Need some advice for basic setup, ie: how much/what gear do I need for my purpose?

[zanexiv]

I apologize if this has already been answered a few times, but I couldn't seem to find anything specifically pertaining to what I wanted to ask with the search options. What I would like to do is put down some non-crappy recordings using my laptop (as it's the only computer I currently have). What I want to record is myself on both electric and acoustic guitar, and eventually also myself/my brother on drums and a bass at some point... Cash is not readily available, and I'm looking to stay as "cheap" as possible, as I'm still in college.

Computer is running Windows XP, centrino 1.5, 256mb ram (going to upgrade to 768mb), usb 2.0 and firewire (unpowered).

If it matters, here's what I have so far:
- The computer (duh)
- Peavey KBA 100 amp
- Electric and Acoustic guitars
- One Peavey mic of median quality
- RNC 1773

I will also soon have access to a 5 piece drumset with hi-hat and crash.

I guess my main question is exactly how many recording inputs do I need, and can I get away with using the laptop? I can't afford something like the Digi 002, so don't even bother there. What kind of recording interfaces should I really consider? I have done some research and there doesn't seem to be a clear answer, ie Mbox, MOTU, etc...

Because I'm not looking for anything exceptionally wonderful (since I'm a beginner) I was considering buying a drum mic kit like a Nady set or something equivalent. Would just a 4 mic setup work for me? Also considering a standard mixer with 6-8 XLR inputs. Any suggestions? (are the 250 range yamaha's servicable?) Anyway I figured I would probably need 4 recording inputs but wasn't positive. I'm not looking to record the instruments simultaneously at this point. One at a time, so the 4 recording inputs would really only be for the drum mic's. Can I get away with just 2, or would the drum mic's start to wash together?

Hope my question makes sense. Please ask if I've left an important piece of info out.

Many thanks,
Jeremy

 

[Leeking]

Check out the firewire interface from M-audio... www.maudio.com

For mics, forget those crap Nady stuffs.... check out the mic choices from here: http://www.mojopie.com/micproj.html there are some good budget choices to get you started...

Get some decent monitors as well.... (I don't wanna hear any excuse!)

Then have fun!

 

[seryozha]

I would worry about your Mic quality more then quantity. You can get a real good drum sound using just 2 mics (1 kick, 1 overhead). But those mics have to be pretty good. You'll want a good condesnor mic for the overhead and micing the guitar's anyway.

You could buy the Mbox, but then you would be limited to the two mic inputs.

You could buy something like the Delta 44 and a mixer with direct or sub outs and be able to record 4 channels simultaneusly.

The Options are almost endless.

I do second the opinion above...get some good monitors..


Welcome to the "throw all your money away on sound" club.

 

[tubesrawsom]

Welcome to the "throw all your money away on sound" club.

thts funny cuz my sister always says why do u spend all ur money on this gear u might forget about in a few years but tht doesnt seem possible to me to me cuz once u pop u cantstop