Help the elderly ..

[puffudder]

Hi,
I'm a newbie, both to the site and home recording. I've got some great tunes in my head that I'm now keen to get out and into the world. All I have is an acoustic guitar that will form the basis of all the said tunes. I have access to electrics and basses for the overlays and fills. My idea is to purchase a laptop, which will be solely dedicated to the recording process. I will then need the relevant software which, as I know precious little about things like pan, compression, EQ and the like, would prefer to be as simple as possible. If anyone kind enough to find the time would lay out the best possible scenario for me, I'd be immensely grateful.
Thanks a million,
P

 

[KineticSound]

All I have is an acoustic guitar that will form the basis of all the said tunes.

You're going to need a mic, unless it's an Electric-Acoustic. Dynamic Mic vs. Condenser Mic; Dynamic: rugged, cheap, simple. Condenser: delicate, articulate, pretty cheap nowadays, too. If I were just starting out and looking for an acoustic guitar mic, I would look at pencil condensers. Depending on your budget, there are a ton of options. On the lower end, maybe a MXL 603 or Sterling Audio ST31 (about $100 street price). Mid- or higher-end, perhaps an Audio Technica AT4021 or Shure SM-81 (about $300-400 street price).

My idea is to purchase a laptop, which will be solely dedicated to the recording process. I will then need the relevant software which, as I know precious little about things like pan, compression, EQ and the like, would prefer to be as simple as possible.

Three parts here: computer, interface, and software. I'm a Mac guy, so I'm a little biased, but MacBook's/MacBook Pro's tend to make good starting points if you want to record to a laptop. Be careful if you're selecting a Vista machine (or the newest-generation aluminum MacBooks if you want the option of a FireWire interface). Personally, I have a previous generation MacBook and a standalone Mac, both running Apple Logic 8 software. Logic's great, but maybe not for the true beginner. You'll probably get some starter software with whatever interface you select, or if you get a Mac with iLife 08, then you'll have GarageBand included which can get you started.

The interface is important. This is the "middle man" between your audio source (microphone, electric guitar, bass, etc.) and the computer. It converts the analog sound into digital information the computer can understand. For layering acoustic guitar, guitar, and bass tracks one at a time, you don't need much - just something that can serve as power and preamp for your mic, and that can also serve as a direct-in for your guitar/bass. There are boxes out there from Focusrite, PreSonus, M-Audio, Edirol, Tascam, etc., etc. Budget again plays a factor.

A must-buy: some reading material to help you grasp some of the basics: Mic placement, level setting, eq, etc. Home Recording for Dummies or similar. SouthSideGlen also has a good public website that talks about a lot of these topics. Just run a search for him and you'll see his link.

A sample budget setup might look like:
Apple MacBook (white) with GarageBand (included on all new Mac's)
Tascam US-122 Audio Interface
Sterling Audio ST-31 Microphone
Mic stand, XLR cable, Headphones

A higher-end setup might look like:
Apple MacBook Pro with Logic Express 8
Focusrite Saffire LE Audio Interface
Shure SM-81 Microphone
Mic stand, XLR cable, Heaphones or studio monitor system

 

[NYMorningstar]

If you want a portable setup take a look at a Tascam 2488neo ($600-$700). You can use it to record, mix, master and burn cd's. For your acoustic recordings a pair of NT5's($400) would be nice and use an LDC mic($70-whatever) for vocals.

 

[puffudder]

Oldmanrolling ..

With thanks to both the contributors ..

My guitar has the BBand EQ, so no need for a mic there.
I don't want to go the Portastudio route (Tascam, Yamaha AD1400 etc) as I'm a million miles from home, viz a South African teaching English in China, so it has to be the laptop route. I've never handled a Mac (I'm currently using a Dell for my Googling, Stumbling, Yahoo and mailing, and as such am rather keen on the Mac idea.
I now realise the necessity of an interface thanks. Here, together with the software is where my decision problems start. I'd far prefer to have to save up for higher end gear if that's what required ... I'd still like it to be simple though.
As far as the software goes, I'm only familiar with terms like Cakewalk, Firewire and a few others .. I've no clue as what they do, are capable of etc.
Perhaps naive, but my idea was to get as good a mastering job done on my own, put it out there, and if any of the big players happen to like it .. they can foot the costs of having a professional job done .. Is this suicidal ?
The Chinese University where I teach is about to close for their New Year, and I'll now have the time to go shopping in the big cities like Beijing or Hong Kong where I can get what I need.
Thanks for your patience,
P

 

[KineticSound]

My guitar has the BBand EQ, so no need for a mic there.

If you're happy with the sound of the built-in electronics on the guitar, then you've just saved yourself at least $100 USD!

I've never handled a Mac (I'm currently using a Dell for my Googling, Stumbling, Yahoo and mailing, and as such am rather keen on the Mac idea.

You could certainly continue to use the Dell you already have for audio. It's personal preference. But don't feel that you absolutely must have a dedicated audio computer. For what you're looking to do, purchasing an additional computer is a big investment...

I now realise the necessity of an interface thanks. Here, together with the software is where my decision problems start. I'd far prefer to have to save up for higher end gear if that's what required ... I'd still like it to be simple though.

The interface part is a must if you're going to record to the computer. Technically, you could use an adapter cable and plug into the "line in" jack on your computer, but you probably won't be too happy with the results.

Considering your objective, how much sense does it make to purchase a high-end interface? If your modus operand is to record demos of yourself playing, the difference you will find between a $130 interface and a $500 interface may not be worth the extra expense. If, on the other hand, you simply must have the highest quality converters and good mic preamps (that you won't use ), spend what you like.

As far as the software goes, I'm only familiar with terms like Cakewalk, Firewire and a few others .. I've no clue as what they do, are capable of etc.

I would typically suggest you run some searches on these terms, but you might not know what you're looking for. Cakewalk, Cubase, Logic, Nuendo, Reaper, and Audacity are all software recording programs. Firewire is not software, it's a transfer protocol (like USB); a way of moving the data from your interface to/from your computer. If you purchase an audio interface (of any level), it will typically come bundled with software tested to work with it. CubaseLE seems to be the popular software bundle at the moment, and is fairly simple and straighforward to use.

Perhaps naive, but my idea was to get as good a mastering job done on my own, put it out there, and if any of the big players happen to like it .. they can foot the costs of having a professional job done .. Is this suicidal ?

Only suicidal if you are. Be careful about this term "mastering job". No offense, but you're not likely to produce a full, "mastered" recording without a good deal of gear, software, and experience. There are folks on this board who have spent years perfecting the mastering craft and make a living at it. A more appropriate expectation would be to produce a good-sounding demo that you can share with friends and/or pitch to promoters, etc. Don't be discouraged if your finished product doesn't sound like what you hear on the radio. If it represents your ability and is pleasing to listen to, then you're off to a good start.