need low-key recording set-up

[camelface]

Hey guys/girls,

This is my first time posting.

I'm looking for some kind of set-up to record my guitar and maybe other things. All I have is a small tube amp with no headphone out, a guitar, a soundcard with those mini input plugs (like iPod-sized for headphones). Can you help me with the rest?

My options would be a set-up recording onto the computer, or an analog one not involving the comp. I don't like playing with my computer on as it makes a noise, that is why I consider a comp-less rig. I'm not looking for expensive things as I'm not too stuck up on sound quality for these home recordings. For the mic I will probably get a Shure 57.

Thanks for the help.

 

[mjbphotos]

What do you have for a budget?

 

[camelface]

the least possible... I would consider little upgrades that give a relatively great gain in quality but other than that pretty little.

 

[Creep]

Yeah, I'm kind of in the same situation as you here... I'm going to keep reading this thread for possible answers.

 

[Almy]

I like the firewire mixer idea. It lets you not worry about your computer's soundcard, because it becomes your soundcard when hooked up. Plus you get lots of input options, mic pres (albeit cheap.) And it works as a mixer for practice or whatever. And it let's you have more available for later, say you only want one mic and one guitar in for now...maybe in a year you want more. This is good for those of us on a budget because all the gear you get now will eventually be upgraded, so it's nice to delay that as long as possible.

I prefer firewire as it allows you to record tracks individually rather than condensed. And also since FW is better at sustained data transfer than USB/2.0.

There are a lot of other options of course. The FW mixer idea would probably put you at around $200-$500 depending on how many channels you get. Of course you can go a lot more expensive too.

 

[danw]

tape?

If you're not opposed to using a tape machine, look for a used Tascam 424, or something like that. Seems like I've seen them for 200 bucks or less on Craigslist and the like. It uses regular casettes, and you can get pretty decent sounds out of it, especially if you don't need too many tracks. Very good for a starter rig.

 

[TeyshaBlue]

If you're not opposed to using a tape machine, look for a used Tascam 424, or something like that. Seems like I've seen them for 200 bucks or less on Craigslist and the like. It uses regular casettes, and you can get pretty decent sounds out of it, especially if you don't need too many tracks. Very good for a starter rig.

Excellent choice...it'll also present the basic principles of multi-tracking in a pretty easy to digest package. The basics you learn on the 424 will translate to virtually any rig.