You shouldn't have any problems. Ya' gotta' start somewhere...no need to break the bank right out of the gate. You won't have anything to look forward to!
I tried Audacity and Reaper and thought they were good but, at the recommendation of another user (can't remember who now) I downloaded the 14 day trial version of Mixcraft 5 by Acoustica. The 14 day trial is fully functional. After the trial period, you lose the ability to mixdown and produce...
Not so much anymore. There are some DAW packages that are VERY easy to use and intuitive. As a newbie myself, I was impressed with the simplicity of Garage Band on the Mac and, on the recommendation of another user here, I downloaded the 14 day trial version of Mixcraft 5 which is pretty much...
Hi!
For simple....I'm using an M-Audio Fast Track II. Has exactly what you describe. One XLR (with phantom power) and one 1/4" jack. Simple, no frills and it works.
Craigslist......
And btw, don't know where you're from but, if there's a Daddy's Junky Music near you, check them out. They are a good source for used gear. They deal in alot of it and I've ALWAYS had good luck with the one near me. They have a good return policy and a fairly good "trade up"...
Another vote for going the interface and mic route. The 4 track cassette, in the long run, will be a dead end that you'll arrive at quickly.
Craigslist can be your friend....nothing wrong with used. It's a great, budget-friendly way to get started. My startup costs that include a set of used...
Agreed.
That's why I prefer Craigslist for some things. You get to see it first. There are some great deals to be had though and overall, I've had pretty good luck buying used.
I just graduated from that level myself and was able to setup my "studio" for under $300 buying some used gear.
I have an HP laptop as well. I picked up an M-Audio Fast Track II interface from CL, a pair of used M-Audio AV40 monitors for and a legit copy of Mixcraft 5 by Acoustica for under...
Newb here myself but generally, try to avoid using headphones for mixing. Look around.....you'd be better of with monitors.....consider used as well. I bought an entry-level set of M-Audio AV40's for $65 used. You'll still have enough left to get a pair of headphones for your personal listening.
You don't need to buy two mics right away. If you can, get yourself an interface and one mic. That'll go a long way in getting you started.
IMHO, at this point, use of a mixer will only make things more confusing for you. If you really want to keep it simple, go the interface route and...
All you need is a basic interface. The FT Pro might be overkill but, it will provide expandability into the future. Consider used. Is there a Craigslist in you're area? There's always e-bay as well.
....oh and I forgot one more thing.....using gift cards from Guitar Center, I picked up an M-Audio KeyRig 49 MIDI keyboard. A great addition. So in total, I've spent about $250 so far. That's a pretty "budget" studio IMO!!!! :)
I've got a lot to learn before I start "upgrading" any...
Newb here too but, I'll throw my $.02 in.......
If I'm not mistaken, the mic is USB. Not all that desirable for recording purposes. If that all you've got then you'll have to work with it but definitely consider replacing it.
You'd do well to buy an interface. Don't discount buying used. I...
Don't know your location but I just bought an M-Audio Fast Track II from the local Craigslist for $35. Great basic interface.....for cheap money! At least for this noob!
Are you sure you need Ableton? I got a copy of it with my MIDI keyboard and just couldn't wrap my head around it. I just purchased Mixcraft 5 after downloading the 14 day trial version based on another users recommendation. Great program! Like Garage Band for PC!
Mixcraft 5 - Affordable...