Home studio recording (yes, another one of those threads) =(

[Wirito]

Hello everyone

I know a lot of people post the same things about "I'm just starting to build my home recording studio but I don't know where to begin". I have been reading a lot about audio interface with phantom power, mics, DAW, mixers (and whether I need one or not) Mic preamp, set of monitors etc. The amount of information to take for a beginner is overwhelming. But I know we all have to start somwehere.

My questions are probably going to sound very stupid but hopefully instead of laughing and bashing me I get help on it.

I am going to be recording songs with my buddy. So at most it will just be my guitar, maybe a few harmonica sounds, bongos and vocals. Do I plug my guitar and mic into the audio interface or the mixer? Does the DAW replace the mixer? If so, please explain to me if I only need to plug in my guitar and mics to the audio interface and then from the interface to the computer. From then, I could procced to do the editing with the DAW correct?

Also, I see that most audio interface have just an input for one mic and one instrument. Do I need to then record the guitar first and then the 2 vocals separately?

I truly apologize if my questions are scatter and I jump from subject to subject. I am just frustrated because I want to start recording but I don't fully understand where to begin.
I read a few months ago something about XLR mic connector. How different in quality are those to the regular cables?

How does the recording begin? Where is the record button? in the interface? I know....I sound like a complete retard who probably shouldn't be into music in the first place but music is my passion. I have just never been into studio quality recording.

How does having an external soundcard work? Which one should I get and what do I connect to and from it?

I have been looking at Behringer 203lA monitors

Mic for vocal: Studio Project B1

Oktava MK319 mic




I don't what else to look for. Please take a big breath before answering me

 

[HoldenH13]

Hey, I think I can answer a few of the questions you asked.

First of all, a DAW is a digital audio workstation. Many of the popular DAWS you frequently hear about are Logic, Pro Tools, Ableton, Reaper, etc. These types of DAWS are computer programs that allow you to basically record your audio into them with the help of some type of audio interface.

Your audio interface provides the connection between your instrument / microphones and your DAW. Some popular audio interfaces are the Tascam U144, Presonus Firebox, and the Fast Track Pro. Usually they connect to your computer via either USB or Firewire. So in order to record something into your DAW, you plug into your audio interface and the signal is sent through it and into your computer.

Some people record their music using all-in-one systems such as portable recorders. At one point, I had a Boss BR-600. This allowed me to record my guitar, vocals, and pretty much anything else I wanted into. Once I was done recording what I needed, I could connect my BOSS to my computer via USB and transport my song to my computer.


Overall, you are asking some pretty basic questions and I suggest you do some more research on the specific pieces of hardware you are using or thinking about using and finding out what each is used for. If you are simply recording some a couple of guitar parts and vocal parts only, I would suggest getting something like the Boss BR-600 or BR-800. They have built in drum machines with a few effects that you can toy around with. If you are just starting out, I would suggest getting something like this, as programs such as Logic and Pro Tools will be even more overwhelming for you to deal with. Once you are familiar with the basics, I would move up to using Garageband and then a more advanced computer-based DAW.

I hope this helps. If you have any more questions, I will try to help, but I suggest doing some more research, as these are basic questions you are asking and the internet has all these answers available already.

 

[Chili]

I think you've got a pretty good understanding so far. The first thing you realized is it's a steep learning for Newbs. Don't be intimidated by it. You're asking the right questions, so you're off to a good start.

What you purchase and how you use it really depends on what you want to record. I always say a 2 channel interface is adequate for most one-man bands or duos and I think this applies in your case. Holden gives you some good suggestions except for the BR800 ( in my opinion) I have never been a fan of the all in one box. It will get you going, but everyone always wants to switch over to computer-based recording eventually. I say just start out on your computer. the interfaces he suggested are good ones and will work for you. I recently bought a Focusrite Scarlet 2i2 and I like it a lot.

With a 2 channel setup, you'll be recording each instrument individually and mixing them together in software called the DAW, like reaper, protools, cubase, etc.

To record you acoustic, I suggest not plugging it into the interface, but micing it instead. Lots of topics devoted to micing an acoustic and there's a good sticky here somewhere in the forums.

You won't need a mixer, the interface will suffice. You Studio Projects is a pretty good mic from what I hear. I have a C1 and use it on my acoustic.

Good monitors and adequate room treatment are a must to get decent mixes. You can't mix if you can't hear what you're doing. Neither monitors nor room treatment have to be expensive. And for the record, room treament is not the same as sound isolation (which in most cases, you really don't need.... )

HTH,

 

[HoldenH13]

Yeah I want to second what Chili said about the BOSS BR-800. If you want to go ahead and plan for the future and feel brave, by all means, go ahead and get yourself a good computer setup. I no longer have my BOSS BR-600 because at some point, I outgrew it and it just could not handle the more advanced things I wanted to do with it. All-in-one products are a good tool for beginners to learn on, but you will eventually want something better.

