completely new and no idea what i'm doing

[lumpkin1985]

i've been reading about recording systems practically nonstop for the last 24 hours, and i don't think that i've gotten anywhere. i'm not familiar with all the lingo and what not. i'm a singer, and i want to be able to mix and record my stuff. nothing incredibly fancy to start with, though i do want to learn. any suggestions about what i should get or where i should start? of what i've been able to glean, i think i'm leaning toward a fostex, but i don't want to find out later that something different would have been a better choice for me.

 

[Rokket]

If you are just looking for something to record ideas on, you can't go wrong with getting an analog (sound produced by a natural, physical means) 4 track which utilizes cassette tapes as a recording medium. They are great for learning recording on. There are those here who will tout pc recording, but if you have no idea at all what you are doing, I'd recommend going the multitrack route first. You can find an inexpensive, easy to use one on most sites that sell music instruments.
Go to the Fostex or Tascam websites and look at what they have. There are some digital recorders out there that will give you more tracks, but they get more costly the more features they have. And some of them have a HUGE learning curve.
Welcome to the board, and good luck!

 

[Riverdog]

Hi Lumpkin...

Rokket's right...
Find something that's "FUN" first...
Buying something too big "too fast" will only get you frustrated and confused when all you want to do is make something that records the music you want to sing...

There are cassette recorders that retail for 100.00 to 150.00 dollars on average to start... Invest in a Sure SM58 Mic and a cable (You can definitely use this model later as you purchase more equipment)... Plug it in... Plug other stuff in - a friend's guitar - Stick the Mic in a piano - Sing - Learn to bounce your tracks back and forth - mess with the EQ...

As you learn - many of the 'functions' you learn from your little setup will apply to the bigger things you may wish to move into... And you may also find that recording may not be your 'gig'... You may wish to leave that to a studio or other person so you can focus on your singing...

Either way... Starting slow...
You Win...

Welcome aboard...

 

[mikeh]

I agree completely. Both Fostex & Tascam have $100 4 track cassette machines. They are very easy to learn and are great for putting together basic song ideas.

Many people on this site likely started on a cassette 4-track. Back in the 80's these were the first "affordable" (about $1200) home recording devices - and were a great way to learn to record.

I only wish I would have stopped at the 4 track - it would have saved me thousands of dollars and endless hours reading technical manuals (not to mention eliminating the need for a 2nd job to pay for all this gear).

 

[guttadaj]

I grew up playing around with a Tascam 4-track cassette multitracker, and I agree that this is a good way to get into it. Keep it simple to start with, and if you like it, then dive in headfirst.

I don't know how much these are going for nowadays, but after I got frustrated with cassettes getting eaten on occasion or with flutter or some other such problem, I went out and got a 4-track MiniDisc recorder (uses the Sony MiniDisc media) -- my first foray into the digital world where I have since stayed. Everything's basic like on a cassette multitracker for the most part, but you have the advantages of digital, like being able to skip over songs without fast-forwarding/rewinding for example and also like not having the occasional eaten cassette. I still have the unit and haven't used it much, but I just can't sell it yet because I could see the possibility of wanting to do some recording more "on location" where I wouldn't be near my DAW (a Desktop - not very portable).

Whichever way you go, have fun and just remember to come back if you have any questions.


-Jeff

 

[Rokket]

I grew up playing around with a Tascam 4-track cassette multitracker, and I agree that this is a good way to get into it. Keep it simple to start with, and if you like it, then dive in headfirst.

I don't know how much these are going for nowadays, but after I got frustrated with cassettes getting eaten on occasion or with flutter or some other such problem, I went out and got a 4-track MiniDisc recorder (uses the Sony MiniDisc media) -- my first foray into the digital world where I have since stayed. Everything's basic like on a cassette multitracker for the most part, but you have the advantages of digital, like being able to skip over songs without fast-forwarding/rewinding for example and also like not having the occasional eaten cassette. I still have the unit and haven't used it much, but I just can't sell it yet because I could see the possibility of wanting to do some recording more "on location" where I wouldn't be near my DAW (a Desktop - not very portable).

Whichever way you go, have fun and just remember to come back if you have any questions.


-Jeff

Even the digital recorders are getting cheaper all the time. If he goes to the Fostex site as I told him, they are really pushing the MR-8, which I have. It's as easy to use as an analog machine, and it gives you 4 mono tracks and 4 stereo tracks. Plus, you can bounce down tracks and add more. I have played with that and have gotten 14 tracks out if it. I also have used my Tascam MF-P01 in conjuction with the MR-8 with pretty good results. It add a bit of the analog warmth to the digital recording.
But that's for later on for you. Go with getting a good analog machine first to learn with. The MF-P01 retails for about $100.00 US, and it's a really nice machine to get your feet wet with!

 

[BentRabbit]

Do you have a lava lamp?