Starting Out

  • Thread starter Thread starter albinoblackbear
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albinoblackbear

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I just recently made some extra money and am thinking about buying some home recording stuff. I'm a complete newbie to this, though.

I have a Macbook Pro, some pretty nice speakers, a nice receiver, and nice headphones. Nothing else, though, besides my instruments.

My music is folky kind of music, like Fleet Foxes or Bon Iver. Actually, I wouldn't mind it sounding like Bon Iver's For Emma, Forever Ago. After all, I've been recording with my built-in mic on my Macbook Pro, so anything will probably sound better. I'll be playing acoustic guitar, will have vocals, and maybe the occasional percussion, all one track at a time.

So, what do I need? A microphone, obviously, but what kind? Do I need a usb interface? A preamp?

My budget is somewhat limited since I'm a college student, but I could probably spend about $150 and stretch it a TEENY bit if I have to. It's not much, but I'm not releasing this professionally (yet :rolleyes:). I just want to record an album with a decent sound.

Thanks!
 
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Thanks for the recommendation.

I have a question, though. Is it worth it to buy a snowball microphone? My roommate has one. I guess I could go try it out myself, but I was wondering if the combo you suggested would be better than that.

I'm glad you like Fleet Foxes. Sweet sweet harmonies, that's what I'm aiming to do. Except with myself. Forever alone :(
 
I don't know what you mean by "snowball" mic. Do you mean one with a spherical screen on it? That would be something like a Shure SM58. I have a Chinese mic (SMS OM-500, I think it's called) that's supposed to be a perfect clone of an SM58. It only cost $50.

Check out a band from Duluth called Low if you haven't already. Hauntingly beautiful harmonies.
 
I honestly can't advise you on mics. I don't do any miking, all my stuff is electronic.
 
Alright, thanks!

I checked out Low, they're really awesome!
 
Get a stereo USB interface and a condenser mic with a standard XLR connection. You'll want to be able to take advantage of hardware monitoring and possibly stereo recording later on.

Interfaces are teh cheap.
 
Ones you can afford. What does your favorite online retailer have to say on the matter?

For acoustic guitars, a pair of condensers would be ideal. You might have to stretch your budget a little.

How serious are you about this whole recording thing?
 
Thanks for all the welcomes!

I'm not willing to spend too much in the beginning but may be able to expand later on.

I'm interested in what Justin Vernon used when he recorded For Emma.. I think he used a Shure SM57?
 
Alright, I found an Audix OM2 on Craigslist for $25 with a chord. I read that it's comparable to the SM58, so I'm pretty sure I got a good deal :D

All I need now is a usb interface, correct?

Thank you!
 
Alright, I went to Guitar Center today and picked up an Audiobox USB interface.

A couple problems already. First, when I record in stereo, I only get sound from my left speaker. Do I just have to always record in mono?
Second, I seem to be getting a lot of noise.

I apologize for my lack of knowledge on the subject.
 
You need two mics to record in stereo, abb. Google the term "stereo recording techniques" and just look at the pictures. Mics positioned correctly reproduce reflections from the room in such a way that the illusion of a 3d space is created.

Mono recordings are cool, too. What mic are you using, and what are you pointing it at?

-SC
 
I found an Audix OM2 microphone on Craigslist for $25 and went ahead and grabbed it. I read that it's comparable to the Shure SM58.

I have my laptop, my interface, and my microphone sitting on my desk (thought I had a mic stand, turns out I didn't). Also have some headphones plugged in. I hear noise when I'm singing and when it's pointed at my guitar.
 
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