Basic interface

[Noah Copeland]

Hey, noob here. I wanna get an audio interface to start recording some songs, with me playing/overdubbing all the instruments.
I just wanna buy a cheap one that comes with software. Here's the deal,

Option 1: I'm looking at a Samson G-track. It's a mic/interface and comes with sonar le. I am wonderin if the interface is crappy because it's built into a mic?

Option 2: Buy an audio interface that comes with some software and use my SM58 to record vocals. Anybody know a good cheap interface/software bundle?

 

[Armistice]

Option 1: I'm looking at a Samson G-track. It's a mic/interface and comes with sonar le. I am wonderin if the interface is crappy because it's built into a mic?

Option 2: Buy an audio interface that comes with some software and use my SM58 to record vocals. Anybody know a good cheap interface/software bundle?

....and everyone breathe in, breathe out.... think pleasant thoughts...

OK, so the general advice here is USB mic = bad, however this is a different kettle of fish - I've had a bit of a look around and haven't found any reviews of the beast by anyone whose opinion I'd trust, so I'm not sure. I don't record using PC/interface, so it's not my area, I suggest that you'll get other suggestions along the lines of "your money is bettter spent getting separate mic / interface.

There is a marked difference in recording vocals on a 58 and a condenser of any sort - it all depends on a number of factors, however few people would use a 58 as a vocal mic in a studio setting unless there was a particular vocal sound / match that you were going for...

So, my $0.02 is Option 3 - that you take the money you'd spend on the Samson product, roll a few beggars, sell your sister, enrol in a poker tournament, whatever - and add a little bit more to it, and get yerself an interface and a condenser.

Which ones? Read any of the gazillion "what's a good interface" and "what's the best mic for recording my Justin Bieber voice for under $50" threads that you'll find hereabouts...

That's what KOP's getting narky about, I suspect, there's a thread at the top of the page with lots of information in it that we continually refer newbies to, that they rarely seem able to find themselves...

I note that you were asking a specific question about a specific piece of gear, however, so it's a fair question on your part...

Good luck...

 

[PDP]

Lexicon alpha (I believe) comes with cubase LE. I tried one, the sound was good, the drivers were good. Under 100 I think.

 

[Jim Lad]

A decent interface with a couple of preamps, starts at around $200.

 

[Armistice]

Wow... the amazing reconfiguring post...

Could have sworn the OP and King of Pain were going each other like a couple of mongrels in here... at least they were when I replied...

Gone... all gone...

Mods?

 

[FLYcrash]

Yep, mods, I think. It was getting crazy in here.

In addition to the endless threads on interfaces, here's a place where you can look to get ideas for a setup:

http://www.tweakheadz.com/rigs.htm

Good luck, Noah, with your recording!