I recommend choosing based off of your needs. The BOSS would suit you for a while, but you will want to upgrade eventually if you really get into the art of recording and want lots of options available to you.

 

[Bobbsy]

I am going to be recording songs with my buddy. So at most it will just be my guitar, maybe a few harmonica sounds, bongos and vocals. Do I plug my guitar and mic into the audio interface or the mixer? Does the DAW replace the mixer? If so, please explain to me if I only need to plug in my guitar and mics to the audio interface and then from the interface to the computer. From then, I could procced to do the editing with the DAW correct?

Yes, the DAW can (and usually does) replace the mixer for the actual mixing. There's no need for an actual mixer at all--though some people still use them to make things like adjusting levels or setting up monitor feeds easier. I wrote the FAQ HERE about mixers and home recording but if I can sum up my rather verbose style in one sentence it would be "you don't need a mixer but, if you decide you want one for specific reasons, be prepared to spend on more than a basic cheapie to get the routing options you need".

On the second question, yes you can plug a mic for harmonica/vocals into an interface and, if you want, you can also go into an instrument input for your guitar. However, many (including me) prefer the sound you get placing a mic in front of your amp and getting the "real" sound rather than relying on software simulators to imitate an amp. It's purely a matter of personal preference.

Also, I see that most audio interface have just an input for one mic and one instrument. Do I need to then record the guitar first and then the 2 vocals separately?

Not really true. You can get interfaces anywhere from a single instrument input up to ones that can handle 16 or more mics all at once. It's all down to how much you need...and how much you can spend. From your description, I'd strongly suggest you get an interface with at least 2 mic inputs since I have a feeling you'll want that many quite soon! Something like a FOCUSRITE SAFFIRE 2i2 would be ideal for you, though there are tons of similar ones that I'm sure people will be along to recommend.

I read a few months ago something about XLR mic connector. How different in quality are those to the regular cables?

An XLR is the regular cable/connector for microphones! The connector itself doesn't make any real difference to quality but a balanced circuit is far more resistant to electrical interference than unbalanced ones. Balanced will be on XLRs or TRS jacks, unbalanced will be on TS jacks or RCA/Phono plugs usually. You can read up on balanced vs. unbalanced at leisure when your head stops hurting!

How does the recording begin? Where is the record button? in the interface? I know....I sound like a complete retard who probably shouldn't be into music in the first place but music is my passion. I have just never been into studio quality recording.

The record button will be on your DAW software. It'll all become way more obvious when you actually have he hardware and software in front of you.

How does having an external soundcard work? Which one should I get and what do I connect to and from it?

An external sound card does the same job as the cheapie one inside your computer, just with more quality (and probably more inputs and outputs). See above for one suggestion--and it'll probably plug into your computer via USB.

I have been looking at Behringer 203lA monitors

Okay for the money but not spectacular. Chose of monitors is a whole topic in itself. Set your budget and read lots of reviews (and ask in here for opinions of your shortlist). Just thinking about monitors puts you way ahead of most people starting out!

Mic for vocal: Studio Project B1

Oktava MK319 mic

I was quite a fan of the Studio Projects mics a while back but nowadays I'd suggest might also check out the sE Electronics range--the sE2200A is a superb mic for the money--I'm often using one of mine (I have 3) in preference to some Neumann mics that cost 2 or 3 times the price. Slightly cheaper, also from sE is the X1 which is great for the money too.

I've not played with Oktava mics but know they're well thought of on these forums.

Anyhow, good luck. I think you're at the stage when you have to jump into the pool and start swimming...er...recording. Some of the things that look complicated when you read about them become clear pretty fast when you actually start playing.




I don't what else to look for. Please take a big breath before answering me [/QUOTE]

 

[Wirito]

Thanks everyone for the response!

First of all, thank you everyone for your response.

I am now understanding a little better except maybe for the micing technique. Is that just how well I am able to position the mic for vocal/instrument so that I get the best possible sound? By the way, when I said I would connect my instrument to the interface I actually meant that I'd be using a mic and preamp. I am still baffled, however, as to which one to get. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB Audio Interface that you suggest Bobbsy really interests me.

I see that it has 48V phantom power which is great because I was thinking of getting a Behringer B-2 pro condenser that I mentioned in my original post. I don't know if this mic is recommended. I was watching some videos on youtube as well as reading and this has some great reviews but on the website it said it was discontinued. Do you recommend it?

