Getting started recording, need help with equipment

  • Thread starter Thread starter CatFishBlues
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CatFishBlues

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Okay here is the deal. I'm a singer/songwriter/guitarist that is looking for recording equipment for two reasons.

1. To compose/work-out my original songs/ideas.
2. For creating rhythm tracks for improvising over to become a better lead guitarist.

The music is basic rock and roll but I would like to experiment with a lot of different ideas I have. For drums I will be using my DR-770 but will play the guitar, bass and sing the vocals myself.

I have little experience recording on my own and would like some feedback as to the equipment that I should begin with. I'm pretty much set on going analog as I don't have a computer at home and I was also told analog is easier to start off with.


So far what I've decided on is the Tascam 424 MK III but don't know if this is too complicated to begin with and maybe the porta 02, 414 or Fostex would be better choices for me?

Mics? I'm not sure. I currently own a Shure SM58 and feel I could use this for vocals and possibly miking the instruments. Will I get a good enough sound out of this mic or should I consider another?

Will I need a mic preamp? If so what are some cheaper ones that I should investigate?

Should I also be looking at a compressor at this stage? FMR seems to be they way to go for a budget price.


As far as mixing down, at this stage I don't think I will need to consider this as I'm sure I will make some really crappy recordings to begin with. But I would like to know, when I am ready to mix down could I buy a CDR and mix down to this to produce a decent sounding CD? Or should I look into getting a tape deck, DAT or use my HiFi Vcr????

Anything I'm missing?

Thanks to anyone who takes the timeout to answer my questions and give feedback, I really appreciate it!
 
If you are still very new to recording, which it sounds like you are, then you may want to experiment with using your computer to record before going out and buying anything. You can get a demo of N-track studio at www.fasoft.com that is fully functional, and easy to use. Then all you have to do is plug the output of your Fx box into the line input on your sound card, and you can record. As you get more used to it, you can download some free plug ins(compressor reverb etc.) that you can use, and so on. This is probably the best way to get into it as you don't have to spend any money to get started.

Simon

P.S.
I am assuming that your computer is competent of recording(full duplex sound card, p 133mhz or more 32meg ram or more), correct me if i am wrong.
 
No machine

I actually don't have a machine at home and that is why I decided to go analog. If I had the machine I surely would try what you suggested.

Thanks for the reply though.
 
CatFish,
What is your budget,...???

That number will make a big difference in which way you should direct your efforts.

If you have say, $1500, that is enuf for a computer, and a basic recording setup to do what you want, .....
If it is less, then used equipment is just about your best choice, ...

If it is more, then you are gonna do just fine, there are several choices that can help you decide, ...

#1 on your list should be to give us here, a little more info on what you are gonna do with the recordings,....???
Is this just so you will be able to add parts to your own songs,..?

Or is it eventually for demos to be distributed for promotion of a band, ... or, ..??

It sort of makes a difference in advice for equipment, for your own use, you can get away with cutting a few corners, but because of all the competition out there, if you plan to use the end recordings for promo's, you should get the best equip. you can.

Having said that, these forums will answer much of what you need for information, just use the search function, and type in anything you want to know, most often, the questions you will pose, have already been asked, and answers posted in the appropriate forums...

If you need specifics, go to the forum that you feel most closely relates to your questions, and post there,...
The folks here are very helpful and are very forthcoming with info for the 'Newbies'

Have fun,..!!! and good luck with your project.

Oh, and by the way,....
Welcome to HR.com,...:D

Upstate :D
 
Welcome to HR.COM, CFB. :)

If you are going to go the analogue" route, then at the l-e-a-s-t, purchase the 424 MK III.

But at this point, I think you should take the PC route. It will probably come out cheaper (if money is a problem, then you'll have to purchase used or older computer equipment :( ).

You can also pick up a lot of shareware/freeware programs.

http://www.hitsquad.com/smm/

Post us back with some of your financial options.

Peace...

spin
 
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