Completely new to recording, have very general question

[fig hesychastic]

I just have a sort of general question that requires for me to express some details and interests.

I have never recorded on real equipmentlaughings:)

I really like the microphones, and the question is relevant to phil elvrum's recording methods. the link explains
https://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=160889

so basically i'm interested in analog equipment and how elvrum uses it to define his style. Is it easy/difficult to use? Accessible? efficient?

as for me, I have 2 years of classical guitar training, 4 overall writing and performing music casually, but never recorded despite some attempts with shoddy software and mic.

I know this is a 'meh' question, but any positive feedback will help. Thanks

 

[bouldersoundguy]

Good analog tape recorders are getting rare, and they require significant maintenance attention. They are simpler to use than a digital system in some ways, but that's because they are less versatile.

 

[dintymoore]

On that link it says "He uses a Neumann U67 to record almost everything, and then runs it through a fairly cruddy old Altec preamp... then straight to tape. no signal processors or anything".

That's not crazy. The mic pre isn't probably that bad, it's probably a gem. There's a guy who said "there have been no major advances in recording in the last 50 years". That's a sweeping statement but I do know where it's coming from.

Personally, I think you'd be better off getting an interface and a great mic but you can find reel to reels for almost free on Craigslist so that's an option. If you aren't a mechanic, let's say if you've never done a brake job on a car, i wouldn't recommend it because any reel to reel you'll find cheap is likely to be like a 30 year car than hasn't been driven for 10 years.

I use a computer, but also old vintage tube gear and mix "out of the box" because I don't like digital.

But in the end, whatever you record on you'll end up going digital to share your music with others.

There's a saying "you can resist change or embrace it, but you can't stop it".

 

[grimtraveller]

Well, once you get your head around things, they're not particularly hard. In terms of using mics and placement though, the same methods and principles apply to analog and digital. The major difference for me is that if you overload the mics or signal in analog, you often get a sound that is actually OK, often useable and can be much sought after. If you do so digitally, very rarely will you not be clenching your teeth.

 

[jdier]

If you are dead set on analog it can all be done. There are loads of people and places with well kept gear. Try to find an older tascam 8 track reel to reel and maybe a soundcraft board then a mic.

I think what you will find with that guy and his recordings are two things. His mic is probably a $2000-$3000 mic and the room he is recording in is probably a lot nicer sounding that what most people have access to.

Do not be discouraged, if you want to record that way you can do it. Start researching on high quality 4 or 8 track reel to reel machines that are either easy to maintain or readily available well maintained.