Looking for advice on how to start

  • Thread starter Thread starter Th3Gavst3r
  • Start date Start date
T

Th3Gavst3r

New member
So I'm a band guy and I've been wanting to record some music I play, but honestly all the research I've done into getting started just worsens the "I have no freaking clue what I'm doing" suspicion. Since despite my years of musicianship the only recording experience I have is with Xbox messaging, I'll start with what I think are the bare bones.

I play both woodwind and brass so whatever equipment I get, I'd like it to handle both situations. I'm not looking for professional-grade stuff here either because more than likely I'll never move out of casual recording due to my omnipresent schoolwork and general joblessness.

From murking my way through the internet, a Blue Yeti USB mic ($120) seems to be about what I'm willing to spend and matches my soundwork setup skill, but I've also seen this MXL kit thing which introduced me to XLR mics, but quality benefits of those are just my ignorant guesses for the most part. However, buying an audio workstation to use them with seems WAY out of my price range alone, so I suppose what I really need to know about these mics is whether I can use some sort of XLR to USB cable for these and if that sort of path is worth it. (Pre-amps have also come up in my searches, so if there's any necessity or alternative path with these magical devices let me know.)

I'd love whatever feedback and suggestion some of you experienced real people can give on what options are best here, because Google searches on this matter have wrecked my brain and I've reached the point where I don't even know what I'm searching for. Thanks!
 
Last edited:
It's really quite simple.

1. Get a computer. Wait, you're on the interwebz... you must already have one.
2. Get Reaper ($60)
3. Get any one of a number of cheap 2 channel audio interfaces that my colleagues hereabouts will clue you in on ... ($100-150)
4. Do NOT get a USB microphone. Get a real microphone, depending upon your budget. I have no idea with brass and woodwind... others will. ($100-150)

Install. Connect. Press record.

Done.

Spend rest of life learning and upgrading... but that will get you going.
 
You can do the above, or if your'e using a mixer with a USB connection the mixer will serve as your interface.
 
There are no adapters for XLR to USB, those mics need to be converted from analog to digital signal and therefore need a preamp/interface with built in preamp. So don't get the MXL mic if you're not going to get an interface. If this is just a hobby that you don't plan on taking further than just getting some musical thoughts recorded, just go for the yeti (or other usb mic) and get reaper. it's free or audacity (but the consensus here seems to be that reaper has more features)
 
DSPDiva said:
There are no adapters for XLR to USB
Click to expand...

Welcome to the HR forums, DSPDiva. Note that we get a lot of newbies here and they need accurate information.

There ARE XLR-USB adapters - this is one from ART. I can't testify how good it works, but for the newbie who just wants to record voice to their computer, or who is thinking of a USB Mic, this might be a good option as it allows you to use a regular dynamic mic.
 
Thanks for the replies guys, but however much I would love to buy an audio interface, this will be just a hobby for me and there has to be a very cheap model for that to be an option. My goal is to keep this under $150 and I just don't have funds for a huge setup, especially if just adding a nice mic hits that price... It's good to know that there are XLR to USB cords, but will using a workaround like that be worth it? Really, will an XLR mic bundled with all the accessories to make it run without an audio interface sound better than a USB mic for a similar total price, or would cutting out the XLR middleman and just buying a good USB mic be better? Sorry if I'm being picky, or oblivious to what this stuff really costs...
 
Not USB adapter???

Blue Icicle accepts XLR mics and provides phantom power of needed. About $69.
 
the t.bone SC 140 - Thomann UK
That, ^ gets you a mic now all you need is an interface( no, look, really you do. You will be permanently pissed off if you don't get one) so, look for second hand.
Where are you? If in/close to a decent sized town you will have pawn shops, second hand shops and Cash Converters. Look for an M-Audio fast track pro, a Tascam 122 or 144. I saw a Lexicon Lambda in my local CG for £49, thought about it but don't really need it but it would beat the breeches of a usb mic!

Trust us.

Dave.
 
Armistice said:
It's really quite simple.

1. Get a computer. Wait, you're on the interwebz... you must already have one.
2. Get Reaper ($60)
3. Get any one of a number of cheap 2 channel audio interfaces that my colleagues hereabouts will clue you in on ... ($100-150)
4. Do NOT get a . Get a real microphone, depending upon your budget. I have no idea with brass and woodwind... others will. ($100-150)

Install. Connect. Press record.

Done.

Spend rest of life learning and upgrading... but that will get you going.
Click to expand...

Hi there,

I am a newbie and have a few questions:

1. What mic do you recommend that is not too expensive?
2. In the studio they have those vertically mounted mics with a pop screen vs. live SM58 type. Do they make alot of difference?
3. What difference does recording vocals in a sound insulated room/studio make vs. in a normal room?

Jonathan
 
You will need:
1. Computer.
2. DAW (audio software, i.e. reaper, ableton, pro tools, fl studio..).
3. Audio device that allows you to connect mic to computer (i've got m-audio fast track 2 and it's brilliant).
4. A ribbon microphone (the best mic to record your instruments).
5. Sound screens (shields) to proper record your instrument without catching outside sounds.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top