Best Software / Soundcard / Laptop for Recordings

[MickyAce]

Hi All,

I used to play in several bands (15 years ago). Back then I recorded many songs on a 4 track recorder with basic Boss effects for Mastering. So I have a good knowledge of recording.

And due to life's other commitments I stopped recording, and moved away from Music.

Now I would like to set-up a basic studio in my home. Please see below questions, maybe someone has been in a similar situation and can give me some advice on the best way to go for me... I intend to play all instruments and I have sold my Amps so I intend to DI for guitars and Vocals.

(1) What Specs should the laptop I buy have in order to record?
(2) What Brand / Type of soundcard will I need?
(3) I intend to buy a electronic Drum Kit. What would be a decent one at a reasonable price?
(4) What would be the best program to use for recording?
(5) Any other items that I will need in order to record?

I am not after a total professional sound, just something that will sound decent.

Any advice appreciated.

Micky

 

[maestro_dmc]

I am not after a total professional sound, just something that will sound decent.

Does every Newb have to say this? Is it in the Newb Handbook or something?


At any rate MickyAce, the answers you seek are right at your fingertips, you can start here:

 

[MickyAce]

Does every Newb have to say this? Is it in the Newb Handbook or something?

"Just starting? Afraid to ask a question? Don't worry, here nobody will laugh"


Thanks for your response maestro. It is most appreciated.

However, your answer was neither helpful nor constructive. However I understand that you are an "Audio Professional". Therefore, I appreciate that your role is mostly to make the musicians tea and coffee... This must be frustrating for yourself.

As I stated in my Post. I was after advice from someone who was in a similar situation as my own, and may have been able to shed some light on the best items to invest in whilst starting out making BASIC recordings.

Maybe you should stop trolling Newbie Posts just to make yourself look knowledgeable?

Good luck with your "Audio Professional" career. Lol

MickyAce

 

[mjbphotos]

Micky - he did give you a good link to read over first. It's here

More information (and less questions) are needed if you expect help.

How many separate tracks do you want to be able to record at one time? Asuming you want to put each drum plus overheads (for cymbals) plus high-hat, on separate tracks that couold easily be 8 or more - this helps define what audio interface will work for you.

What's your budget? 'reasonable price' can mean something different to each person

Do you have any mics or other equipment right now? You need mics, stands, cables, pop filter, interface, monitors, headphones ....

I always recommend Reaper as a DAW - free to download and try out, $60 to register it.

Do some more research and reading, then come back and ask more specific questions.

 

[Steenamaroo]

(1) What Specs should the laptop I buy have in order to record?

Don't worry too much about it.
A high end i3 or decent i5 setup would be fine.
My last laptop was core2duo T7500. I got away with a lot on that machine.
Just google the actual cpu model number before buying.
The name i3/I5/core2duo on it's own means very little.

(2) What Brand / Type of soundcard will I need?

You probably don't want a sound card.
There are pci/pcie cards designed for audio, but the vast majority of consumer audio interfaces are external.
Look for usb/firewire audio interfaces with an adequate number of xlr inputs (mic preamps), and some DI inputs.
Example...If you want to stereo mic a guitar or put two mics on a cab, you need at least two mic inputs.
Tascam US-**** is a great place to start.

(3) I intend to buy a electronic Drum Kit. What would be a decent one at a reasonable price?

I don't know anything about that I'm afraid.
The software that you're triggering is probably more important. That's where your sound is coming from.
Look up some video reviews of addictive drums, ezdrummer, etc.

(4) What would be the best program to use for recording?

There is no best. Cubase, Protools, Logic, Sonar, Reaper.....etc etc.
Everyone has their favourite. Reaper is by far the cheapest starting point.
The demo is 100% fully featured and free to try.
That's where I'd start.

(5) Any other items that I will need in order to record?

Ok. Hmm.. stacks of stuff.
The main thing that you've left out is monitoring. If you can't (accurately) hear what you're doing, there's no real point doing it.
Wether you go out and buy adam speakers or use your hifi, SPEND TIME listening to stacks of commercial music through your speakers. Get to know where the bass sits, how the highs are etc.
Treat your room or at least position things in the best way possible. (Studio building and display stickies).

You'll need microphones.
A stand per mic, clips, cables, thread adapters maybe,
headphones per person, a headphone output per person; That might mean a headphone amp?
Appropriate cables for your speakers. An amp if the speakers are passive.
A pop filter for vocals.

I'm sure there are other things, but that's not a bad starting list.
You'll find more info on everything there through the board search.

Good luck.

 

[TimOBrien]

Best Software / Soundcard / Laptop for Recordings

There is no >best< anything.

There is:
What you can afford
What is currently manufactured
What works reliably
What you can master

The bubbles of those diagrams may or may not intersect around you.

Here is a starting point.
Here is a good beginners book.

 

[ecc83]

Hi Micky,

I note from your opening post that you intend to be a one man band? This being the case you will only need a fairly basic AI and, has been said, a modest laptop, my HP i3 g6 works fine.

For an interface I strongly recommend the Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6. This has two mic inputs which are also line and high Z instrument ins. There are also two further line inputs (so 4 possible tracks) so a keyboard/drum machine could be left connected. The AI comes with a good software bundle including Cubase LE6 which is more than powerful enough to start with indeed, you might never need need anything else. Reaper IS good tho...

Good luck M. Keep us posted.

Dave.

 

[maestro_dmc]

Does every Newb have to say this? Is it in the Newb Handbook or something?

"Just starting? Afraid to ask a question? Don't worry, here nobody will laugh"


Thanks for your response maestro. It is most appreciated.

However, your answer was neither helpful nor constructive. However I understand that you are an "Audio Professional". Therefore, I appreciate that your role is mostly to make the musicians tea and coffee... This must be frustrating for yourself.

As I stated in my Post. I was after advice from someone who was in a similar situation as my own, and may have been able to shed some light on the best items to invest in whilst starting out making BASIC recordings.

Maybe you should stop trolling Newbie Posts just to make yourself look knowledgeable?

Good luck with your "Audio Professional" career. Lol

MickyAce

Anything to help Ace!