Need help choosing right key for lock...not up to speed with DIY digital

[oxygen]

I want to make the leap from studio recording to a DIY digital setup I can use at home. (Get up at 2am and refine that vocal one more time, what fun!!) I am not a novice with respect to recording techniques BUT I am in need of having some very basic questions answered about the overall quality and potential of these machines (and not rely on product websites or salespersons)...
I am looking for a kind soul already immersed in DIY digital or a studio pro who'll quickly open my eyes to the limitations of the concept. I'd ideally like to use the set-up to end up with something I could reproduce and sell as my own CD..in other words, professional quality. I am a songwriter/singer/guitarist and the arrangements would be kept pretty spare.
(In some ways, these machines almost look too good to be true; I've got my eye on the Korg D1200MKII ($999)...the 12 tracks are plenty, it seems to have cool stuff like onboard capacity for some parametric equalization. I've programmed Korg drum machines and have found them to be super user-friendly with intuitive set up. Obviously, if a song is just me and my guitar (just put an LR Baggs iMix in my Gibson acoustic), the sound quality of both vocal and guitar is of paramount importance (I will invest in a decent mic...)
I'm happy to email, but the most time-efficient thing might be to try to set up a phone conference. Thanks in advance to anyone who responds!
Best, SS (oxygen)

 

[Stealthtech]

The Korg is a nice unit and mobile.
There are limitations as opposed to perhaps PCHD
Ask your questions 1 at a time

 

[c7sus]

Have you checked the FAQ page at this site? It's a good starting point, and should answer at least some of your questions.

Otherwise, there is also a search function that can be handy, providing you take some time to sift through the chaff to find the kernals of wheat.

Browse the Forums. There's tons of information, and questions and answers for nearly any mic and technique under the sun.

Have fun and good luck.

 

[oxygen]

Thanks...first question: Using only, say, the Korg D1200 and a mic like a Shure SM58 (I like the lo-end boost for my voice), using the option for direct in with my Gibson acoustic (has LRBaggs iMix pickups...but I could mic it through my Fender Champ or a small Crate amp), can I produce songs that could be reproduced as CD's to distribute profesionally (at gigs, as part of promo package, etc. i.e., not just "work tapes" to share with friends/other musicians)? I know the whole quality issue can come down to a matter of opinion, but I've heard CDs that people have "made at home" on these digital machines that sound just as good (if not better than) some studio efforts. I"m mostly worried about stuff like: noise, effects limitations having to do with vocals (the Korg seems short on vocal effects as opposed to others, not that anyone should use much on their vocals), not having thousands of bucks worth of Neumanns or other fabulous mics, and other limitations I don't even know about. I also have a Sony VAIO computer with CD/DVD burner and "studio" capabilities...I'd rather do it all with the Korg and not get bogged down with the computer end of it (fear one could lose oneself here). Thanks, so much again, Susan

 

[oxygen]

Thanks...first question: Using only, say, the Korg D1200 and a mic like a Shure SM58 (I like the lo-end boost for my voice), using the option for direct in with my Gibson acoustic (has LRBaggs iMix pickups...but I could mic it through my Fender Champ or a small Crate amp), can I produce songs that could be reproduced as CD's to distribute profesionally (at gigs, as part of promo package, etc. i.e., not just "work tapes" to share with friends/other musicians)? I know the whole quality issue can come down to a matter of opinion, but I've heard CDs that people have "made at home" on these digital machines that sound just as good (if not better than) some studio efforts. I"m mostly worried about stuff like: noise, effects limitations having to do with vocals (the Korg seems short on vocal effects as opposed to others, not that anyone should use much on their vocals), not having thousands of bucks worth of Neumanns or other fabulous mics, and other limitations I don't even know about. I also have a Sony VAIO computer with CD/DVD burner and "studio" capabilities...I'd rather do it all with the Korg and not get bogged down with the computer end of it (fear one could lose oneself here). Thanks, so much again, Susan

 

[Rock Star 87]

i run a nice home studio with just a computer, a pre, nice monitors, and a nice mic. see a studio is not just about functionality don't get me wrong, it must be fuctionable, but also about comfort. i have a stack with CD/DVD player, tape, LP and 8-track players, and a tv. So i'm a total newb to any machines. My music sounds good and i use cakewalk and my internal synth. It all depends on preference. if you do decide to go PC based, PM me and i'll guide you through it.