i'm a newbie...(and of course...i need more advice:))

  • Thread starter Thread starter ammadeus18
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ammadeus18

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OK...I really want to start mixing and recording some of my songs, but I know absolutely nothing about it! I've downloaded lists of music tech terms and I'm trying to learn as much as I can, but...well i'm thinking recording/mixing is more of a "hands-on" learning than anything else. The terms don't really make sense w/o seeing them in action so-to-speak. So here's my question (took a while I know...)

What would be the best piece(s) of equipment to buy for a small home studio? (and please remember, i'm on one of those fun college student budgets...) Right now I have only a run-of-the-mill keyboard (with MIDI), Scorewriter (not sonar) from Geniesoft, and a dynamic mic. (as you may have guessed, i sing, play keyboard, and write music for piano and other instruments)

Also, is there any software that helped to to mix better or get more sounds?

Are there any books you would recommend that helped you a lot in the learning process?

HHHHEEEELLLLPPPPP MMMMEEEEEEEEEEE....thanks

ammadeus18
 
I think the cheapest way for you to get started in recording is to get some recording software and record on your pc.

Download the demo of N-track at www.fasoft.com. It's free and you can use it to get your hands dirty in recording. It has some limitations, being a demo, but it will get you started. Plus if you want to get the full version, it's very inexpensive.

Download and read the manual as it's geared to the basics of recording.

Then use the search function of this bbs when you have a specific question, and if that don't work then post your questions as you have been.

If you decide to get N-track, then go to the forum for N-track users. Also hang around the Newbie, Recording Techniques, and Mixing and Mastering forums here. The technological terms will fly right over your head, but in due time you'll familiarize yourself with the most important characteristics involved in making good recordings...

Good luck,

Cy
 
home recording for dummies is the best book i read to get me started, yet :)

you might want to get a small mixer. or a pre-amp for ur microphone. whereas there ARE internal preamps on the xlr inputs of most mixers. they r just not as good as external preamps, quality-wise - although the mixer preamps will most probably do their job just fine for starting out..

but u will need any kind of preamp to boost up ur mic before recording it.
 
ron82 said:
you might want to get a small mixer. or a pre-amp for ur microphone.
Click to expand...

Do you have any (low budget/good quality) recommendations?
 
Cyrokk said:
The technological terms will fly right over your head, but in due time you'll familiarize yourself with the most important characteristics involved in making good recordings...Cy
Click to expand...

You're telling me! haha, but thank you so much for your help! everyone here is so great! (i've run into a lot of condescending "teachers" in my effort to learn about home recording, and trust me, this site is a breath of fresh air) thanks again!
 
i looked at those two pages, but i'm afraid i'm reaaaally confused. On the first one, I couldn't find a mixer, at least not one i'm familiar with...and on the second page, what exactly does a preamp do again? and is the mixer you're showing me supposed to be connected to the computer? because I know there was mention of me using software.

Sorry, it's a little overwhelming (i can just see your "it's ok young grasshopper" face...) but yeah, thank you for all your help:)

ammadeus18
 
ammadeus18
and is the mixer you're showing me supposed to be connected to the computer? because I know there was mention of me using software.
Click to expand...
like i said, u NEED any kind of preamp to boost up ur mic before recording it. because the output signal of mics is way too quiet that u could use it like this. (speaking of higher quality mics than a 10-buck-thing which u plug into ur onboard soundcard, which i hope u will use.. :) )

a preamp does just that. not more not less. a mixer offers u alot more, therefore it has more "basic" preamps (but u probably wont need more as u start out!)

and theres alot of things that r only possible with an EXTERNAL mixer, as u cant apply any mixer setting BEFORE u record, with software mixers :)
 
Buy the Behringer UB 802 mentioned by tdukex above. This is your mixer and preamps. If you don't have a mic, get something like the Studio Projects B1 which will be adequate for vocals and various instruments to begin with. Plug the stereo outs of the mixer into the stereo line in of your soundcard, fire up Ntrack and you're set to go.

Of course learning to use it will take some time. Post your questions in the appropriate forum and folks will talk you through it.

This will get you started for under $200 including buying Ntrack. When you know more you'll be able to lust after better gear, but the above will give you very adequate recordings.
 
The Behringer UB 802 is only $50 but is it really that good. It says it has low Noise 8-input, 2-bus mic/line mixer, but what does that mean. Is the 2-bus mic what your going to be using to connect your mics to? And from the mixer what connections do i need to get it to the sound card

Im really new at this so for a recording setup you need
mics
mixer or preamp
sound card

Out of those three what is the most important for a high quality recording? And what do you look for in mixers and sound cards?
 
chupacabre said:
The Behringer UB 802 is only $50 but is it really that good. It says it has low Noise 8-input, 2-bus mic/line mixer, but what does that mean.

It's probably not that good (I don't have one) but at the beginning level of recording it's plenty good enough. You can input from 2 mics (or more with external preamps) and other line level equipment and instruments in real time, and mix them together setting gain (volume) and equalization (tone) levels and output them into your computer to edit them further. Or you can record mics and instruments one at a time into your computer and mix and edit, add effects, etc in the computer with software such as cool edit, ntrack and many others.

Is the 2-bus mic what your going to be using to connect your mics to? And from the mixer what connections do i need to get it to the sound card

Connect the mic(s) into the mic inputs (XLR connectors.) Connect the (stereo) line outputs of the mixer to the line inputs of your sound card (probably RCA type plugs like you use to connect your home stereo equipment.)

Im really new at this so for a recording setup you need
mics
mixer or preamp
sound card

Out of those three what is the most important for a high quality recording? And what do you look for in mixers and sound cards?

The most important is
the music/performer
the recordist
the equipment

My opinion is get into it with adequate low cost equipment, learn thru experience, and thru this process you'll know what you need when you need to upgrade. All the elements in the signal chain are important, and your recording won't be any better than your weakest link.
Click to expand...

But then, what do I know - I just do this for fun.:)

And BTW, I thought it was chupacabras.
 
yeah i'm not to sure about the spelling of the name or if its el or la. thanks for the help
 
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