complete noob..looking to get started

[maxr]

Hey guys, so i have been playing bass for about 4 1/2 years now and, of course, have a love for music. I am in the high school jazz and concert band, but i love to play outside of school as well (play to my ipod through a dock) I have been doing this for a long time now, and think its about time that i get my creative side out. I've got friends who play drums and guitar, and we have been playing a little bit together. I started thinking about getting a nice little setup in which i could record 2 to 3 instruments and at least one mic. I would be using it through my decently equipped computer, which should be ready for an average software. I was looking for, maybe a starting "package" to get me started out. I hope to be able to put together a few songs, and be able to add drum tracks, other instruments through the software if possible...am i helpless? or do i have somewhere to start? thanks guys! (my first post on the forum)

 

[Xaaron1377]

Basically, you'll need the following:
1. a recording software on your computer (called a DAW).
2. a microphone (or microphones), along with cables.
3. a microphone preamp (probably one that plugs in to the USB port on your computer). The microphone plugs into the preamp, which plugs into the computer. Depending on how many mics you are using at a given time, you should get one with the proper amount of mic inputs.
4. a MIDI keyboard or some type of MIDI controller to record the virtual instruments.

Feel free to ask any questions.
Also, I might be forgetting some things so if anyone thinks of something I am missing, feel free to add on to this.