BRAND new, have nothing, want to record - HELP!

[HillbillyWannaB]

Hey all, I am newer than brand new and I'm interested in getting some acoustic stuff down on CD. Please forgive me, I know NOTHING about this stuff other than playing around with some 4-tracks about 10 years ago. The only thing I have is this computer. It's a brand new PC, I know Macs are better for this stuff, but I can't afford a new computer. I'm on a pretty tight budget (probably around $500). I'm not looking to do studio quality work, I just want to put this stuff down so I can hear it. I'd like to be able to add some percussion and bass via midi if possible.

Here's what I need to know, with this budget should I just go get a tascam 4 or 8 track and play with that? If so, would I be able to edit on the pc or would I be stuck with the on board eq's, etc. I'd like to be able to get it on the computer so I can burn a CD.

What would give me the most editing options and best quality with this limited budget?

Thanks alot

 

[metalhead28]

soooooo...i'm assuming you have no mics, mixer, pre-amps, software....etc.?
I would recommend the PC route for what you're wanting to do, but you could be looking at eclipsing your 500 dollar point if you don't have any gear to start with....

 

[sile2001]

You just want to get stuff down where you can hear it? Grab an M-Audio MobilePre ($135 online) and an SM57 ($90 online). Now seriously....this will be the most basic of recording, but it will meet your objective for less than your budget. If you're willing to spend a little more, you might want to see about a better mic, or maybe two different mics for different purposes.

 

[HillbillyWannaB]

I would like to layer a harmony and maybe another guitar, so I'm looking at about 4 tracks all together (at most). It's just acoustic/folk type stuff. I can wrangle an sm-58 from someone, so that's not included in the $500. I'd rather it not sound like an old tape deck, but I realize my budget is low.

 

[sile2001]

Well this will sound much better than an old tape deck...just not as good as something with better preamps and mics. The layering of the tracks happens most frequently in the software, and not in the hardware. That MobilePre will allow you to record 2 simultaneous tracks (i.e. vocals and guitar). After you've gone through the song once, you can go back through and record 2 more tracks, and just repeat until you have what you want.

 

[HillbillyWannaB]

what program would I record in to on the computer, or is that included with the MobilePre or whatever unit I go with. Do they come with that kind of software.

Hope these are'nt really stupid questions, but like i said I'm brand new to this.

thanks for the info

 

[sile2001]

The MobilePre may or may not come with software, depending on what package the particular dealer is offering. Regardless of that, there is a very usable multi-track recording program called Audacity that is freeware and can be downloaded.

 

[jonnyc]

It doesn't matter how many tracks you want in the end the big question is how many to you want to record at a time? You can get a new soundcard to replace the stock one in the computer, and if you do they make some with mic pre's built in. You can get one for around 200 bucks, I'd get something like cubase se 100 bucks, and a shure ksm109 150 bucks, thats still under your goal and the condensor will sound better overall than the dynamic(sm57). Cubase is really good software that a lot of people use, there are three version the se version I'm refering to being the cheapest but still very good. As far as sound cards check out e-mu cards. With this set up you can really get some good mixes and ideas down I think you'd be happy with a set up like this.

 

[HillbillyWannaB]

Excellent, thanks for all the info. I assume a descent eq would be in order also, but i'll look into that as i study up on it

thanks again for all your help, any other advice from anyone is welcome.

 

[HillbillyWannaB]

so do you think that set up with the sound card and that mic would sound better than the MobilePre? I would only be recording one thing at a time and the guitar or bass would be plugged directly in and would'nt need a mic.

 

[sile2001]

Excellent, thanks for all the info. I assume a descent eq would be in order also, but i'll look into that as i study up on it

thanks again for all your help, any other advice from anyone is welcome.

Well, the EQ question kinda depends. Some people like to do their EQ on an actual box with knobs and such. I've always EQ'd using plugins in the recording software. Almost all recording software has some type of EQ plugin.

 

[sile2001]

so do you think that set up with the sound card and that mic would sound better than the MobilePre? I would only be recording one thing at a time and the guitar or bass would be plugged directly in and would'nt need a mic.

The MobilePre will be much better for recording purposes than trying to replace your computer's soundcard. Actually, the MobilePre is effectively an external soundcard, but it is also a preamp with XLR connectors. Also, since it is external and hooks up by USB, you can easily move it to another computer if you need to, or you can hook it up to a notebook computer.

I take it from the last part of your post that you will be recording the instruments only (plugged directly in) and no vocals? If so, then scratch the mic and spend that money on a decent direct box (DI box).

 

[HillbillyWannaB]

I'm definately going to be recording vocals over the guitar so i'll need the mic/vocal setup. do I need a di box for an acoustic/electric guitar or a bass? Or can I get away with just going directly into the mobilePre?

 

[sile2001]

It would be best to have a DI box to run it in...otherwise, you will have impedance mismatch problems. Most guitars and basses output an unbalanced, high impedance audio signal, and most recording interfaces (like the MobilePre) are expecting to receive a balanced, low impedance signal. The DI box basically converts the signal to the proper type and also transisions from the 1/4" output of a guitar to the XLR connector for the interface. You can generally pick up a decent Whirlwind direct box for about $40.

 

[reshp1]

I'm definately going to be recording vocals over the guitar so i'll need the mic/vocal setup. do I need a di box for an acoustic/electric guitar or a bass? Or can I get away with just going directly into the mobilePre?

If your acoustic/electric has a onboard preamp, then no you don't need a DI. Similarly, if the bass has active pickups then you can probably live without. A cheap DI is like 40 bucks though, so it's nice to have around anyway.

 

[sile2001]

If your acoustic/electric has a onboard preamp, then no you don't need a DI. Similarly, if the bass has active pickups then you can probably live without. A cheap DI is like 40 bucks though, so it's nice to have around anyway.

Depends entirely upon the preamp. My Taylor's preamp outputs a low impedance, balanced signal. My Takamine's preamp outputs a high impedance, unbalanced signal. The presence of a preamp has absolutely nothing to do with the impedance or balance state of an outbound signal....it only affects the level of the signal. Impedance mismatches can cause the signal to sound very thin and weak...definitely not a good thing.

 

[reshp1]

My Takamine's preamp outputs a high impedance, unbalanced signal.

Huh, I've never seen that before. Every acoustic/elec preamp I've ever had experience with was designed so you could plug into the board. I'm not saying you're wrong, just never seen one myself.

 

[sile2001]

Huh, I've never seen that before. Every acoustic/elec preamp I've ever had experience with was designed so you could plug into the board. I'm not saying you're wrong, just never seen one myself.

That's strange, because I guess I'm on the opposite end of the spectrum. Except for ES-equipped Taylors and certain Epiphones, I've never seen a guitar that could plug straight into the board without some type of signal loss or deformation.

 

[HillbillyWannaB]

I was looking around and found a behringer DI-100 (silver box) for around $35-$40 that got pretty good reviews. I'll probably just go with something like that.

 

[reshp1]

I was looking around and found a behringer DI-100 (silver box) for around $35-$40 that got pretty good reviews. I'll probably just go with something like that.

That should do the trick.