Need help recording an ep! Help!

  • Thread starter Thread starter KarmaKills
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KarmaKills

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Hello, my name's Jeremy, I'm totally new to this site. :D

Recently my band has made the decision to record our very first ever ep/album this summer. However, we really don't have much experience recording near studio quality songs, nor do we have much recording equipment. Please keep in mind we're on a low budget (we're jobless, high schoolers). Also, we're a metal band.

Anyways, I have a few questions regarding the process and ways that I can make the best out of what I can get on a budget.

First off, we have no drummer. My plan is to use programed drums, but I'm not completely sure how exactly to use them to write drums to our songs. Can I write beats from scratch? Also, do I need a MIDI controller to use it or can I use the software to write just using my computer? I was thinking about using Steven Slate Samples. They're cheap and seem decent from what I've heard from them. What do you think of them? Is there better programs for metal drums?

Secondly, I was wondering how I should record guitars. Should I use something like the M-Audio Fast Track or can I get by with putting a microphone in front of my amp? I really like the tone I get from my own amp (I have a Line 6 Spider III 75) so I was thinking that would be easier, but I want a good quality sounding guitar track.

Third, what microphone would you recommend? I've looked into the Yeti, by Blue Microphones, though it's a USB microphone. I've heard USB microphones aren't as good as condenser microphones. Is there a microphone that I can get that's best for what I want and under 100$?

And finally, where exactly should I start? The program I'm using to record is Reaper. Do I do a click track first or can I start right with drums? I was thinking do a simple recording of the guitars and program the drums to play along, then after that track is done go back and record the guitars individually and higher quality.


Sorry for asking so many questions, but I'm a total noob on recording and I don't want to end up buying more than I need, or buying what I need and not know what to even do.

It would help me VERY much if someone can give an in-depth response.

Thanks!
:D
 
KarmaKills said:
Secondly, I was wondering how I should record guitars. Should I use something like the M-Audio Fast Track or can I get by with putting a microphone in front of my amp?

Third, what microphone would you recommend? Is there a microphone that I can get that's best for what I want and under 100$?

And finally, where exactly should I start? The program I'm using to record is Reaper. Do I do a click track first or can I start right with drums?
Click to expand...

2) Most people prefer to mic their guitar amp. You still need an interface. Not sure if that amp has a line out, but you should try a few different methods to see which sounds best. (eg which one you like best)
3) Shure SM57 - do not get a USB mic
4) Reaper: You will not need a click track if you are programming the drums. They will already be quantized to robotic perfection. You can record the guitars first to a click track if you want to get the guitar parts down. It's a matter of personal preference.
 
Alright, what kind of interface do I need for recording guitar? Something like the M-Audio Fast Track? Also, my amp has line out.
And cool, I'll look into the SM57. What exactly would that plug into?
 
Thanks! So do I have this right:

I buy the "M-Audio Fast Track USB 2 Computer Audio Interface"
Plug the mic into the XLR plug in.
Run the mic in front of my amp.
I record with my own amp into Reaper.

Does this work?

Or are there alternatives? I noticed there's a guitar plug in on the interface. Could I plug my guitar into my amp, then another cable from the line out plug in on my amp, to the interface, to my computer, using Reaper.
 
KarmaKills said:
Thanks! So do I have this right:

I buy the "M-Audio Fast Track USB 2 Computer Audio Interface"
Plug the mic into the XLR plug in.
Run the mic in front of my amp.
I record with my own amp into Reaper.

Does this work?

Or are there alternatives? I noticed there's a guitar plug in on the interface. Could I plug my guitar into my amp, then another cable from the line out plug in on my amp, to the interface, to my computer, using Reaper.
Click to expand...

You got it - you can try both methods or do both at the same time and mix them in reaper.
 
If you buy a drum library, like Steven Slate, or Addicitive or BFD or etc etc. you can program away in the MIDI editor in Reaper... easy

And, hate to burst your bubble... but if you have almost no equipment and almost no experience, recording an EP of "near studio quality" songs might be a bit of a tough ask for a first project. But dive in. You'll work it out on the way.

See you round.
 
Ha, yeah I know man. I realize this is gonna be a huge learning experience, but hopefully after a while I'll get the hang of it and someday record something great. I'm gonna do it! Aha, or at least try to.
 
My 2 cents.. Do not run you amp direct in to your interface as I don't think you will like the tone you get (I sure as hell didn't when I tried at least). Buy a sm57 to tackle guitar and vocals, do bass through the direct guitar input on the fast track, and buy steven slate and try and build some drum tracks (easier said than done ;D). Then I would recommend trying to find people here to mix it for you, being that mixing without monitors is a bad idea and will yield some very un-favorable results.

Drew
 
Thanks for the tips! I'll probably look into finding someone to mix it. My band may not end up having enough money to buy decent monitors, and I probably wouldn't be able to figure out mixing it myself anyway.
And with drums, I've thought about using a MIDI controller but I've heard programing drums can be done without one. I'll probably experiment without one for a while and unless I find out it would be easier using one.
 
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