My First Post! Help...

[Nelaelu]

I want to start my home recording studio from a SCRATCH. I'm even gonna get a new computer...

I have NO RECORDING GEAR right now, and before I buy anything I would REALLY APPRECIATE if You guys, who are experienced in the field, could give me some advice.

I'm a classically-trained musican (voice, guitar), who wants to incorporate classical elements into progressive rock/metal. I want to SEPARATELY record voice, various guitars, piano/keyboards, drums/percussion.

Now my questions are:

1. Should I get a computer specifically designed for music OR just any decent, new computer? (I'd rather stick to PC, not Mac)

2. What should I buy first? For now I have around $3000 to spend... (will that get me started?)

3. Should I get Pro Tools software with an appropriate interface or something like that first? Which ones?

4. What/how many microphone/s should I buy?

5. What else do I need right away? What can I get later?

6. I don't have a drummer/percussionist for now... how can I deal with that?


Thanks for Your response!

 

[dastrick]

This will answer almost all of those questions.


http://www.tweakheadz.com/guide.htm



Enjoy.......

 

[mjbphotos]

Do a lot of reading first!
Before you blow your whole wad, plan it thoroughly.

Besides the computer, you are going to need:
1) Microphones (and stands for them, pop filters, etc...)
2) Audio interface (converts the audio signal to digital to get INTO the computer) - the more channels/tracks, the more expensive, so figure out how many tracks you want to record at one time (for example, you may want to use at least 6 mics on drums.)
3) Monitors
4) Room treatment

Software - there are plenty of freebies such as Reaper available. Any interface you buy is likely to come with a software package as well.

 

[buzzard bass]

I always advise people to check out youtube. There are tons of instructional vids on there. They go through all the basics, types of mics, daws, not seen a lot for specific interfaces, but they all generally do the same thing. They do get into input numbers and such, generalizations, but decent interfaces seem to differ primarily in the details. You want firewire or usb. That kind of thing.

 

[Dr. Varney]

6. I don't have a drummer/percussionist for now... how can I deal with that?

Have a look at EZDrummer. I've never used it but I've heard good things about it.

I know as well as anyone, there's no substitute for a proper banger but you can certainly get away with electronic drums - but you've gotta have something...

I have in the past banged out a rythym using an upturned bucket and a baby's rattle. Fed it in and added some EQ and reverb and it sounded alright. Good enough for a guide track, at any rate... but then, you're looking at someone who makes footsteps using cornflakes and creates the sound of death by mutilating vegetables with various household utensils.

Dr. V

 

[marshall409]

1. Should I get a computer specifically designed for music OR just any decent, new computer? (I'd rather stick to PC, not Mac)

Basically any new computer should be fine. Try and get as much ram and the best processor you can afford (preferably multi-core). Also make sure it has firewire because you'll probably want a firewire interface.


2. What should I buy first? For now I have around $3000 to spend... (will that get me started?)

Mic, stand, XLR cable, interface, computer, DAW, drum software (+1 on ezdrummer). That should get you started.


3. Should I get Pro Tools software with an appropriate interface or something like that first? Which ones?

I recommend Reaper. Pro Tools is over priced. DAW choice is really up to you though, download some demos and see what appeals to you.

I would spend between 300 and 500 for a starter interface. Look at Focusrite, M-Audio, Tascam...You want at least 2 preamps and MIDI in/out. Check out Tweaks guide (mentioned earlier) for a little more info here.

4. What/how many microphone/s should I buy?

A large diaphragm condenser. A good one will record vocals and basically any instruments, amps you throw at it. I recommend a Studio Projects B3 or a CAD M179 to get started.

5. What else do I need right away? What can I get later?

Dont buy more than 2 mics. And dont get an interface with a whole ton of inputs that you may never use. You can always sell your small 2 input interface later. And DONT spend money on a DAW until you give Reaper a fair chance try demos whenever possible.

You'll notice i recommended spending well under 3000 all together. Less than 800 for the PC, 300 max for 1 or 2 mics, 300-500 for the interface, maybe a few hundred on software. another 100 for some cabling, stands, pop filters, etc...The rest of your money, if you decide to pursue this seriously, should go to acoustic treatment for your recording space. This is a general term that basically means covering/treating the hard/reflective/parallel surfaces in your room that affect the tonal quality of your recordings. This is a huge topic that could never be covered in one thread, so start reading now.


Thats it for now, keep asking before you spend, its a good habit!


Adam

 

[marshall409]

Oh, and you don't need a mixer or control surface just because a big desk of faders looks cool.