$200

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TheTomTrendy

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Thanks in advance to everyone here. Great site.

So I'm relatively new to the recording thing. For about two years, I've been using Audacity and recording with a ten-dollar computer mic onto my laptop. The result isn't too bad after some noise clean-up and some pre-recording set-ups but now, I'm at the point where I need more, just like everyone.

As I said, I use Audacity and my laptop has 2-gigs of ram so it's not too bad. I play drums, guitar, bass, keyboards, and sing so I'm searching for an universal method to achieve my goals. For now, I'd like to be able to record any of my instruments, or myself, one by one, on their own, so I can layer over them with others. I've figured out I'll need a condenser and a dynamic for that. Main question is how do I get them connected to a laptop so I can mess with them on Audacity? I want my budget to be $200, which I know won't get much, so what can I get if I limit myself to a condenser for now? What do I need to record that condenser into a laptop?

I'll definitely be upgrading because I'd like to finally have two condensers and two dynamics for when I'm just recording the drum-kit, so basically, I'd like to have something that I can build upon.

I know my queries may seem easy to some and difficult to others. I understand the $200 budget isn't much but can I please get some help into everything I'll need? Hopefully, I provided enough info to work with.

Thanks again.
 
Hmm... I am relatively new to recording also, but I'll help you with what I know. :)

Here's what you'll need:
Microphones (You said a condenser and a dynamic)
An audio interface

Ok, it may be kind of hard to record your drums with just one mic, but it can probably be done.

However, now I'll explain what an interface is.An audio interface is a device that plugs into your computer's USB, Firewire, or PCI slot and let's you plug in various devices (instruments, mics, etc.). You will DEFINITELY need one of these to get going. Although this one is expensive, here is an example as to what an interface is: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Lexicon-Omega-Desktop-Recording-Studio?sku=245505

In order to use a condenser mic, you need something called "phantom power". Most interfaces will have a switch that will provide this power to the mic. Now, with all mics, they will need to be preampped. Interfaces usually have built in preamps for every XLR input (the type of inputs most mics use).

Now, for some advice on Mics. If you want to record vocals, the Shure SM58 is quite highly regarded as one of the best for it's price. http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Shure-SM58-Mic?sku=270101 It can be used to record instruments, etc. also but many people like the SM57 for instrument recording: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Shure-SM57-InstrumentVocal-Mic?sku=270102

I am not too sure on condenser mics, but what are you planning on using it for? If you want to go with as little money as possible, I would just get one of those Shure mics and use them for everything (vocals, guitar, etc.). However, here is an example of a pretty cheap (but good) condenser: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/prod...-Studio-Microphone-with-Shockmount?sku=273158

If I were you, I would get either the SM57 or SM58, and then a good audio interface, and you'll be good to go!

I hope that can get you started. I would just research some different audio interfaces. That is the main thing you'll need for computer based recording. Let me know if you have any questions, and I'll try to do my best to help you out.
 
Thanks a lot!

So I basically want a condenser because it does so much. Acoustic guitars, pianos, and mainly for vocals. I've heard that a dynamic like the SM57 is great for the louder, screaming stuff, but not really what I'll be doing (which will be the Indie-Folk-Rock kinda thing ["Like a Rolling Stone" by Dylan is a good, well-known, example]). Plus, I understand drums will need a lot so I know that a condenser and a dynamic should be okay to begin with (cond. overhead and dynamic on kick). The condenser you provided seems good enough to do the job.

So if I can get the dynamic, condenser, a couple of cables, and an interface, I should be set? What about latency? I can't afford to have any because I record over other instruments I recorded. With Audacity and the ten dollar mic, I haven't experienced ANY latency issues and I've been satisfied in that aspect.

Now to do it with only $200. :confused:
 
TheTomTrendy said:
Thanks a lot!

So I basically want a condenser because it does so much. Acoustic guitars, pianos, and mainly for vocals. I've heard that a dynamic like the SM57 is great for the louder, screaming stuff, but not really what I'll be doing (which will be the Indie-Folk-Rock kinda thing ["Like a Rolling Stone" by Dylan is a good, well-known, example]). Plus, I understand drums will need a lot so I know that a condenser and a dynamic should be okay to begin with (cond. overhead and dynamic on kick). The condenser you provided seems good enough to do the job.

So if I can get the dynamic, condenser, a couple of cables, and an interface, I should be set? What about latency? I can't afford to have any because I record over other instruments I recorded. With Audacity and the ten dollar mic, I haven't experienced ANY latency issues and I've been satisfied in that aspect.

