hey guys, cool forum

  • Thread starter Thread starter HEATHER9199
  • Start date Start date
H

HEATHER9199

New member
I am in in the process of wading through all the back-posts..so I pre-apologize . All my beginner questions are probably in there.

My goal is to record mostly electric guitar tracks. Lots of it with pre-recorded backing blues tracks ( mostly on cd)
I usually play through 2 amps at the same time, so Id like to be able to mic two amps and record at the same time with the backing tracks.
One amp usually real clean, one dirty. Very rarely vocals.

I have various condenser mics, as well as a couple sm 57's and 58's.
My wife just got a newer hp desktop with windows 8

OK ...heres my issue..Im an older guy, very un-computer savvy. ( I just got rid of an old reel-to-reel) I need something that is fairly user-friendly ( for a simpleton like me )
A lot of time Ill go down to my guitar room late at night and throw on an old buddy guy cd, or a pre-recorded backing track..and play along. That's the type of thing I want to be able to record.
Find a decent spot for the mics and amps, and leave it alone so I can concentrate on my playing and not worry about the recording process too much.

I get confused reading the discussions on which software and additional equipment to buy.
Interfaces come with the software?

99% of time it will be 2 amps ( played at the same time) and a cd
I need something that I can set-up my mics and amps, and just go downstairs, turn it on, push "record" and concentrate on my playing.

How should I start?
mike
 
Hi Mike.

If you have a 57 and a 58 I doubt you'll need to look at mics. Just pop the grill off that 58.

You'll need an audio interface with two built in preamps.
Often these come with software, but often it's watered down.

Reaper is the popular suggestion around here because it's fully functional, free to try (unrestricted), and cheap to buy.
Pretty much any software will allow you to import a backing track and create two new blank tracks beside it.

Take a look at two channel interfaces from presonus (audibox+firestudio mobile), focusrite (2i2) and tascam.
Any one of those should be adequate.
 
thanks. It can get pretty overwhelming.
I have to fight the urge to get to overwhelmed by the recording process , then my playing goes down-hill

Some people have recommended Mixcraft 6 for software?
And also, do you need to get a better soundcard than what usually comes with the computer?
 
Yes, you want to get an audio interface that will take the place of the built-in soundcard in the computer.

Basic software (Reaper is a full featured DAW, and you may 'grow' into it) - first copy the CD you want to play along to into the computer, then load the stereo file into a new project in the DAW.
Set up your amps > mics > interface > computer. Plug headphones into the interface - you'll need to do this to hear the backing track you loaded from the CD. Arm two tracks in the DAW for recording from the two mics.
Press 'record', the backing tracks will start playing, then you can start your guitar work. When done, hit 'stop', the save the project.
Only the hardware is different from recording on your old real-to-reel.

There's a few other steps, depending on the DAW - setting the inputs and outputs to recognize the interface, for example.
 
Thanks. That helps a lot to get started
When I buy the interface, will it come with help in setting up?
When you plug that in , does it automatically not use the computers soundcard?
 
Your computer's sound card is an audio interface; Just not a very good one.

A usb or firewire interface completely replaces the soundcard.
Interfaces have your audio inputs and speaker outputs so the built in soundcard will no longer be necessary.

Yes, any interface will come with some kind of manual or instructions. If you're ever stuck you can always come back here.

The important thing to get straight before you buy is connectivity (usb/fire/whatever) and software compatibility.
Make sure there are drivers for whatever operating system you use.

I know it seems daunting, but once you have everything set up and working, it's kinda like recording to tape.

Plug the correct mic/inst into the correct hole, record arm the correct channel, put the transport where you want it, then hit master record. ;)
The only curveball is that the tracks in your software don't necessarily correspond with your hardware inputs.
You pick what input goes to what track. Other than that, it's simples. :) .....(Theoretically)
 
thanks again.
When choosing the interface, do I have to be concerned if my software is compatible?
Or are they universal?

Im thinking of going with Mixcraft 6, and the Tascam US 600 interFACE
 
Broadly speaking, interfaces will be compatible with any software, but it's always worth a quick google to rule out the exceptions.
 
There can be a bit of a steep curve to get over right at the start with this stuff ( like guitar playing, really ) but there's usually a bunch of people here and other other boards who'll help you out, but essentially, interface, software (I too recommend Reaper - download it anyway and try it as a free demo, then if you like it, pay for it - specifically because it is a very intuitive interface for people who struggle with technology) and away you go.

You could always consider a stand alone machine if your ambitions are modest but I really wouldn't go there these days and I'm not sure how good they are at importing stuff like backing tracks and their GUI is very restricted.

Good luck
 
thanks again. this has given me a huge start. Im sure Ill be pestering with many more questions in the future.
Im still going through as many back-posts as I can and taking notes.

There are so many different kinds of people. Especially beginners. Tech-heads, artists, and everything in between.

I know for myself, being older, id rather spend my time practicing than figuring out a computer. Im also REALLY bad at manuals.
I also realize how impatient I am. I want to be able to record cool stuff NOW.
And I realize by all the back-reading that some of you guys have spent years learning this stuff.
Some of the questions seem geared at taking shortcuts.

I think our whole world is geared to that now. Everyone expects to get things and be great at them NOW.
I run into that with young kids I help with blues guitar . In general its not their fault. Theyre a product of all of us. But if they don't sound like stevie ray in about 3 weeks, they want to quit.

I remember being younger ( I never took lessons) youd ask some high school friend how long he had been taking lessons...hed say " maybe 5 years" it was just normal.

Now you can see video of a fetus playing eruption on youtube.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top