confused for recording

[mookmaster]

For a while i've been trying to get the gist of home recording and how to do it and every day i find myself getting more and more lost. I know that i want to record with digital and use my computer hard drive. I have a good mic but i'm not sure what i need to hook it up to my computer and if i should use a preamp and such. I want to record vocals, acoustic guitar and electric guitar. Can anyone cast a guiding light through my muddled head?

 

[minofifa]

what do you mean by you want to record digital? like you want to use spdif ins or soemthing? if you just mean you want to record to your computer, you can use analog inputs and then use A/D converters (soundcards), that is the general method.

get yourself a decent mic, and a soundcard with a built in pre amp (omni studio would suit you well, it has a lot).

 

[mookmaster]

sorry about my post being confusing as i said i really only half know what i'm talking about (if that). thanks for the advice, i'll check it out.

 

[Chris Shaeffer]

It really isn't that difficult once you get started. Its like problem solving. For example:

"I want coffee. What do I need? Well, I need coffee beans! Got 'em, but they aren't ground. Ok, that means I need a grinder. Cheapest one is $12, but a really classy one that will make your coffee habit a thing ov envy will run you $50 or more. Ok, now I need a coffee maker...Hmmmm....I could get a little plastic thing that holds a paper filter for $6 or I could go with the $368 super-auto-intravenous-drip system..."

The idea is that you start with what you have, then identify what you need. You don't have to make too many choices all at once.

So, if you want to record on your computer...you have to have a computer you can use for recording. Anything will work, but some things work better than others. The computer you are using for the BBS would probably work to get you started, and maybe even to keep you going. What have you got for a computer?

Next up is the soundcard. The card that came with your computer is not going to make you happy for very long BUT there is no reason not to start with it. I started with a cheapo full duplex card and stayed with it for several months while I learned the...

Software. Gotta have it. I started cheap but very good with N-track (PC only). I only used it for about 6 monhts until I upgraded my soundcard, but some people never stop using it.

What I'm saying is your best course, especially if you are feeling confused, is to start with what you have and a very minimal investment. If your computer's soundcard is full duplex (i.e. can play and record at the same time) then all you need is the software, a dynamic mic, and the funky cable arrangement needed to get the XLR mic cable into the mini-plug on your soundcard. Radio Shack can help you there. Or you could use a cheapo mic that has a mini-plug connector.

No, this setup will not sound all that great. The idea is to get you started cheaply so that you no longer feel confused when thinking about what to get next. As you get some experience with computer recording, you'll have a much better idea of what questions to ask and what further investments will make a real impact on the ease and quality of your recordings.

Take care,
Chris

 

[lpdeluxe]

Very good advice, Chris. I can only add that you need to realize that a recording system is an evolving monster, morphing into a bigger and meaner beast every time you identify a lack and find the part to fill it with...Wherever you start from you'll end up somewhere else!


And understand that for a musician it's one of the most gratifying things you can get into, and will be challenging you for years to come. You'll be like the photographer who figures out composition, then goes after color relationships, then gets into distorting lenses, and then discovers he's printing dust specks along with his art....It requires musicianship, and social graces, and the ability to both plan comprehensively and go with the flow.

It never ends. At least, I hope so.

 

[mookmaster]

thanks for the advice, i think what my actual main goal was to figure out what i need to get started and i think i'm starting to figure it out now. I think i'll get a Shure SM57 and maybe the omnistudio (since my soundcard really blows and i don't mind shelling out the dollars now) and try that out. If anyone sees a fatal flaw to that plan or anything or maybe has any good advice for me it' be much appreciated. Oh yeah, i was also wondering what with this level of equipment i should do to get the mic hooked up to record onto the computer.