New At Home Studio Recording

[Love]

Hi guys, so I have decided that I want to do some home studio recording of piano, vocals, and acoustic guitar but I've had tons of problems I've run into and even more questions that need answering, so here goes and any help is greatly appreciated

To start off I plan to record into my laptop which is Windows Vista 64-bit SP2.
I recently bought a M-Audio Fast Track Ultra USB interface and obtained an Apex 435 condensor microphone, and I have the updated driver.
I am currently using Audacity, (since I do not know how to use any other software ), so I need recommendations on software I can use.

I was expecting to achieve quality similar or equal to this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZP4E6dOqUI since I have the same mic, and an equal or (I think) better interface.

I know that he uses Logic for mac and has added effects, but how can I achieve that sort of recording quality? What software + effects do I use?

Problems:

The first thing I noticed was that the gain level for the microphone had to be cranked to the maximum to achieve any sort of signal. Phantom power is on, and pad is off. But I read that it is normal for the M-Audio USB series requiring almost maximum gain.

Now I noticed the apex 435 condensor mic had a constant hiss, and the recording is very muddy - even worse than my crappy laptop mic! So I tried a cheap dynamic microphone and another cheaper Apex pencil condensor and it was already better, but the quality was still mediocre compared to the video.

I have a feeling that the Apex 435 may have been broken, since it was a rental.

I wish to get the quality seen in the video, am I missing something?

Anyways thanks for reading through this excessively long post, (you've got patience) and thanks for your input

 

[Seidy]

maybe the problem is that your apex is working too well, as it's sposed to pick up everything. try not to turn the m-audio to the maximum (get a preamp?). also make sure that nothing in your place makes noise (computer vents, open windows, buzzing adapters, air conditioning and so on.)

oh, and how do you connect the apex and m-audio. with XLR to XLR cable, right?

 

[jdier]

I do not know your interface or mic but if you say they are as good as what that guy is using, I will believe you.

Go download reaper (www.reaper.fm) and work with the plug in effects that come with it.

Sounds like he has EQ'ed his track and added some light compression and some reverb.

You should be able to nail that sound if you can sing and play as well as him.

It all takes time. Where you put the mic is much more important than you will think at first.

Keep trying, you will get it.

 

[jdier]

the other thing you could do is post your recorded track here or email it to someone who would put some effects on it. I would gladly do it if you would like... then I could tell you how your initial recording sounds and what effects I used to (hopefully) improve it.