A few basic questions about PC recording...

  • Thread starter Thread starter Tazer
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Tazer

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Hi there...

I recently got some equipment for PC recording...Specifically an SM-57, a Rolls phantom power box, and the requisite cables and adaptors. I'm using an SB AWE 64 soundcard. So, my signal is as follows:

mic --> phantom box --> soundcard

Now, being the newbie I am, I thought the phantom power also functioned as a preamp, which seems to be incorrect. Given my current setup, will I be able to get a decent sound? If not, what is a good (but inexpensive) preamp?

I also have a Tascam 4-track. Would running my signal through this work as a preamp?

Finally, are there any precautions I should take as I record into my PC? I'm not too keen on frying my motherboard with a sudden surge of current or something...

Thanks in advance!
 
I think as long as you follow c7's advice and keep the levels right, things will be good, (for starters).

Getting into PC Recording won't hurt your PC. In fact, it will force you to learn more about how it works. Once you start tweaking your box, you'll begin to understand it more. Then you'll start upgrading... be SURE to do LOTS of research before buying anything. There are many incompatabilities out there. The good news is there's places like this to learn before you buy.

But try not to lose focus...

You're want to make music...

Don't get all bogged down in the details, and trying to get the best rig.

Queue
 
Whoa, thanks for the advice guys. I was completely misled about the need for phantom power. Shoulda come here first. ; )

I've actually done some recording already on my computer, using a shitty PC mic. The results weren't actually that bad, but the mic crapped out on me, and I figured it was time to get something better.

N-tracks is what I was using to multi-track, and thats what I'll be using once I get this thing set up. I really dig it...So much easier and intuitive than using a conventional mixer/recorder.

If anyone else has more suggestions for a decent cheap mic pre-amp, I'm all ears. Also, how large of a difference (sound-wise) would there be between using my Tascam as a pre-amp, and a dedicated mic pre-amp?
 
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Well, as far as the pres go, yeah, any ouboard mic pre will probably give you better results than the Tascams...i've got the Tascam 4 track as well, and while the pres are ok, they're not great...try the Tube MP....

Good luck

***Justin***
 
The Art is a good one for 100 US...I opted for a Presonus Blue Tube because of it's "rep" for a warm sound. It's stereo and about 170 US. I believe they make a stereo ART but I'm not sure what it costs.

Although I don't have direct experience with the ART, I've heard some MP3's Sonusman recorded using the ART and a 16 bit ADAT. Sounds damn good to me...don't think you can go wrong either way in the price range...

zip >>
 
zip said:
Although I don't have direct experience with the ART, I've heard some MP3's Sonusman recorded using the ART and a 16 bit ADAT. Sounds damn good to me...don't think you can go wrong either way in the price range...
Click to expand...
Although keep in mind, that doesn't really say anything about the ART. Because Ed could get a killer recording using a Sound Blaster card (using the SB's mic preamp :eek:) and a Wal-Mart mic. ;)

-tkr
 
Tekker said:

Although keep in mind, that doesn't really say anything about the ART. Because Ed could get a killer recording using a Sound Blaster card (using the SB's mic preamp :eek:) and a Wal-Mart mic. ;)

-tkr
Click to expand...

Tekker....

Agreed!! :) LOL!! :)
 
c7sus...

Martha CAN make a turkey dinner out of a tampon...with a little TLC and some of Emeril's BAM!!

I have no idea what this means:rolleyes:

zip >>
 
Getting back to the subject....the PRESONUS sounds damn good for the money....:)

zip >>
 
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