Help w/gift for husband...

[mharr552000]

If you don't get something with an internal CD burner you will have to import into a computer or buy an external CD burner. This is a bit over budget, but it would be a great all-in-one solution:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=rec/search/detail/base_pid/240280/

I started out with something like this in 1986.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=rec/search/detail/base_pid/241118/
You would need a stereo with an auxillary input to mix down, but it's a lot cheaper and a lot less complicated.

 

[Nik D]

The cheapest way, and probably the best quality would be to snag a digi mbox off of ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=41784&item=3764888246&rd=1 ($280), and grab an oktava mk319 ($100 or less). This way you can burn a cd with your computer, you get two pretty quality ins, and protools to boot. Way more powerful, and cheaper than getting a portable studio. And the 319 sounds pretty damn good on accoustic guitars and vocals too, much better than a 57 or 58, at pretty close to the same price.

 

[kayc]

Once again - thanks to everyone for their input! I checked out the digibox (which someone here at work also has and loves), but decided that I didn't want to spend that much......yet. I also like the portability of the Fostex.

It's all ordered, the Fostex MR8, the SM57 and the cable! I went with Zzounds by using the link on this forum, so they should get credit for the order.

I also had to order a new computer - as mine finally crapped out! (Thank God!) So, not only am I spending money on the gift, but also a new Dell computer...The sound card is only a Integrated 5.1 Channel Audio, but I can upgrade that later. I also got dual drives (16x DBD-ROM + 48x CD-RW). I think we should be set.

I'm sure I'll be back to ask more questions (and probably my husband will as well) once he starts playing around with his new toys.

Thanks again and happy recording to all!

 

[noisedude]

kayc - All you need to turn that computer into a quality recording station is:

- Soundcard - M-Audio Audiophile 2496 - £70 (sorry about British money ... stuff's cheaper where you are anyway)
- Miniature mixer - Behringer UB802 - £40
- Microphone - there are TONNES available for under $100 of your money ... a Studio Projects B1 is a 'proper' recording mic ... it comes with a wire shockmount so it looks very professional as a present!! Don't buy any Behringer microphones.
- Software - Mackie is giving away free licences for Tracktion now. It's a good starter package and only takes a few minutes to download. Send me a PM or email if you want a link to it and I'll explain how to get hold of it.

I honestly think this would be a cheaper way for you - and it gives you space to upgrade etc.

If you want an intro for complete beginners, check this little site of mine out:

http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/nikkeefe/

 

[billisa]

It's all ordered, the Fostex MR8, the SM57 and the cable! I went with Zzounds by using the link on this forum, so they should get credit for the order. Thanks again and happy recording to all!

May I humbly suggest you're going to need an external preamp. A Studio Porjects VTB1 would do, or an M-Audio DMP3. Why? Because the SM57 tends to need a lot of gain that the MR8 doesn't seem to have. I say this from reading hundreds of posts from MR8 owners that say this...

I'd consider a Fostex VF80EX and a Studio Projects B1 mic(s). Why? It's a great machine that has built-in phantom power, stronger preamps, better effects, special guitar effects, much greater storage capacity on a 30gig harddrive, and it burns error free CD's time and again. You can make a nice finished product on a VF80 without going near a PC (if you don't want to). The VF80's are going for $599. at Musician's Friend (maybe elsewhere too).

Obviously there is a difference between $299. and $599. but if it's affordable I think the jump would be worth it.

With the MR8 you can make fine, dry recordings (no effects), but I think you'll still need an external preamp, and you'll want to move the recording onto your PC for editing, effects, and mastering/burning (which is fine to do it that way). If no one mentioned it, N-Track is a fine PC based recording studio that a lot of people use after making initial recordings on the MR8. It's a download from FASOFT.COM and it runs about $40.00.

The great thing about the MR8 is it's a full 16bit resolution (CD standard), not compressed data (like the Boss, Zoom products in the same price range).

Sorry if this muddies the waters... Just some thoughts.

Bill Keane