Hello everyone, Newbie here needs advice.

[ItzCashew]

Hello everyone. I'm a high school student who is new to the home recording thing. I've been writing and rapping when i was 10. Despite my racial background (Vietnamese) i continue to do what i liked best. I remember lip synching songs on the TV and then memorizing them and reherse them in front of friends for laugh and giggles. Later on i started to remix songs and making my own using different beats. So i did and i continued to just have this hobby.
But now i kind of want to record some of my songs, im not looking for fame or fortune i just want to make some songs and show people and friends all for good times.
As of now i am a 17 year old Senior with a menial job. I have about $500 dollars to spend on some equipment. *had to sell off my car radio for it*
Im currently using my PC with a dj program to record songs off a headset mic.
The quality is ****ty. You can hear all the background noise, and air movement. Plus too much echo for comfort.
I consider myself a amature at best and im always on the move to improve. Any suggestions, help, or support is much appreciated. And if you are going to flame me just remember, we all have to start somewhere. Thank you.

 

[TimOBrien]

My obligatory standard reply that I keep in Wordpad:

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:
Home Recording for Musicians by Jeff Strong - $15
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/07...ce&n=283155&n=507846&s=books&v=glance
(Wish I'd had that when I started; would have saved me lots of money and time and grief)

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

21 Ways To Assemble a Recording Rig:
http://www.tweakheadz.com/rigs.htm

Also Good Info:
http://www.theprojectstudiohandbook.com/directory.htm

Other recording books:
http://musicbooksplus.com/home-recording-c-31.html


Plenty of software around to record for free to start out on:

Audacity: http://audacity.sourceforge.net

Kristal: http://www.kreatives.org/kristal/

Other freebies and shareware: www.hitsquad.com

 

[ItzCashew]

Much appreciations my friend. I hope to speed up this process and have some samples when im done.

 

[rayc]

& prowl around ebay for bargains. You'd be amazed at what can be aquired over time for little outlay.
Cheers
rayC

 

[studiomaster]

Study the guides and books and you will be fine. Take your time when coming to purchasing equipment. Make sure you have everything you 'need'.

 

[jakestevens]

Hi,

For about $500, you can get a new M-Audio Pro Tools Bundle. They have industry standard quality and are in your price range.

Good Luck on your music

Jake