Hi, I'm new to the forum. You will probably have to laugh at my ignorance, but here goes...
I play bluegrass. I play several different instruments, all acoustic, including guitar, mandolin, banjo, and upright bass.
I have tried to record in the past with cheap (or free) equipment and software, but I'm looking for a little better quality now. I can spend a little, but not too much since I will probably only record a few songs per year.... I don't need anything professional, just recording songs I write for personal use....
My main questions are:
1. What computer? I'd like to use my Dell Inspiron 1720 with Vista, but I don't know anything about sound card vs. quality, and how much it will affect recording. Can I use the one I have, or had I better think about a new one? If so, what should I be looking for?
2. What software? I need something easy to use (not too complex), wallet friendly, and something I can record several tracks with different instruments over top of each other....
3. What Microphone(s)? I don't have any pickups in my instruments now, should I consider some? Or can I use a microphone and play near it? Any suggestions on a decent mic that's fairly universal, or do I need a different one for different instruments, vocals, etc.?
4. Anything else I'm overlooking?? If I'm sounding real dumb, please let me know and why!
Thanks in advance for any advice.
-Michael
I play bluegrass. I play several different instruments, all acoustic, including guitar, mandolin, banjo, and upright bass.
I have tried to record in the past with cheap (or free) equipment and software, but I'm looking for a little better quality now. I can spend a little, but not too much since I will probably only record a few songs per year.... I don't need anything professional, just recording songs I write for personal use....
My main questions are:
1. What computer? I'd like to use my Dell Inspiron 1720 with Vista, but I don't know anything about sound card vs. quality, and how much it will affect recording. Can I use the one I have, or had I better think about a new one? If so, what should I be looking for?
2. What software? I need something easy to use (not too complex), wallet friendly, and something I can record several tracks with different instruments over top of each other....
3. What Microphone(s)? I don't have any pickups in my instruments now, should I consider some? Or can I use a microphone and play near it? Any suggestions on a decent mic that's fairly universal, or do I need a different one for different instruments, vocals, etc.?
4. Anything else I'm overlooking?? If I'm sounding real dumb, please let me know and why!
Thanks in advance for any advice.
-Michael