Compressor and Direct In Needed?

[dweeks]

Hello to all. I am just getting started on this and have two questions. I am reading a book on home recording, and in the book, the author says you "must" include a Direct In box for your guitar, and you "must" include a compressor/expaner to get good quality home recordings.

I have a good guitar (Martin D18) with a good Pickup (Active IBeam). I'm going through a TASCAM unit into my computer via USB and recording to CakeWalk Music Creator 3.

So my questions:

1 - Do I really need a Compressor/Expander, and if so, what models are good for a tighter budget?

2 - Do I really need a Direct In box... and if so, what models are good for a tighter budget?

Thanks for all help and advice!

dw

 

[danny.guitar]

Hello to all. I am just getting started on this and have two questions. I am reading a book on home recording, and in the book, the author says you "must" include a Direct In box for your guitar, and you "must" include a compressor/expaner to get good quality home recordings.

I'd have to disagree with that. If you're recording direct, then yes, get a direct box. You will probably benefit from a compressor but it is not required to make good recordings.

I have a good guitar (Martin D18) with a good Pickup (Active IBeam). I'm going through a TASCAM unit into my computer via USB and recording to CakeWalk Music Creator 3.

Just a question, wouldn't you rather mic up a nice guitar like that rather than recording it direct? The sound will be much better. You could also do a mix between the two to get a nice sound.

 

[dweeks]

As far as micing the guitar, the answer is yes, probably. I'm playing around with several combinations right now. I have the IBeam installed, I also own a sound hole pickup, and have access to a pretty nice microphone. I'm playing around with each individually as well as comining them.

dw

 

[Track Rat]

You absolutely do not need a compressor or a direct box to make great recordings. As far as on board pick ups on the acoustic, I have a VERY low opinion of them but to each their own. A decent microphone (for acoustic I'd recommend a small diaphram condensor) and a equally decent preamplifier. I sounds like you already have a way into the computer.