Brand new to recording.

[Dan42684]

Alright guys I decided I want to start dabbling in recording more and expand my knowledge. I have very little knowledge about recording. I use Pro Tools LE for recording but I also have a copy of Sonar 6 PE that I haven't tried yet. I don't have any drum programs and have no clue how to mess with those. I'm trying to figure out where to start learning about what equipment I'll need. Basically i just record myself playing guitar and I really want to better myself playing wise and recording wise. As far as questions I have no clue where to start so if you guys need to know specific info just ask.

 

[Nick98338]

1. Get the basic equipment.
Microphone(s)
Preamps
Soundcard/Audio Interface (may have preamps built in)
Computer (you've got that)
Recording Software (you've got the basic stuff)
Cables

2. Learn to use it all
Just do it!

3. Read and ask questions
In this forum
http://www.tweakheadz.com

 

[Dan42684]

1. Get the basic equipment.
Microphone(s)
Preamps
Soundcard/Audio Interface (may have preamps built in)
Computer (you've got that)
Recording Software (you've got the basic stuff)
Cables

2. Learn to use it all
Just do it!

3. Read and ask questions
In this forum
http://www.tweakheadz.com

I have a soundcard and a interface.

Creative Audigy2 ZS for soundcard
MBox for interface

for Microphone I'm thinking of Shure SM57
Preamps I'm not sure what those are for or what to buy.
I got instrument cables and a SPDIF cable.

 

[zacanger]

If you're really just in it for guitar, get yourself the SM57 (or an ES-57, much cheaper) for your cab and download leafdrums. Before you pay for any software, check out Kristal (kreatives.org), Audacity, or the like to see how it goes.

 

[Nick98338]

I have a soundcard and a interface.
Creative Audigy2 ZS for soundcard
MBox for interface
for Microphone I'm thinking of Shure SM57
Preamps I'm not sure what those are for or what to buy.
I got instrument cables and a SPDIF cable.

The Audigy *IS* a soundcard/interface. AND the Mbox *IS* also a soundcard/interface. You only need one of the two. In many cases only one soundcard can be active in the computer at one time. The computer just gets confused if you try to use two, at the same time.

The Mbox has preamps built into it. The Audigy does not. You need preamps. So, do you use the Mbox which *does* have preamps, or do you use the Audigy that does *not* have preamps? DUH!

What does a preamp do? It amplifies the signal from the microphone before the signal goes into the interface. A mic puts out a very weak signal, but the "line" input on the interface expects a much stronger signal. So, the preamp increases the signal.

 

[Dan42684]

I use my Audigy2 strictly for sound I don't have the front panel that comes with it. I use my Mbox for recording but i do it direct with my Boss GT8. I write music and not just guitar riffs so I wanna add drums, bass and maybe some vocals but first I wanna start with getting basic knowledge down of EQing, mixing etc.

 

[Dan42684]

after reading through that guide, I'm gonna upgrade From the MBox to the Firebox and switch Pro Tools LE to Sonar. I find Pro Tools LE to be extremely not user friendly plus I got a friend that can help me out with Sonar when I get stuck. Thinking of where I can fit a set of monitors on my desk so thats a tough part. Definitely gonna get the AKG K55 headphones because my sony's suck for music recording. Not sure if I need a keyboard but that's last on my list. Planning buy a Shure SM57 mic from a friend.

 

[daav]

after reading through that guide, I'm gonna upgrade From the MBox to the Firebox and switch Pro Tools LE to Sonar. I find Pro Tools LE to be extremely not user friendly plus I got a friend that can help me out with Sonar when I get stuck. Thinking of where I can fit a set of monitors on my desk so thats a tough part. Definitely gonna get the AKG K55 headphones because my sony's suck for music recording. Not sure if I need a keyboard but that's last on my list. Planning buy a Shure SM57 mic from a friend.

Pretty good start. Read these boards for about 20 days straight and try out what you get for about 2 months before investing more money, when you have your feet wet you will make better investments.
Don;t try to mix on headphones, but until you get into more than a few tracks to mess around with and get some practice you aren;t really mixing, but the popint is, real monitors are a must at some point.

Also check our Reaper, shareware that is major cheap, incredibly functional and really easy to use.

Daav

 

[TimOBrien]

My obligatory standard reply that I keep in Wordpad:

First off, immediately get a good beginner recording book (spend $20 before spending hundred$/thousand$) that shows you what you need to get started and how to hook everything up in your studio:
Home Recording for Musicians by Jeff Strong - $15
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/07...ce&n=283155&n=507846&s=books&v=glance
(Wish I'd had that when I started; would have saved me lots of money and time and grief)

Good Newbie guides that also explains all the basics:
http://www.tweakheadz.com/guide.htm
http://www.computermusic.co.uk/page/computermusic?entry=free_beginner_pdfs

21 Ways To Assemble a Recording Rig:
http://www.tweakheadz.com/rigs.htm

Also Good Info:
http://www.theprojectstudiohandbook.com/directory.htm

Other recording books:
http://musicbooksplus.com/home-recording-c-31.html