Does this sound reasonable?

[markschneider39]

Does this sound reasonable I was considering buying some entry level recording equipment (for a minimum cost) for my son and his band. Neither of us has any experience with this but here's what I had in mind. I was going to set them up with a Tascam 8 track recorder with HD and 2 decent mics. Having only 2 mics means they will have to lay down drums first then come back and add guitars and vocals right?
Would it sound decent to record the drum with 2 mics set up on stands positoned on each side of the kit?
Please tell me if I am completely on the wrong track here before I start making an investment into this project.
Thanks

 

[RickW]

If you could give us a bit more info, such as; what is the purpose of the recording, what type of room (basement, rehearsal room, garage, etc.), we could probably get you more pertinent information.

The recorder would most likely do the trick for you, but two mics is limiting. Would it be just for letting the band hear how they sound? Or is the purpose to make a demo for gigs? There are numerous options, and if this is new to both of you, then there's no reason to not be able to keep it simple, but what result you seek is what will determine what you'll need.

Just my .02

 

[TimOBrien]

Immediately get a good beginner recording book (spend $20 before spending hundred$/thousand$) that shows you what you need to get started and how to hook everything up in your studio:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/07...ce&n=283155&n=507846&s=books&v=glance

Good Newbie guide that also explains all the basics:
http://www.tweakheadz.com/guide.htm

 

[markschneider39]

Thanks guys....you've got me thinking....The purpose would initially be to let them hear how they sound but down the road I would like them to be able to add equipment sufficient to record at demo quality. Should I be forward thinking and buy a better recorder or do you think the Tascam would be sufficient?
Thanks for ur help

 

[sixways]

I'd buy something with at least 8 simultaneous inputs. If he's in a band that has a drummer, they'll outgrow the 2 input deal pretty quick. Look on ebay for a used Yamaha AW16g may be a cheap alternative.

OR...you could get the tascam you are talking about and get an 8-12 channel mixer...that'd give the boys more inputs and the dad less cost.

6

 

[cawhite12]

OK, some things to think about:

If it's an 8-track stand alone recorder, your probably looking at around a $300-$400 investment. Also, with almost all of those, you can only LAY DOWN 2 tracks at a time, so getting more mics wouldn't help your cause. It will allow you to record 8 total tracks, but you can only do them 2 at a time.

At that price point, you might consider getting a computer audio interface (assuming that you already have a computer of course). For the same money or less, you could get an interface that will allow you to run more than 2 tracks simultaneously, record at higher sample rates, and with DAW software, you have way more control over your mix.

 

[Thunder33]

can I just say that this is a kick ass dad? I concur on going with DAW. I have had a Roland VS880 that has sat next to my mixing board, collecting dust for quite some time. It has some nice features but working on a PC is so much easier and less time consuming.....in my humble opinion anyway.