Home Studio Setup: Analog or Digital?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Lyndon
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Lyndon

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Sorry in advance for any ignorance, this is all pretty much new to me.

I'm looking at setting up a home studio with an aim for a really lo-fi sound, bands such as FIDLAR, Wavves and Best Coast are pretty much my inspiration here.

I've heard analog may be the way to go, but I literally have no clue where to begin. Can anybody suggest a very basic setup for a live recording of vocals, a guitar, bass and drums. Not after mics or amps here, just an analog/digital recording device that you think suits my needs.
 
Unless you're rather well-versed in maintaining analog tape machines (and ready to take on the expense of tape in general), I'd stick with a digital recording solution.

"Which" solution is sort of up to your budget...
 
Depending on what OP is after (and this has been argued before around here) I think the TCO of digital tends to be understated, if you factor in the cost of the computer/monitor, software, interface, etc. Compared to something like a Tascam portastudio, digital in this instance would be more expensive. Cassette analog may be the sound OP is after.

Also, while analog takes maintenance digital is not without it "maintenance" challenges, get the upgraded this, which requires the new driver, which makes the other software not work which results in the blue screen of death...

Just my $0.02
 
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Blue Jinn said:
Also, while analog takes maintenance digital is not without it "maintenance" challenges, get the upgraded this, which requires the new driver, which makes the other software not work which results in the blue screen of death...
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Yup, neither is a plug n play venture. Both require a decent amount of investment to get anything of quality and both have a steep learning curve. Digital will probably get you going faster, because you already have a significant portion of the investment; the computer you're using.

Shooting for a really "Lo-Fi" sound makes me wonder what you're really after. Are you saying that just because you aren't setting your expectations too high? Or are you really looking for a certain sound? If you're looking for a certain, you might find it will be more difficult to obtain even if it says lo-fi. Get a certain sounds dictates you know what you're doing and that requires time learning the craft.

If you're looking for "Lo-Fi" because you don't expect quality mixes, then you'll quickly be satisfied, then quickly after that, unsatisfied as you realize, you really could get some decent results with a little bit more effort.
 
Chili said:
Shooting for a really "Lo-Fi" sound makes me wonder what you're really after. Are you saying that just because you aren't setting your expectations too high? Or are you really looking for a certain sound? If you're looking for a certain, you might find it will be more difficult to obtain even if it says lo-fi. Get a certain sounds dictates you know what you're doing and that requires time learning the craft.

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This is a really good point. There is an excellent thread in the analog section. lonewhitefly is going for a very specific sound. Some of it is the gear he's using (including certain tape formulations) but the gear is only part of his sound. A lot of the comments really call it a "vibe" for lack of a better term, which is as much about his technique, heck, even about his attitude, more than just the vintage tape deck he's using. https://homerecording.com/bbs/general-discussions/analog-only/new-psych-pop-all-analog-356424/
 
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