New at Recording: Looking for good software

[wtfuhz]

I'm new at recording and I was wondering what programs are recommended. I want to record a separate track for vocals and an acoustic guitar at the same time but I'm not sure how I'd do that. Can anyone enlighten me please?

 

[c7sus]

Download Reaper. 30-day free trial for full version and $40US if you decide to keep using it.

 

[WhiteStrat]

There all sorts of packages out there from cheap to expensive. If you're just starting out, I'd say you should check out Reaper. And no, it's not barebones--it's a full blown package. It's just cheap--in fact, free to download, then cheap to buy later on the honor system.

I use a pretty expensive package at home, and when I needed to do some recording on a computer at work, I installed Reaper. I was blown away. And a little mad about my expensive software at home!

EDIT: ^^^yeah. what he said^^^

 

[wtfuhz]

Thanks guys. I have a condenser mic and that's pretty much it. What else would I need to record my guitar on another track?

 

[one guy]

An interface and another mic if your planning on doing both at once

 

[WhiteStrat]

Thanks guys. I have a condenser mic and that's pretty much it. What else would I need to record my guitar on another track?

I'm assuming you want to record them at the same time? If so, you'll need another mic, and what's called an interface--you'll need one that supports at least two mics. An interface has preamps to plug mics into (also instruments on most). It then converts the audio to digital and sends it along to your computer--usually via USB for smaller ones.

A good exercise for you, might be to go to Musician's Friend | 800-391-8762 | Free Shipping On Musical Instruments & Audio Equipment and search for interfaces. Even if you don't buy it there, they'll have tons. You can read about 'em, read reviews--and just in general learn up on 'em. I used to do that when I encountered a new piece of equipment I didn't understand.