Another newbie with lots of questions

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GuitarGoblin

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Ok im farly new at recording so please help me out.

Well Ive heard that reocrding music is best on a computer. Dont really have the option. And also a desktop computer isnt very portable which i need, and good laptops are kinda pricy. So i came across the Zoom MSR802. SOunds like a good deal with a fully programmable drum machine ( i know its not a dreal drum set but it should work jsut for laying down some ideas and stuff, righ?)

With that said, which order do i start to record? You know guitar, bass, keyboard stuff like that. Dont you lay the drum track down first?

Also my main instrument is guitar and that what im going to be mainly recording. How do i do that? Can i record stright from my Digitech GNX1 pedal or do i hvae to mic my marshall amp? If so what mic do i use? Name some good brands/models ( try to keep the proce down, tops 100$)

Also name everything im gonna need to make a ok sounding demo. That would be great. Thanks in adavanced.
 
Yo GG:

I suggest that you lay down the drums and chords, using two tracks, one for each.

A drum machine will do ya until you want to do more. I use the Boss 770 and it's a great little box. Some fine patches. But, use what you have and have fun when you use it.

After you get the drums and chords down, then you can overdub a lead guitar or whatever if you're using a synth; then, save a track for a couple of drum splashes you might create as you hear the song unfold.

You will have fun once you have the rhythm down. I add a bass line on my stuff whenever because it has to sync up with the drums which set the beat.

Merry Christmas

Green Hornet

:D :p :cool: :cool: :D
 
Thanks Green Hornet

BUt what type of mic do i need to record?

Any other advice?
 
For a starter mic to record 'everything' I'd choose either an SM57 (around $70 on ebay) or a SP B1 ($80?).

They both work pretty well on anything, with the drawbacks for the SM57 being overheads and the drawbacks for the B1 being vocals.

That's all just from what I hear, though. I haven't used the B1.
 
Be warned though that the B1 needs phantom power.
 
YO GG:

You can do the drums DIRECT from your gear to a track; if you have a synth to lay down the chords, you can plug it in and direct it to another track.

For vocals, yea, verily, you need a mic. Suggestions given by our colleagues are fine.

You can run the mic from a pre amp, [if you have one] or direct into the recorder and use its pre amp -- should be one on your unit as part of the system for each track or at least a couple of tracks.

Try a few tracks and see how you come out. Don't worry, everytime you try you'll do better.


Green Hornet




:p :cool: :cool: :rolleyes:
 
Hey GG - You'll find alot of good information on this site

First off, I agree a Shure SM57 should be your 1st mic. It's an industry standard on guitar cab, it's good for close mic'ing drums and it can work for a vocal mic. Plus, as a dynamic, you don't need phantom power.

As the Hornet said, you can take keys direct and I would try the guitar direct through the Digitech. If you like the sound, great, if not you can always mic the cab.

What other gear do you need? If it's just a demo for your enjoyment, you may need very little. If you plan to shop a demo to get published or to get an artist deal, you may need more.

Basic equipment needed:

1) A recording medium (your Zoom)
2) A signal chain (keyboards/guitar - direct)
3) A mic - (for vocals or for recording the guitar cab)
4) Some kind of mic pre (your Zoom should already have that)
Note: If you use a condenser mic, you'll need phantom power(which the Zoom may have)
5) Something to monitor the recorded sound (near field monitors are preferred - but headphone can do , for a while)
6) A power amp (for the monitors) or powered speakers
7) Something to mix dwon to (CD burner, cassette deck, etc)

You may find you want reverb & delay & compression & more mics & mic pres & better monitors & a studio drum kit & more guitars & a bigger mixer & more mics &......................
 
Yo Mikeh:

You are so darned efficient!

Great information.

Green Hornet:D :p :D :cool:
 
Hey
thanks guys, all that will come in handy. Instead of buying the Zoom MSR802 for 550 i found a Zoom MSR1266 for 550 at my local music shop. Only 2 weeks old. great deal huh?
 
Did that ZOOM come with cd burner? If so you got a hellofa deal I've had mine for 7 mos. Very happy with it. However I did buy a bass guitar to be a little more versitale than the on board program allows. You should have a great time with it .
 
Well i actually found its not a 1266 but its a 1014. I think that was last years model or something becuae i cant find anything about it. And no it didnt come with a burner. But the list price is over 1200 and it would be sold for 900 in stores. Im guess its still a great deal.
 
I read somwehre your not suupoosed to use a condenser mic close to anything you wouldnt put your ear to and it would ruin the condensor. Now Ive flipped through some recording mags and Ive seen condenser mics next to amps. I dont understand whats with that?
 
guitargauntlet..

You're getting alot of really good advice here..

congratulations to you contributors..

The sm/57 is (in my opinion) the best money you'll ever spend on a mic..

they're cheap, durable and versatile..

Hit records have been produced using nothing but 57s for everything including overheads and vocals...

record the bass as late in the process as possible..the more stuff
you add after the bass, the more the bass part will muddy
Get a bass !
You can get decent basses for around a hundred bucks..
I agree, drums first then some kind of chord structure to lead you thru the rest of the parts..
I've heard guitars recorded direct that sounded great and I've heard some that sound pissy..
You'll just have to experiment..there is no "right or wrong" way...to record guitars..
It's all up to you and your ears

Good luck, and again...you're getting some really good advice from the people here

Bob Young

Don't spend money on a condenser mike yet...wait till you're more discerning with the rest of the recording process
 
Hey Everyone, thanks for replying to me and answering my questions.

Im going out later to pick up the Zoom MSR 1014 and the sm57.
Im saving up for a real bass too. Ill post my first song soon. THanks for all the advice.
Also where could i record? i.e. bathroom bedroom etc..

thanks.
 
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