Accoustic Recording

[rcw]

I'm a classical guitar student. I'm getting ready to teach a guitar ensemble class to beginning level students. I would like to put study CDs together for the students that would include each guitar part separately and then a mixed track with all parts together so they could hear what the ensemble will sound like as a group. I have never done any home recording and am not exactly technologically savvy. I'm also on a student budget. Does anyone have any suggestions as to an easy-to-use, budget friendly set up to do this?

Thanks in advance.

rcw

 

[TelePaul]

I'm a classical guitar student. I'm getting ready to teach a guitar ensemble class to beginning level students. I would like to put study CDs together for the students that would include each guitar part separately and then a mixed track with all parts together so they could hear what the ensemble will sound like as a group. I have never done any home recording and am not exactly technologically savvy. I'm also on a student budget. Does anyone have any suggestions as to an easy-to-use, budget friendly set up to do this?

Thanks in advance.

rcw

You need to decide whether to pursue software recording or hardware recording. Software uses a computer and is arguably the more modern method of recording, hardware uses the 'studio in a box' method; you might be familiar with the concepts of 8 tracks or 4 tracks. These store the information in an in-built hard-drive and are quite portable but editing and mixing is - generally - restricted.

I would recommend a software based set-up. If you choose to go along with this you'll need:

-A relatively good PC
-A good Soundcard
-A decent mic
-Some Software

What's your budget? Put a figure on it and we'll go from there.

 

[YeshuasFan]

And, regardless of which setup you go with, you will need a good set of near-field monitors.

 

[mshilarious]

If by student you mean you are a university student, find another student who is a wannabe studio owner. They may record you for cheap or free because they want quality demo material. You can use the school's rehearsal space for recording if their setup is portable.

Alternatively, see if there are any music industry students who could record you using the school's gear.

 

[mrT]

I second this. Unless you have about $1k and some time to kill getting your recording chops I'd get someone else to do this first for you. You probablly won't be able to get something you like for a little bit. It can be a bit of a steep learning curve if you are just starting out. But if you like recording and want the capability for the future go for it.

A word of advice if you do get someone else to do it. Make sure it's someone who has spent some time recording acoustic guitars. Stay away from metal heads or rap producers unuless they can play you some stuff they did. Not to say that they would be inherently less talented or anything but recording an acoustic is a bit of an aquired skill and if you want it to sound right you don't want it to be their first time recording one.

 

[crazydoc]

How many parts do you need to record? If four or less, your cheapest and easiest option is something like this:
http://www.8thstreet.com/product.asp?ProductCode=1567&category=Recorders
http://www.8thstreet.com/product.asp?ProductCode=1751&category=Recorders
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fostex-X-12-4-Track-Cassette-Recorder?sku=240282

You'd need a microphone also - you may have one, or if not, then a cheap dynamic would suffice. Or bundled with a recorder:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Tascam-MFP01-Recording-Bundle?sku=240893

If you need up to eight tracks, this would work.
http://www.8thstreet.com/product.asp?ProductCode=42469&Category=Recorders
A little more expensive, but has a built in mic and easy interface for burning CD's on a computer.

Granted, these are not going to get you pro quality (or even close) recordings, but for teaching purposes should be fine. Below is a quote from a user review of one of the products.

I bought the X-12 for purpose of practicing and teaching guitar and banjo. It is perfect for that use. It's pretty basic, no frills, easy to use and that's what I was looking for. I can record a track on one instrument and accompany it on another and record up to 4 tracks to a cd. I also use it with my music students to teach them how to learn by accompanying themselves. A great value for the dollar.

 

[tabiggs]

Zoom H4. It typically get's great reviews from teachers and home recording enthusiasts alike. I've got alot of home recording gear.....just wish I had an H4.