Here's what I have so far, what next?

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lorkp

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Hello, I'm trying to record a demo for my band, and we also want to record our shows. I guess I'm lucky, because I already have some equipment, but I don't quite have everything. I have a Audio-technica AT3525, and two electro-voice 635a's. I have access to a G4 (its hard to move), an iMac, and a older 800mhz PC. I have the free version of Pro Tools on the imac. Is the Free version good enoguh think this is good enough for a band with a drummer, 2 guitars, and a bass and a vocalist? Or maybe I should use the PC, since I could bootleg more programs. So, I'm asking what else do I need to make decent recordings?
 
PT free is a scaled down version of the main PT program.
It should however provide you with multiple tracks. Your soundcard will be an issue as far as quality. What are you using ?
And bootleged programs are frowned upon on this BBS.
 
I'm sorry about that bootleged programs thing, you're right that's stealing. Um, the PC has a Sound Blaster Live, and on my iMac, I only have the microphone input. Also, are these good microphones (AT3525, ev 635a). And what should each microphone be used for? (ex. recording drums)
 
lorkp said:
I'm sorry about that bootleged programs thing, you're right that's stealing. Um, the PC has a Sound Blaster Live, and on my iMac, I only have the microphone input. Also, are these good microphones (AT3525, ev 635a). And what should each microphone be used for? (ex. recording drums)
The soundblaster is not going to give you great performance. You would be better off getting a quality entry level audio card like the audiophile 24/96 for example.
www.m-audio.com
You can find one on ebay cheaper than new prices.
The at3525 is a condensor mic widely used in studio's for vocals.
The 635a is a dynamic mic omni directional. Good for guitars and vocals too.
If you want more specific info on these mics, post in the mic forum.
 
lorkp said:
Do I need anything else to get started recording?
You may need a preamp for your mics or a mixer if your going to record multiple tracks at one time. Or....a soundcard interface that accepts more inputs with mic pre's built in. Check out that m-audio website for several soundcard-interface options.
 
And just to mention...if you want portability to record your shows, you may want to consider a standalone digital recorder instead of a PC based recorder. The ideal option however is to have both.;)
 
thanks for your help Stealthtech. I'm interested in purchasing a mixer. Which mixers should I look at?
 
Getting a good sounding demo requires that you listen to mic placements and basic guitar and drum sounds through accurate speakers, regardless of what kind of recording equipment you use. Stereo speakers, computer speakers, and headphones won't cut it. You will need nearfield monitors. I suggest going with Yorkvilles or Tannoys.

Cy
 
For recording your shows a multitrack recorder (with someone to keep an eye on peak meters and adjust accordingly) might better serve your needs. they are a lot more portable than dragging a computer to your gigs, and are easy to download the tracks to the computer for CD burning. I don't know about you but I prefer not to haul any more gear to a gig than is nessassart.
 
Protools question

hey if you're using something like pro tools, when you're done with recording and mixing, how do you create a single file that you can eventually put onto a CD?
 
Re: Protools question

lorkp said:
hey if you're using something like pro tools, when you're done with recording and mixing, how do you create a single file that you can eventually put onto a CD?
You simply bounce it down to 1 stereo track
Your question on a mixer ?? Many to choose from with dozens of options. You should go to a music store and take a look at whats out there.
 
If you're really looking into doing this I suggest you spend the next month just researching and reading this BBS to get ideas of what you'll need and what you'll be doing.

It's worth it.
 
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