Any Advice on how to start ?

[fabito]

Very new to this stuff so bare with me.

My dream is to have a nice/decent/compact home studio recording area in the basement of a house I will be moving into in approximately 8 months. In that studio I would like to record individually from guitar, bass, congas, vocals, and the rest will probably be digital from some software or keyboard or sequencer. I already have a drum machine/sequencer (BOSS DR RYTHM). I would also like to have the ability in that studio to do live sessions with other people on ocassions, for those times when jamming with friends.

What I want out of the next 8 months before I move to my new house is to learn as much as possible about recording/mixing etc. and do as much "hands on" as possible and spend as little as possible. Actually if I have to spend a few hundred dollars now in order to learn alot and have hands on alot, then I dont' mind that, as long as that piece of equipment will be absolutely necessary once I have my real studio at home.

I do have space limitations right now in my apt. So I would not buy a big keyboard, speakers, a new computer, big microphone stands, etc.

However, I WOULD buy (as long as they will later be used in the real studio):

- software that will run on the laptop I have from work (Pentum4, 512 Ram, 1.3Ghz., etc.)
- headphones
- small interface like a Digi002 etc (as long as it works on my laptop and as long as i will install it on my future computer).
- even a small 4 track recorder.

In summary I just really want to start getting my feet wet in this home recording studio stuff and I know I will learn the most from actually doing something and not just reading websites. I'd like to take advantage of the Laptop that my work gave me and also I'm willing to spend some money but they have to be very smart purchases, or "investments" that will be needed in the future home studio I plan on having.

any advice would be great.

thanx.
fabito.

 

[bennychico11]

if you're wanting to use Digidesign equipment and will be only recording yourself or one other person, I'd look at the Mbox instead of the 002. First off it will save you a bunch of money and will work well with the laptop that you were talking about since it's portable too....even smaller than the 002. Plus Pro Tools has some awesome editing capabilites (check my signature if you have anymore PT questions).
As far as monitoring options, everyone here would recommend you getting actual speakers before headphones. And of course you'll need microphones, and there are tons of posts around here to help you get started. But to start you off, the Shure SM57 is a GREAT overall mic for lots of instruments. Plus, it's affordable Good luck

 

[tappmusic]

I agree with the previous message. I'm using Cakewalk studio software and I'm pleased for now. It's been a good learning tool for me and it was very affordable; not to mention, I've produced some great demos thus far with comparable sound to high quality studios. It sounds like your laptop will easily handle audio processing, but I think you'll have to use an external sound card with a USB2 connection. My small home studio consists of:
- Computer (2.8 GHz Processor, 512 MB RAM, 80 G HD) with CD Writer Drive
- Cakewalk Studio Software
- High quality sound card
- Near field monitors
- Microphone
- Mic stand
- Digital Recording instructional books

Conduct your research to determine the quality of equipment you want, but just remember that the end result will be as good as your ear makes it. Talent can overcome inexpensive gear to some extent. Do the best with what you have.

 

[Ronan]

I would suggest that you get a 4 track cassette for less than $150 and a shure SM57 and start having some fun. Get your feet wet in actual recording. Start learning recording instead of learning software. You will learn a lot more starting with the 4 track, and really appreciate the extra bells and whistles in software once you get there.