Now to do it with only $200. :confused:
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No problem man! Yep, that stuff should get you going. It'll be tough trying to do it all for $200, but I am sure it can be done. I would look through the audio interfaces at Musician's Friend, and then read the user reviews.

Just make sure that it has enough inputs for what you need, and make sure the mic inputs are preampped! This is essential unless you want to pay more and buy external preamps.

As far as latency goes, you should be completely fine. From what I have heard, there is basically none with most interfaces. It all depends on driver that the company provides though, so I would try to go with a reputable company such as M-Audio, Lexicon, etc.

Oh, I forgot. The only thing that may present a problem is with the instruments. Are you planning on micing your amps, or plugging straight into the interface?

If you are planning to plug straight into the interface, you may want to get an external preamp for this. The reason why is that the line inputs on many interfaces expect a line level voltage. A guitar or bass pickups produce a lower voltage. These so called "line inputs" are designed to receive a higher signal from a power device such as a keyboard or synth.

However, some interfaces like the Line6 TonePort UX1 have a dedicated instrument input that allows a stronger signal to be passed (higher than if you plugged a guitar into a regular line input). I believe you can still plug a guitar directly into a line input, but you will get much better results if you use a preamp. Here is a pretty good example: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/ART-Tube-MP-Studio-Mic-Preamp?sku=180581

However, you won't need to worry about this if you are micing your amps, since those inputs ARE preampped. :)

Let me know if you have any more questions. I hope I haven't confused you. :)
 
Wow, that definitely helped a lot. I usually record by having the mics on amps but I'd like to try doing the bass through the preamp. My only question is how would I alter the tone of the bass once I've recorded it into the laptop? I can alter the sound now with the amp before I record but how would I achieve that process if I'm going straight into a preamp and then into the laptop?

'Cause with such a low price on that preamp, I'd love to give it a shot.

As far as interfaces go, have you or do you know anything about how well the PreSonus Inspire works? I like the idea of being able to "daisy-chain" and connect more Inspires when the budget goes up so I can get two extra mics for the drums.
 
Wow, that definitely helped a lot. I usually record by having the mics on amps but I'd like to try doing the bass through the preamp. My only question is how would I alter the tone of the bass once I've recorded it into the laptop? I can alter the sound now with the amp before I record but how would I achieve that process if I'm going straight into a preamp and then into the laptop?
Click to expand...

Well, are you referring to effects (like distortion), or EQ? If you are referring to effects and amp simulation, then a lot of people use effects processors. An example of this would be like the Line6 POD. The cool thing about these effects processors is that most of them output a line level signal, so it eliminates the need for a preamp, since it sort of has one inside.

If you are referring to the EQ (Treble, Mid, etc.) then I believe you can adjust this in the software that comes with the interface. I am not 100% positive on this, so you may have to refer to their manual before buying one. Almost all products these days have PDF manuals that you can download before you buy.

EDIT: You can also use a more expensive preamp that has these physical features, such as : http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Behringer-VAMP-PRO-Modeling-Preamp?sku=480691 Also, many effects processors have these options. In fact, with your amp, the actual amp is not doing the tone shaping, but instead, it is the built in preamp in your amp. Preamps are usually the devices that modify tone. :)

'Cause with such a low price on that preamp, I'd love to give it a shot.
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Yeah, that is an AMAZING price, especially with the reviews it is getting. I am going to pickup one myself just in case. :)

As far as interfaces go, have you or do you know anything about how well the PreSonus Inspire works? I like the idea of being able to "daisy-chain" and connect more Inspires when the budget goes up so I can get two extra mics for the drums.
Click to expand...

Hmm... I just read about this after you posted. That seems quite a neat concept, but it looks like you would be spending quite a bit of money with this since the ones I saw were $150 a pop.

I think a better solution would be this. Find a good interface you like with the inputs you need to get you going. THEN, down the road, if you find yourself needing more inputs, you can do one of two things:
1. Buy a new interface with more inputs
OR
2. *BETTER* Buy a somewhat inexpensive mixer (under $100) or so, and then just run the output of the mixer into the line input of the interface. This would be awesome because mixers usually have a ton of inputs, and you will only use up one input on the interface!! The only downside is that all the inputs into a mixer get mixed into one signal (channel). That is, after all what a mixer does. This is absolutely fine if you don't mind not having a separate track for EVERY mic and instrument.

Hope that helps. :)
 
Hmmm, I really like the mixer idea. I have no worries mixing everything down to one signal because all I'd have to do is play around with the drums a bit to know how loud I want each part of the kit to sound.

