Feeling like a moron

  • Thread starter Thread starter Glenn Cimera
  • Start date Start date
G

Glenn Cimera

New member
Just got a VF80EX w/ CD and two MXL 6032 mics. I'm reading the manual and it's giving me a major headache! I'm hoping this thing isn't as complicated to use as it seems at this moment. I am a reasonably educated guy, but learning about this recording stuff makes me feel like a moron. All I want to do is record solo acoustic guitar, add some effects, and burn a CD....will I ever learn to do that without putting my head in the oven?
BTW, I will be getting a mic pre-amp this week, as I understand it is a must with this unit for quality recordings...
I have MAJOR respect for you folks who are into this and produce great recordings. Is there hope for a technically-challenged acoustic guy like me?
Now, where was I...page 28, Basic Recording....wonder if the oven is pre-heated yet...
 
you can do it

read a bit, then get to the recorder and do what you read.... make practice recordings of just speaking, get to know how everything works.... dont give up ....
 
I had problems with my machine when I first got it. It seemed like it was difficult to do even simple things. After going through the step by step instructions each time I used it for the first 5 recordings I made I finally don't need the manual much.
If you can figure out how to post on a message board you can figure out your machine. It just takes time and practice.
 
broiler works best...

or cleaning cycle, it gets real hot.
 
Glenn Cimera said:
All I want to do is record solo acoustic guitar, add some effects, and burn a CD....BTW, I will be getting a mic pre-amp this week, as I understand it is a must with this unit for quality recordings...
...
Click to expand...

Get the preamp, but you don't need one. When using a condensor on the VF's the difference between the internal preamps and external is VERY subtle, and not necessarily better.

If you're running a dynamic mic, like the SM57 that has very low output, then an external preamp would be a good idea, but I've used both internal and external preamps on both the VF80 and 160, and there is no dramatic difference to be had.

I've got a Studio Projects VTB1 preamp that allows dialing in of a tube circuit, which the VF's can't do, and it's dead quiet no matter how much gain you need. But in so many applications I can very easily and happily use the VF preamps.

Would a $500. preamp be better? It better be! But here again, the difference would be subtle, and subjective.

You WILL learn this machine and make fine recordings. Don't give up. One thing: Get a long enough cable so you can record far enough away from the machine so as not to pick up the HardDrive noise. Condensors pick up EVERYTHING.

Anyway, the VF80's are great recorders and you can make great recordings with them.
 
I'd say the same as everyone else. Keep at it and you'll soon get to grips with it.

There's still shitloads about my VF160 that I don't know about...probably won't either.

These gadgets do come with a free and steep learning curve that they don't tell you about on the box or in the manual, but stick in there and you shall TRIUMPH like a valiant Viking warrior upon the field of battle...or something!

:)
 
Get a grip Glenn: you are now numbered among the Fostex hallowed. Recording is a dark art, one which takes many years of discipleship to master, but it is also a noble art which mixes science and creativity: we are the true renaissance men, the children of the enlightenment, the...
Come to think of it, Jizz's idea of being a viking sounds more fun!
Valhalla I am coming!

Keep at it

Orc
 
Thanks guys!

Thanks for the replys and encouragement! I have been able to record a few test recordings so far...haven't figured out how to burn a cd yet...I think I have to "master" the recording first...keep getting a "void" message. I think I'll get the hang of this before long, just takes time and patience.
Anyway, I'll keep ya posted!
 
Glenn Cimera said:
haven't figured out how to burn a cd yet...I think I have to "master" the recording first...keep getting a "void" message. /QUOTE]

Yes, you have to create a Master first, and when you hit STOP the VF80 will take the Master and turn it into a new program, the name of which will start with "MST...". The only way to get a CD from a non Master is to burn a wav or FDMS3 backup of a given program.
Click to expand...
 
Burned a cd!

Thanks for the insight. Followed the directions in the manual last night, not so bad. Mastered a two track, stereo recording of my acoustic guitar. All I did was adjust the EQ a bit and (I think) a touch of reverb. Then burned the CD and loaded it on my computer in my iPOD program. Came out pretty good! Still have to learn about the start and end editing as well as how to add different FX's, but this really is fun and a great tool to improve my playing.
BTW, I used two MXL 603s mics directly into the VF80, no pre-amp. Also the mics were just laying on a table pointed at the 12th fret. I assume my recordings can only improve as a get the hang of things (and a mic stand!).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top