A few questions about demo recording

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SRixon

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Hi, I just have a few questions and was hoping that I could get some educated help.

So my situation is this: I want to be able to record adequate/ decent (hopefully) sounding demo recordings of a four piece band (two guitars, bass, drums) that I am a part of. I need a little help with purchasing equipment in order to do this. I know a bit here and there about recording and am not worried about knowledge or learning recording technique but I've never really looked into hardware and what it takes/what the “best” way to go about this is (I know, I know, there is no best way…). I would like to have a minimum of eight XLR inputs into a controller(i.e. M-Audio ProjectMix I/O) and then into a computer.

So what I want to know is: Is that a good way to go about it? Is there a better way? I know that said controller uses Firewire and I’ve read that a lot of people say you get better sound through a PCI card (which I’m assuming is a sound card, right?), so what is the best way to do this? What kind of computer should I look into? I don’t mind buying anything/everything used, what can I get on a $2000 budget? Am I out of my mind in thinking I can get what I want at this price?

Thanks a bunch!
Scott.
 
It all depends on how big of a deal this demo is. Honestly, if your never going to use the recording gear again you may as well go to a studio!

Your question is way to broad for me to even approach it though! Without knowing more theres not much to say. How serious is this project? How good do the recordings need to be?

I know you said you had a budget of $2,000 but I don't want to suggest any equipment you don't need!
 
Okay, ha ha, sorry, I'll explain a little better. I definitely want to be able to use the equipment in the future so I don't just want to go to a studio. The project is serious and I want to be able to use the equipment for future projects, as in: forever (or until/if I eventually upgrade to better gear). I do want to be able to use this gear to create something that I can release, if only in demo quality (the goal is as good a quality of sound as possible within the limitations of the budget).

So, my question was: Are there digital mixers, with phantom power and eight to twelve XLR inputs, that I can use to plug all of my mics into, and then can plug said mixer into a computer using firewire?
And then my second question is: Is what I just asked the wrong way to go about this? Or, Is there a better way, that is within my budget, that will help me achieve a higher quality sound?

The reason I want to do it the way I'm asking is because that seems like the easiest way to go about things. So those are my questions, let me know if that does or doesn't make sense.

Thanks, Scott.
 
Ok, I would suggest some sort of an audio interface. They make mixers that can record via firewire, but I have no experience with these and they tend to be a little more expensive than most interfaces.

Your also going to need a computer, which I am assuming you have since you are on this forum :p

There are SO many different interfaces out there that I can't tell you which one to buy. Most people will tell you to buy pro-tools. Though pro-tools systems are good they tend to be rather pricey. Just look around-most of them are 8-track firewire interfaces just made by different companies. I have the PreSonus FirePOD. I picked it up for around 400.

I have no idea what kind of computer you have, but you may need to upgrade it so it can work efficiently with your interface. You will also need software. Some interfaces come with software, but it is usually a trial or a limited version. I use Cakewalk just because they are the cheapest, and from my experience the easiest to use. Cakewalk home studio 6 wont run you over 200.

You will also need monitors, mics, and other fun stuff but I don't want to go in depth with anything you may already have. What exactly are you working with?
 
Thanks for the quick reply. The monitors, mics, computer,, software etc. are not what I'm worried about, I know enough about that stuff. I really just wanted to know others opinions on interface hardware, so you answered my question.

Thanks, Scott.
 
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