The one you listed here, the sE2200A looks like a great mic. And while I could afford it since I am building my studio with my buddy, does this mic go well with the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2? Because if it does, I might consider getting those two. Also, please suggest great mics for instruments as I understand that one is great for vocals, correct?

Another question have arised while reading along the sometimes tedious forum pages. I know as I start getting all of the equipment things will get easier but I thought I ask as well. When is time to mix and use the monitors, for the kind of music I intend to record which doesn't have any bass or drums, do I really need to EQ? Well I think this question really is not that important. I will see about that when the time comes.
Also, how is the latency on that interface? I don't want any type of delay in my recording. Please let me know.

I'm going to continue reading on monitors which I think is the only area I still need to look into.
Do I really need special headphones to mix? I have Microsoft lifechat LX 3000 which really is more suitable for gaming. And the it has USB connector. Can I use this headphone to to all of my recording mixing or should I get something like the Sennheiser HD280?
Please suggest an external sound card if you had to buy one as well. I have read that the internal sound card doesn't meet the expectations of high quality recording.

 

[Armistice]

1. Mics and interfaces aren't a "matching" proposition, so the question about whether a mic "goes well" with an interface doesn't really compute, at least at the budget end of the spectrum where you're shopping.

2. Don't worry about EQ at this stage, worry about it when you have something that needs it

3. Latency is a matter of playing with optimising settings on your computer and DAW rather than being interface specific.

4. You should own a pair of headphones - you monitor from your interface not your computer so USB headphones aren't much good to you. Headphones are not essential, unless you don't have monitors, and that's a whole other discussion.

 

[grimtraveller]

everyone always wants to switch over to computer-based recording eventually.

Not everyone......

 

[Bobbsy]

Not everyone......

After 25+ years messing around with various forms of reel to reel, razor blades, sticky tape, etc. etc. I couldn't wait to move to computer when I discovered Cool Edit 96!

 

[grimtraveller]

After 25+ years messing around with various forms of reel to reel, razor blades, sticky tape, etc. etc. I couldn't wait to move to computer when I discovered Cool Edit 96!

Oh, I agree about the move from tape.
What I like about standalones is that they represent, for me, the perfect halfway house/meeting point between tape portastudio ease of use and immediacy and computer editing that enables all that wonderful studio trickery in a fraction of the time and without the tears and heartache that may come with razors and mistakes !

 

[moresound]

After 25+ years messing around with various forms of reel to reel, razor blades, sticky tape, etc. etc. I couldn't wait to move to computer when I discovered Cool Edit 96!

A craft that will soon be lost, gone and forgotten.

 

[Chili]

Not everyone......

You will.

Eventually

 

[grimtraveller]

You will.

Eventually

I probably will but it won't be because I want to, it'll be because I have no choice. It seems that few, if any, of the standalone manufacturers are making them anymore. Akai no longer make the DPS 12i. I have two of them but they won't last forever. And those cats that are able to maintain and fix them decrease by the year. If I'm still recording in 20 years time {if I'm still on this mortal plain}, there'll be such a scarcity of standalones with varispeeding {essential to my recording} that I'll probably have to consider my options. I suppose I could start stockpiling them now but that's just not me.
I'll be facing a similar scenario one day with cassettes. I still use them for music listening. Having 3 albums on a C120 is ideal. But they're being slowly phased out. Have been ever since the release of the CD actually. So over the next few years, I'm going to be storing my albums in some other way.
For the last 20 years, I've had a great system at home in which I run two video recorders off one analog ariel into a digital TV on Sky satellite. So we can be watching one channel while taping two separate programmes simultaneously. Or watching one video while taping on another. A very versatile and handy system. Then the government commissioned the switching off of the nation's analog transmitters. At a stroke, my three tier system is ruined. With no analog signal, the videos can only record from satellite which means you can only watch what's being taped. In order to have a worse, less versatile system than the one I came up with, I have to upgrade to Sky+ {more money ! } in order to be able to watch one thing while recording another. I was rather miffed about that.
So sometimes, one is almost forced to go down roads that one wouldn't choose to if there was real choice.

What I like about standalones is that they represent, for me, the perfect halfway house/meeting point between tape portastudio ease of use and immediacy and computer editing that enables all that wonderful studio trickery

I loved using my Tascam 488 and it had an ease of use that made it the ideal recording tool for me. But I got to a point where the advantages of digital were too mouthwatering to pass up. And having 12 tracks rather than 8 {with 238 virtual tracks and simultaneous recording on at least 6 tracks ~ 8 with SPDIF} was an obvious extra hook. The two have their similarities......and major differences. But a standalone DAW isn't sufficiently disadvantageous to a computer set up for what I do. So the jump from standalone to computer is negligible for me; I see an all in one DAW as a glorified computer set up anyway.