mike-preamp-soundcard question

[osion]

hi, im new at this and want to make sure i understand...
the mic is connected to the preamp which is connected to the soundcard which is connected to the computer? is that right or am i missing something?
I also need software to record and mix. Are these done by separate software or is there one program that does all this. Is there anything I'm missing? And what about getting the music onto a CD, is another program or something else needed for that?
i know you get these questions a lot and i have done a lot of research on this site in the past day (thanks everyone, you guys do such a service), but if I plan to record guitar, vocals, and possibly at some point other instruments, all one at a time, should I get 1 mic or 2 (or more) separate mics? Are their mics special to each instrument or can one mic be used for anything?
what preamp is recommended? what factors should I consider about preamps- I really dont know anything about them except they raise the level of the mic.
the soundcard, ill probably get a delta 44 or 46 because lots of people here recommend it.
My total budget is 3-4 thousand and i could go higher but that includes getting the actual computer, the software, and monitors.

 

[WATYF]

Originally posted by osion

the mic is connected to the preamp which is connected to the soundcard which is connected to the computer? is that right

Yes.

I also need software to record and mix. Are these done by separate software or is there one program that does all this.

One program.

And what about getting the music onto a CD, is another program or something else needed for that?

Yes.

should I get 1 mic or 2 (or more) separate mics? Are their mics special to each instrument or can one mic be used for anything?

This is not exactly an "answerable" question.... There are aboot a million different mics for a million different applications... (ok.. so maybe I'm exaggerating a bit by saying "a million".... I'd say "a big fat butt-load" is a little more accurate) anywhooo... The most common types (for starters) are a dynamic mic (a la SM57 or SM58), a small diaphragm condenser mic (a la MC12) and a Large Diaphragm Condenser (a la C-1) You can make due with less than those, and you can certainly "make due" with more... but I guess that's a start as far as answering your question.

what preamp is recommended?

That's like saying "what car is recommended". What's your price range? (just for the pre)

what factors should I consider about preamps- I really dont know anything about them except they raise the level of the mic.

That's pretty much all there is to consider..

the soundcard, ill probably get a delta 44 or 46 because lots of people here recommend it.

Good idea.

My total budget is 3-4 thousand and i could go higher but that includes getting the actual computer, the software, and monitors.

That's not a bad budget at all... pretty nice actually.

This thread would prolly go better in the newbie forum... you might wanna check that oat, seeing how most of your questions get answered there on a daily basis. I can give you my own limited suggestions for your setup, but others will surely chime in with their preferences.

Seeing how you have 3-4 grand to spend, you'll still have aboot 3 after the computer, so you can still get some great stuff. First,.. the computer... my suggestion... a customized PC. (a la "Build it yourself") You can get smokin' fast performance for well under a grand. Search this forum for more advice on what parts to get. Second,.. the mics.. these are totally up to you... see what sounds good with your voice.. try some different models oat... see what happens. Figure out how much you have to spend on each mic and then do a search for "what's the best mic for under (insert dollar amount here)" There have been a million (once again, exaggerating) threads aboat that kind of topic and you should get plenty of ideas on where to start looking.

For the preamp, you could prolly go with the RNP or the Grace 101 or maybe something even better (I haven't exactly calculated your budget down to the T )... For the soundcard, I agree, the Delta series is a great band-for-the-buck. (which leaves you more money to spend on important things like mics) If you get the Delta 66 with the OMNI I/O then you won't need to buy a preamp (that is.. if you want to use the preamps that come with the OMNI) For the software... I recommend n-Track.. not only because it's, hands-down, the best bang-for-buck app out there (it only costs 65 bucks) but also because it's so freaking simple to use, and you sound like you're just starting oat. (like the rest of us ) For CD burning use Nero (or try out some freeware apps, you may find something that suits your needs.)

That's aboot it... I after you get a better grasp on what the computer will cost, you can start laying oat how much you have left to spend on the most crucial items (mics, pre, etc) And then you can start narrowing down your options. You need to figure oat what mics will work best with each application that you'll be using them for. (acoustic guitar.. micing an amp.. male vocals.. female vocals.. etc.)

That should get you started.. hopefully.. it not.. then oh well.. I'm just wastin' time bummin around the board tonight anyway, so what do I care...

WATYF