HELP! I need to record soon...

  • Thread starter Thread starter grneyemc82
  • Start date Start date
G

grneyemc82

New member
Okay, I am definitely new to this whole recording thing. But, I have a dream of actually producing my own CD from start to finish, including instruments and vocals. Here's what I want to do:

I am looking at a decent synth keyboard, something like a Korg Triton Le or a Yamaha S30...preferrably something less than $1000. Definitely looking for quality/variety in piano sounds, and realistic strings (those are especially hard to find, I think).

Since I am not great at drums, I have found some sampler CDs that have tons of loops that I'd consider investing in, unless anyone has opinions about that. I think NYC Drumworks by bigfishaudio.com is amazing, but it's $80 at Guitar Center. Alternatives? Also noticed a CD that has guitar strums and licks that I could use the computer to transpose into the key I need. Sounds like that could take a lot of time, but is the sound worth it?

I have a Takamine EG-230 acoustic/electric, and would like to use that in my recording at some point. How do I get the best sound from that for CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP? Can I run the guitar into the keyboard?

Next, vocals. Guitar Center seems to always have some $600 condenser mic on sale for $99.99. What's the best sound I can get for about $100? Should I get a filter, too? I hear it's good if your 's' and 'p' and 'b' sounds are really loud.

Finally, software/hardware. I don't have my own computer just yet...and I know the one I'm using right now would be useless in the realm of recording. Is buying a computer necessary for recording the way I listed above? I guess it would be necessary, though, if I wanna use sampled CDs. Or, maybe I could do my loops in Cool Edit 2000 (I already have this on my current computer) and run it out of my computer into.......(name product here, LOL!)

THANKS TO ALL OF YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR COMMENTS!! Please don't use a whole lotta abbreviations...I'm not ignorant to this whole recording thing, but sometimes it feels like I'm reading a foreign language! hahahaha

And, BTW I'd like to do everything for less than 2 grand (including the computer). Can it be done??

Chris
 
I'm not up on cheapy keys these days. You can build a computer for less than grand. Lots of memory and 7200rpm drive. I use the C-Port listed below, but there's lots of choices out there depending on your needs.
I only listed one mic, and this is an area I wouldn't go cheap on. AT4040 is about $299 right now. Good, solid large diapragm.
Lots of cheap recording software and plugins available, too.
I use N-Track which seems to be pretty flexable.
You're going to need monitors and headphones.

Start looking at gear and getting a feel for what's on the market. Order some catalogs. Scan the different forums here and ask lots of questions before making the first purchase. Compile a list of things you think you'ld use as you go, and then verify compatability.

Don't forget to use the search facility, and read through the tutorials here.

Good luck and welcome to the site.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7...67046671357/search/g=rec/detail/base_id/43399

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7...67046671357/search/g=rec/detail/base_id/53896

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7...67046671357/search/g=rec/detail/base_id/52395

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7...67046671357/search/g=rec/detail/base_id/53845

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7...67046671357/search/g=rec/detail/base_id/43341
 
Good advice from grip about researching everything fully before laying down dollars.

Grip,

What I can't figure out is what cause you to venture out from the cave :D . It's good to see you round here my friend.

:cool:
 
Ahhh, the music's callin' me, and I've been away from it for so long that I have to surf the threads to figure what I'm doing again! :D

Thanks for the welcome, my down-under-brother. :cool:
 
Be careful. Usually if Guitar Satan is selling something for $99 that lists for $700, it's because

(a) it's no longer made or supported
(b) no one ever bought it so they are closing them out
(c) they are awful so nobody wants them
(d) some mixture of (a), (b), and/or (c)

You might get something useful but don't expect to get a first-class mic for $99.
 
I've had decent luck with my $99 Guitar Center Oktava MK-219. The 319's are just a bit more and probably worth it (from what I've heard).

I've also had very good luck with my C-Port (2nd vote on this post). You could also go the Delta1010lt route (cheaper, but the converters are on the card instead of outside the box).

Cheap keyboard with flexible sounds? Check out the Alesis QS series. I got my 6.1 a few years ago, beat the ever-living hell out of it, and it's held up very well. 64 voice polyphony, 16 bit sampling, and very, very good B3/Rhodes/piano presets. I'm not too crazy about the strings, but there are a lot to choose from and they're all very tweakable. You can find them used for about 500 bones. I was panicking when Alesis went under, but they're back now, thanks to Numark.
 
Back
Top