New, not sure if this is the right place to post this question but...

[jbSPADE]

So, not going to lie I've got very little experience with recording (Like using a shitty pre amp and garageband type experience) and I'm thinking about spending some cash on the "Avid Pro Mini with Pro Tools 9" package on Sweetwater.com. I was also thinking about buying the "Alesis DM6 Session Kit."
I feel like I'm missing something, though. Or overlooking an aspect to this whole "home recording" thing. Would I be better off taking my money to a local studio? My band plays indie rock (Guitars, bass, drums, vocals, and keys), by the way. I expect to be laughed at for my noobishness, but can anyone tell me the bare essentials I'd need to start recording? Is the electric drum kit really necessary? Hardware??? Software???


Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks for your time!

 

[wheelema]

So, not going to lie I've got very little experience with recording...

Often people are pointed to tweakheadz for a basic how-to intro to home recording but if you're looking to jump right in and hoping for the best (and this is just throw-it-against-the-wall-and-see-if-it sticks advice) I'd pop for...

• A Tascam Us-8000 audio interface which will give you six mic inputs and MIDI.
• Some Shure SM57 microphones to record your sources.
• A headphone distribution amp and some headphones.
• Mic stands and cables.
• A copy of Reaper audio recording software.

Believe it or not all that will not set you back any more then the gear that you're considering buying and you'll have a basic home recording setup (sans computer).

You'll have to save up money for a pair of monitors (everything sounds perfect in a pair of headphones) and you should budget some money for room treatment.

Luck.

 

[mjbphotos]

Before buying any recording-dedicated equipment read the Tweekheads guide, and the stickied threads at the top of this forum.

Before buying an audio interface, decide what the maximum number of separate tracks you will ever want to record at one time are - if you are trying to record your whole band at one time the number will be much greater than if you all record your parts in different takes, then typically the drums are your deciding factor, with at least 4 mics (snare, kick and 2 overheads) and going up from there.