So then, what if I get a really cheap interface (one that would just have the line input), a mixer that can take at least two condensers and two dynamics, and one or two of those awesomely cheap preamps? This method should then be possible, right?

And another question, what is the cheapest interface to do this for me, one without the bells and whistles of an on-board preamp or mic input?
 
So then, what if I get a really cheap interface (one that would just have the line input), a mixer that can take at least two condensers and two dynamics, and one or two of those awesomely cheap preamps? This method should then be possible, right?
Click to expand...

Yes, this will work. But just remember, the sound quality will be representative of the worst product in your recording chain. For instance, you could have the best mixer in the world, plug it into a crappy interface, and the sound quality would reflect the quality of that interface.

And another question, what is the cheapest interface to do this for me, one without the bells and whistles of an on-board preamp or mic input?
Click to expand...

Hmm...the cheapest interface would probably be no less than about $60, but I may have found something better for you. I remember checking this out a while back.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Alesis-MultiMix-8USB-Mixer-with-USB-and-DSP?sku=630166

Some mixers now have audio interfaces built in!! So that means you can actually plug that mixer into your computer via USB....no other interface needed! I was psyched when I saw this. :)

Let me know if you have any more questions.
 
Oh man, that interface sounds fantastic. Really within the budget and it's totally something I can build upon (extra mics and what not).

So I read the reviews and the preamp in the mixer could be better and the issue could be resolved by buying a cheap one, like the one you mentioned. I'm curious as to how that extra one would connect to the mixer to power the other mics attached to the mixer, as well.

Another question is if it's compliant with Audacity?

And finally, what cables are required to hook-up the extra preamp(s) to the mixer.

Thanks a lot; this totally solved the mixer and interface search.
 
So I read the reviews and the preamp in the mixer could be better and the issue could be resolved by buying a cheap one, like the one you mentioned. I'm curious as to how that extra one would connect to the mixer to power the other mics attached to the mixer, as well.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I would buy that one I mentioned earlier. It's great. Well, here's the way it works. Each one of those mic inputs on that mixer have their own preamp built in. So, let's say you bought one of those ART preamps.

You would connect your mic. to the preamp via an XLR cable (standard mic cable), then the preamp would output and XLR cable..... and this is what would get plugged into the mixer. Now, you are probably wondering how to "bypass" the effects of the internal preamp on the mixer....well, all you would have to do is turn the gain knob on that channel all the way down. ;)

Now, I am not sure what you mean about powering the other mics, because you could either choose to use the built-in preamp and plug in the mic into that, or you could buy preamps for however many mics you would need, and then follow the same process outlined above. Does that make sense?

Another question is if it's compliant with Audacity?
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Yes, I am almost positive it is. You would probably just have to change some settings around. But, that mixer also comes with CuBase LE, a professional recording software.

And finally, what cables are required to hook-up the extra preamp(s) to the mixer.
Click to expand...

XLR cables are used to hook a preampped mic to a mixer.

No problem man. Good luck!
 
Thank you so much. You definitely helped me out with everything I needed. My conundrums have been solved and now I'm off to do some research on some cheap XLR cables and mic stands.

Thanks again and I wish you the best with everything. :)
 
Thank you very much. And the same to you.

Please post back if you have any more questions. I (and I am sure everyone else) will be happy to help you.

Once you get your setup purchased, I'd be curious to see how you like it. If you happen to remember, PM me and let me know how you like it! Thanks!

Good luck! :)
 
I'd have to reconsider. I payed $69.97 for my Marshal MXL 990 condenser mic and its fine for vocals. Therefore you need a interface with phanton power. M-Audio puts out one with PP...ill look it up in a sec. But i believe its like $119 if im not mistaken. Thats all you would need for vocals. You can even get a cheap dynamic mic from a pawn shop for like $20-$30. Now thats the cheap way to go. :D
 
Ah, yes, those are some great ideas!

However, I think it may be worth it for him to spend the extra $50-$100 and get a setup that he could easily expand down the line. That way he wouldn't have to purchase a whole new interface/mixer.

It's up to him though, so all advice is valuable!
 
ahrenba said:
Ah, yes, those are some great ideas!

However, I think it may be worth it for him to spend the extra $50-$100 and get a setup that he could easily expand down the line. That way he wouldn't have to purchase a whole new interface/mixer.

It's up to him though, so all advice is valuable!
Click to expand...

I agree. I definitely want to be able to expand on what I'll have. Still, thank you, everyone.
 
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