arrggh!!! too many words, too many things, not enough money

[ismaelson]

alright...i have been recording the various noodlings and ear-splitting assaults of my bands and friends for a little while now on my trusty lame ass Yamaha MT-50 four-track. i have a cheapo mic from Radioshack which i run through a Danelectro guitar compressor pedal (so it will work since it picks up little sound unless you beat it like a red-headed stepchild). so, i either strategically place the one mic somewhere in my small wooden apartment or i plug directly into the recorder.

surprisingly (and i am getting better at getting a decent sound out of my stuff) the music doesn't come out too bad (if you like the lo-fi sorta sound though i have managed to get really good quality at times depending on how hard i try & some luck).

anyway, will all that said, i have a few questions so i can be clear on some things.

1: why would i want a preamp? (plan to get the ART Tube MP)
2: what exactly does a compressor do anyway...i know, i could read all the posts about the RNC but...well, i am at work right now.
3: what is the average cost of building one's own pedals?
4: any opinions on the MIDI Streamer?
5: any opinions on the Bass POD and POD v2?

i would also like to take the opportunity to nominate the Swell Maps for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

thanks before the fact; grateful after.

 

[giaschel]

1. It will provide phantom power, required when using a condenser mic. It will also improve the sound of a dynamic mic. Check here.

2. Check here.

3. Don't know.

4. Don't know.

5. Check here.

It took me 2 minutes to find these threads. The search key is just great.