I need help - very flustered

[andrasnm]

I have two computers at home and I am unable to record voice only with standard microphone.
One machine I have a sound card and capture software - it used to work but with awful quality.
The other is a newer machine - a shutleX with no sound capture CARD but built in capability with realtek software. It does not record a thing. I have tried everything short of reloading the drivers.
My question is this - shall I start fresh? The microphone I have is a simple one and so far my recording quality was POOR. What is the cheapest way to record voice and not pay $160/hour for a soundroom and engineer????
Should I buy a good digital handheld with a better mic????? Would that pass on a CD. I am putting a course together.

 

[Cloneboy Studio]

Some people say having quality gear and years of experience are the only ways to get good quality audio results but that's just rumor--everyone knows all great sounding audio got that sound by lots of prayer, sacrificing chickens and finger snapping. I mean, all recording is done by magic...

If you're just doing voice you could try this:

http://www.epinions.com/kifm-Educational_Elec-Tape_Recorders-Tape_Recorder

***somebody stop me***

-sarcasm mode off-

What are you trying to record FOR?
What is your budget?
What do you have now besides what you listed before?
Who do you know that can help you?
What books/articles have you read on audio?

 

[manning1]

if you post both computer configurations in detail. it would help me make suggestions.
firstly - that mic of yours. what is it ? is it 3 pin XLR ?
secondly the machine you have the sound card in. what brand is it ?
or is it built into the mainboard ? what processors do your two machines have ? how many hard drives on each machine ?

 

[andrasnm]

thanks for the ideas and the discourse

The one machine I have a very cheap sound card and a intel 3 (slow) with a new harddisk 90gig
the newer machine is a shuttleX pc with a build in sound (on the monther board)
The mic (I have two) are the cheapest mics you can imagibe (I have no brand or other specs as I have no clue)

The other problem is my budget - it is zero. My business account has $500 and I owe $600 on credit.
I am putting a course together that may/will save my business. I have some backers etc. It is a software, book, audio (I still need to make the audio)
I am thinking on a digital recorder with a souped up mic and forget my computers as I can't even deal with that in my mind.
So my budget may be another $300 in the hole. Anyone can suggest a decent hand held digital recorder that I can buy a extra mic for that has a shield (for noise and other sound filter)
Later if there are problems I will reinvest some money into a more prof. sound recording.

 

[radiorickm]

suggestion

WELL, first off let me say i respect your wish to do this your self, but i do have to ask you something

Obviously, the focus of you business is not "RECORDING", or you would have at least some of the equipment to do so. Nor do i think it may be the direction you're heading to save the business.

At this point, you are willing to invest "SOMETHING" becasue you are asking about equipment.

i am ** sure ** that there are people on this bbs that live in california and near you

i am pretty sure you could strike up a deal with someone here learing the trade of recording, and come away with a decent product, and concentrate YOUR efforts on the business end of the deal.

Hell, if i lived in california...i'd just shoot myself (well...joking) . that aside, i'd do it for you for the price of the new mic i want.

anyway, just food for thought. good luck with the computers.....i record into a stand alone system for about that reason.

 

[andrasnm]

Good idea and point taken

yes, my business is not recording but writing, publishing and analisys of the futures markets. A digital recording device is a great tool for anyone who juggles many ideas, concepts and hates taking notes in a little notebook.
I would swap with someone but I have a deadline. My partners want this thing out the door around Thanksgiving time.
P.S.
What's up with the down CA stuff? I am european born but CA has the best climate and lots of reasonable futures traders (at least in southern CA)
I am moving to LV (las vegas pretty soon I think.)

 

[radiorickm]

nuff said

What's up with the down CA stuff?







I am moving to LV (las vegas pretty soon I think.)

'nuff said.

Shake and Bake USA. (not really that bad, i have never been there. i am just a red neck country boy and probably wouldn't fit in out there with yall)