Brand New To Home Recording

  • Thread starter Thread starter songbird08
  • Start date Start date
S

songbird08

New member
I have no idea where to begin!:confused:

I guess I should start by telling you that I am a vocalist only. I am unable to play any instruments, but I want to try my hand at recording some songs (I need beats or music also) to upload onto something like a myspace music page. I need to know what type of software I need, which microphone to buy, pre-amp (whatever that is) or not, etc., etc.

I have read many of these postings and to be honest, they all seem like a foreign language to me. So please take that into consideration when you post a reply and use layman's terms for me.

I need help...bad:eek:

Thanks!!
 
thanks..I was starting to think I was going to be ignored:confused:

Merry Christmas to you!
 
Definitely do some reading...especially in the newbie forum.

Generally, to start recording stuff, you'll obviously need a microphone. Then a pre (preamplifier) to amplify the microphone signal enough to be recorded. That amplified signal then goes into a sound card (aka "interface") on your computer, where it is recorded by your DAW (software program). Or a standalone recorder if that's the route you want to go.

"Beatz" and whatnot are done through MIDI. Basically, a small MIDI keyboard that hooks into the USB port on your computer. It's like a normal keyboard, except it doesn't make sounds. It tells the computer what note is being pressed, how long it is held down, and how hard/fast you strike the note. The program runs these signals (messages) through a software instrument (VSTi) and plays them back.

Some VSTi's are pianos, which gives the piano sound. Some are organs, drums, etc. Pretty much every instrument has been turned into a software instrument.

Some are samplers, some are synths. Samplers use actual recordings of the real thing and are usually better quality. Synths generate the sounds "on-the-fly" and are usually better for electronic music.

So, in case that doesn't make any sense, you'll need:

A microphone
A preamplifier
A sound card (interface)
A computer
A MIDI keyboard
A recording program (DAW)
Virtual instruments (VSTi)

The links are just examples of cheap/common ones that people buy, definitely not the only options out there...

You have a lot of research to do. ;)
 
And in the mic department, its all very what sounds best to you..every mic has a different sound it presents. GOod mic starting points(if your looking at lower priced mics) are Studio Projects B1, AKG Perception 200...and those are condenser mics. Dynamic mics,which are more "Stage" mics, but can produce good quality vocals in studios, such as the Shure SM57/58 are also very good. If you have the chance, demo some of these mics..and different types of mics. There are also ribbon mics, which I myself am not too sure about haha. And my final thought: A good place to get some heads up is Tweak's Guide to Home Recording...he gives a thourough explanation of everything. He also gives guides on what to buy for each application...heres the link:

http://www.tweakheadz.com/guide.htm
 
As a musician and composer who has used (and still uses) various tape recorders, DAWs and standalone recorders, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, I might recommend to a musician that they consider starting with one of the newer small standalone recorders. Some of them even include MIDI synths and beat machines. That way you only need a mike or two, the stand alone unit and headphones or monitors, and the set up is easily portable. Of course, compared to a DAW setup, you do have to accept some limitations on number of tracks, mixing and processing, but I find that sometimes limitations foster creativity.

Some of the newer models are USB 2.0 compliant, so it's no big thing to pull tracks out of the recorder into a DAW for mixing, processing or adding more tracks, if you end up going that route, but there's a lot less to shop for and learn up front.

I also find that dealing with a full computer can often interfere with musical creation, while the stand alone is more of an appliance, like the my analog machines. Plus, there's just something wonderful about having something that is always there, ready to record and easy to use. OTOH, the computer is great for detailed mixing tweaks. Good luck in whatever you decide.

Cheers,

Otto
 
Are you on a Mac or PC? And hey, everyone, let's not have another Mac/PC debate! I'm just bringing it up to give him some suggestions.

If you are on Mac, you can use Garageband, which has a bunch of samples of drums, guitars, strings, etc. as well as many software instruments already on board that you can use to back yourself up. If you get a mic and interface to plug into your computer, you can record your vocals in it, too.

Sequel is Steinberg's answer to Garageband. It also has a bunch of loops and software instruments on board and you can record live audio into it, just like Garageband. It's about $80, so you won't go broke figuring out whether or not you want to pursue the whole home recording thing.

Both would be considered beginner programs, but you've stated that you are a beginner, so they would be a perfect fit!:) I tried Sequel out and thought Garageband was more intuitively set up (easier to work with), but both are fairly easy to use and will get you started in no time!

Juan
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top