Help with my first setup

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crazyblackhawk

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I would like to start recording music. Nothing too serious, more of just a hobby. I already own a shure 58 for vocals and a shure 57 for acoustic guitar. I also have a piano with usb output. I was just wondering what I would need to interface these with my computer (uses a stock soundcard). Price range is around $300-$400.

Thanks in advance
 
You'll need an interface (google it and you'll see lots of options) and you'll need a DAW for yer computer.
I don't use a computer but Reaper gets good reviews and Studio One seems to be easy and intuitive.

That's about the extent of my knowledge with pooters.

p.s. the 57 on acoustic will get you by for awhile but ya may consider (down the road) a pair of small condensers or at least one.
 
ok. Are there any interfaces out there you would recommend? My computer does not support firewire. Preferably with around 4 inputs in case that I use more mics in the future. Also does it matter if I use xlr to 1/4 cables or should I stick to xlr to xlr?
 
crazyblackhawk said:
ok. Are there any interfaces out there you would recommend? My computer does not support firewire. Preferably with around 4 inputs in case that I use more mics in the future. Also does it matter if I use xlr to 1/4 cables or should I stick to xlr to xlr?
Click to expand...

It'd be hard to go too far wrong with the Tascam US800 @ $100 if they're still available. There are two types of 1/4" plugs... Tip Ring Sleeve (TRS) and Tip Ring (TR). All three prong XLR cables are balanced, only 1/4" TRS cables are balanced. Which you use depends on what the interface uses.
 
A lot of interfaces come packaged with a DAW... from memory M-Audio comes with Pro Tools, while its slightly more upmarket cousin M-Box comes with Ableton, and so on through the brands... so when you're checking out interfaces, keep in mind which DAW you'd like to work with. Or of course you can buy the interface without the DAW and match it with a DAW you acquire separately, but having them come together does make it easy for the first time. If you've got mics with XLR connections, why not get a few standard XLR cables and an interface with XLR inputs? Makes it easy.
The M-Audio interfaces, and I'm sure others, have two options for each input: XLR or 1/4" (not sure if they're TS or TRS) and a switch to select between the two, which leaves you with input options anyway. I'm not sure about the USB output on the piano and I'm interested to see what others say on the issue.
Have a look at something like the M-Audio Fast Track Ultra... it's USB 2.0 as opposed to Firewire, it's got 4 inputs which are switchable between 1/4" and XLR, and you can bundle it with Pro Tools and it should come in at around your budget.
 
The Tascam US-800 is discontinued, but if you can still find one at closeout, it's worth it. Otherwise the Tascam US-600 or the M Audio Fast Track Pro will work for your needs.
Nothing wrong with the mics you have to start out with. You're going to need monitors and headphones, if you dont' have them already.
Try Reaper (free to download and try, $60 to register it).
 
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