Brand Newbie

[dcb001]

Hi. Before I begin.... I've been recording for a few months, but mostly just short tracks to remind myself what I've done. I will never try to sell a CD or play gigs, its just for my own entertainment.

I have a 3.0 Ghz dell desktop with Creative 5.1 speakers, and have gone through two sound cards (first Soundblaster live, then the integrated audio). I am using the microphone that came with the computer (I don't mind the quality) and my trial periods for all the recording programs ran out. I play a a 12-string acoustic/electric Takamine and a Les Paul through a Marshall amp, and occasionally attempt to sing, but fail miserably. I'm planning on getting a Taylor soon.

Because I have no plans for trying to sell the crap I make, I would like advice for a set-up under $100. This means a new soundcard that will work on a daily basis, a microphone for voice and instrument use, and a recording/editing program. I would like to avoid a preamp if possible because I don't think I need that much quality and clutter. Again, I'm just going for a cheap system and will never upgrade, so 100 should be plenty. I realize $500 mics are better than $30 ones, but my $3 seems to work fine right now---not sweating the small stuff at all.

Thank you in advance, and i apologize for the lengthy post.
Donnie

 

[metalhead28]

I would like advice for a set-up under $100. This means a new soundcard that will work on a daily basis, a microphone for voice and instrument use, and a recording/editing program.

You realize that this is a very unrealistic goal you've got here?

If you want to go that cheap, why do you even care to upgrade? Just keep at it with the bare minimum that you've got. Or an even better idea would be to spend that 100 dollar budget on one decent item, and then buy another decent item later after some more saving.

I'm sure you can find some bare bones free recording software though with a little searching.

 

[maestro_dmc]

Why not get one of those Samson USB condenser mics, you won't even need a new soundcard.

For software try Audacity or Kristal, both free.

Otherwise, what Metalhead said was true, no point in upgrading if you only want to spend $100 or less. There's no point in getting a better mic without getting a pre-amp for it (hence the Samson suggestion, no pre-amp or soundcard needed).

If you've only been at music for a few months, you will probably change your mind about your other statements after you become good at playing.

And you said you will never upgrade? We'll see about that. Once you're hooked, it's an endless pursuit.

 

[mithra6]

This may be slightly over your budget, BUT it's reasonable, you get get the job done, and if you decide to upgrade, then you can.

Here's a USB one channel interface from M-Audio for 99 bucks:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=rec/search/detail/base_pid/703606/

Then get a Shure SM-57 which is a little under 90 bucks, or just get a different one, but the SM-57 is a good inexpensive all around mic.

You can then use the apps mentioned earlier, and you'd be good to go.

If you get addicted, you can get really decent interfaces for under $300 and you get more fancy if you want.

 

[dcb001]

I realize it's a very low price range, but I've been playing for 8 years and the bare minimum is enough for me. Integral audio and my soundcard need to be replaced either way because my speakers randomly get louder and softer. I think that means the card is shot, but I'm not sure. Thank you for the advice.

 

[dcb001]

Update...
I bought a refurbished Creative Audigy 2 for $30 and am currently looking at microphones or cables. I think I'll either get the MXL desktop recording kit or just a 1/4-1/8 adapter. According to this the adapter should work. However, I'm concerned that I will ruin my new sound card. If I don't care about quality and turn down the volume on my Marshall, will this solve my problem?