Need A LOT of help.

[ahhhh!]

Right now I have a band, but we are not quite ready to record anything, so I am in no hurry to get started, and want to take my time learning everything I need to know along the way. Alternatively, if I get the basic recording gear early, I would LOVE to record the local club shows.

So here is what I think I need and why... Though I could be completely wrong. Please tell me what I understand correctly and incorrectly-

1. I would prefer a stand-alone recorder/ Digital studio, such as the Roland VS2400CD, for these reasons
a) Generally speaking, Computer hardware/Software packages cost much less than a digital studio... but the cost of upgrading my laptop and PC would make the a moot point... It could very easily cost more to use my PC/Laptop
b)Though it contains less options and effects(usually), The options available are much more user friendly. (Stomp boxes, pedals, faders and dials that I can physically use and activate suit me much better)

2. As for microphones, I am not sure what to get! I need help in this section as I need a good quality, price-point mic set for every instrument, vocals, and backing vocals... I guess my best bet is to see what other local bands are using?

3. I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT ELSE I NEED!!!

HELP ME OUT PLEASE!!!

 

[Kevin Deschwazi]

If your heart is set on an all in one recorder then fine but I'd give a little more consideration to computer recording.

The Roland costs $1900; you could get a brand new laptop with decent specs and a decent recording interface for that. I live in rip off Britain and I could get a very decent laptop recording set up here for that, so I KNOW you can if you're in the states. I say laptop because it sounds as if you need to be mobile to record live stuff.

If you want physical knobs and faders then something like the Tascam FW1082 would fulfill all of your knob twiddling needs.

http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/item--TASFW1082

I use it and it's great.

Then you could use Reaper recording software ($40 I think) and you'll have access to all manner of processors and effects. Your set up will be so much more flexible.

If you want to stick with something like the Roland that's cool, I'm, sure a lot of folks use them, are happy with them and get good results. It just sounds as if you're being turned off of computer recording because of cost and as far as I can see you could get a very good setup for the same price as the Roland you mentioned.

Good luck with it, whatever route you choose.

 

[mikemorgan]

This is becoming my standard answer to guys just starting out:

"Take a look at the Zoom HD16CD. It's self contained, 8 tracks simultaneous, and can double as a Daw controller. The Tascam 2488 gets pretty good reviews as well, or the Korg D888 for the front end of a nice laptop. All of these have USB .wav features so you can simply upload your 8 tracks to any DAW and mix from there.

As for mics, Shure SM57's are the live industry standard for just about everything. Buy 8, experiment with placement, and record eight tracks at once. Simple, and effective way to start.