Andy62 said:
I'll be honest, it's the playing and writing of music, not the recording process, that really interests me - but I would like to have something on CD just to give to friends, family etc...
Could someone please tell me how - using a reasonably new and fast Sharp laptop - I can do this??
Software, hardware etc i would need.
Haven't got a huge budget and it doesn't have to sound perfect, just want something to show for my hours of work
Many Thanks in advance
Andy
Welcome to the board, Andy.
There are a number of ways to record to a laptop. It would help to clarify what type of music you will be recording and your budget, as audio gear comes at so many price points. I'll give you a few low-budget options for starters:
1. Microphones - If you don't have some already, you'll need something to capture your sound. Something like a Shure SM57 is inexpensive, rugged, and is a good first mic. It won't sound great, but it will get the job done. Inexpensive condensers, like the MXL 990, Studio Projects B1, etc. will give you a more detailed sound.
2. Preamp - You'll need something to amplify your mic for recording. You could buy a stand-alone preamp, like the M-Audio Audio Buddy or DMP3, get a small mixer (Yamaha MG), or, since you're recording to your laptop, get a computer interface with built-in preamps (see below)
3. Soundcard/interface - Your laptop should have a soundcard, but it probably isn't ideal for recording. If you bought a stand-alone preamp in #2 above, then you could just get a cable to connect that preamp to the "line-in" on your laptop's soundcard. The recordings would be usable, but would be limited by the quality of the Analog-to-Digital converters in your soundcard. Alternately, to bypass the soundcard, you could get an interface that connects via USB, FireWire, or PCMCIA. USB is quick and easy, but not always the most reliable. FireWire is better, but more expensive. PCMCIA are good, too, but are less popular. These interfaces often have built in mic preamps, so you don't necessarily have to buy separate ones. Look
here for some. For USB, I would check out the Tascam US-122 (I have one and it works great for me), M-Audio MobilePre, or similar. For FireWire, I would look at the Firebox or Firewire 410. I don't know which PCMCIA to recommend.
4. Software - You could record to just the Windows Sound Recorder (on PC), but you'll probably want to pick up some multitracking software to expand your mixing possibilities. There is a free program called
Kristal that you can use to get your feet wet. Cubase SE, Cakewalk Home Studio, N-Track, etc. are other inexpensive recording programs that are very decent.
On a super-tight budget, I would recommend: MXL 990 mic ($60) + AudioBuddy preamp ($80) + Kristal (free). That will get you recording for less than $150. For $250, you could get the 990, a Tascam US-122 ($170), and Kristal. If you have more to spend, then get a FireWire interface, a better mic, and step up to Cubase or Cakewalk software.
That costs nothing. I have no problem with the ART suggestion. It is cheap and will get the job done. I do think that 2 preamps for $80 beats one at $50, though. The Tascam was a suggestion to improve quality (by bypassing his soundcard and offering two decent pres) for not much more money. They are all just suggestion/options.
