offer upgrade drivers for my Tascam? Is an upgrade even available?
Do I need to upgarade my interface?

http://www.tascam.com/products/us-122;9,15,68,16.html

click the vista
then go under Software & Firmware
and you will find - v. 3.40 Windows Vista and XP Driver (download)