Completely new to this... I would like advice on these requirements:-
1. I would like to record my band/s rehearsals.
2. Record Demos at home, i.e, lay down some backing tracks, guitar, keyboard, bass and add vocals.
3. Record vocals over Pro backing tracks.
I use powerful Apple Macs at home, i.e no laptop (but willing to buy). Any advice would be very much appreciated. Thank You.
Welcome to HR, you're in the right place.
Sounds like you will want some sort of interface for your mac. There are many to choose from in firewire and usb flavors. Pick one that comes with recording software. MOTU stuff comes with Digital Performer, if I'm not mistaken.
I think you will appreciate having two preamps onboard or one outboard stereo pre for recording in stereo (duh). You will want something that provides phantom power, and hopefully also has a DI for bass/keys. I don't know if you're looking for something cheap or something that you'll keep forever. Let us know and we can make more reccomendations.
If the guitars are acoustic, you may want a pair of condenser microphones to use. If just electrics, a single dynamic will be sufficient.
For a starter condenser I'd look at the studio projects or MXL line of mics. A world-class dynamic can be had for $300. Look into the RE-20, MD-421, or SM7b. Any of these are great for vocals (except maybe the 421 - but some people swear by it). I love my RE-20. I know the sm57 didn't make it on my list - but that's because to me they sound wooly and require EQ and a really nice pre to make them shine. YMMV.
You'll need a couple of mic stands.
You'll need monitors. You can't mix with headphones. Really. Although I mostly loathe Behringer stuff, the Truth series monitors sound an awful lot like the KRK V-8s to me. Quality control, not so much. Great pair of starter monitors with plenty of volume if you need it.
If you don't need to be mobile, a desktop is gonna have more horsepower than a lappy.
Start brushing up on your knowledge of acoustics so that you will be able to treat your room effectively without wasting a lot of money. In short, stay away from foam. Especially the cheap stuff. What you want is rigid fiberglass - and a lot of it. Check out the studio construction forum for tips.
Have fun!
-Creep