Newbie..duhh...

  • Thread starter Thread starter gavindale
  • Start date Start date
G

gavindale

New member
OK folks..how about helping out a REAL newbie...I own a Dell 500 with 236ram and I like to play the guitar. I don't own any mikes, cords, or any recording equipment but I would like to do some multitrack recording. I have some decent guitars and amps (including bass) and a snare drum. I would like to record digital. Now how about it...what do I need to get started that will not require an engineers degree? Can I get started under 1000 dollars? I am starting to feel like a guppy in a shark tank so go easy on me....Thank you!
 
What soundcard do you have?

The signal from your guitar or microphones will need to be (pre)amplified before going to the soundcard of your computer.

For the guitar or bass, a POD or Johnson J-Station could do. But a preamp would probably suit all your needs.

At least one mic will be necessary (obviously).

Also, you will need a multitrack software. Quartz is free (www.digitalsoundplanet.com).

"Can I get started under 1000 dollars?"

Anytime. What will determine the price will be the quality of sound you're looking for.

Welcome and good luck!
 
Delta Audiophile 2496 $159
Shure sm57 $79
Art Tube MP preamp $89
N-Track software $64

get the Delta card last and use your stock soundcard and decide if you like the PC recording thing first....you can get decent quality from it.......save your $$$ budget and use it wisely......

if your guitar amp has a line out, you can experiment by running a cord from it to the line in of your soundcard just to get a taste.....
 
Thank you for your information...I have a SB Live! Value Digital with MusicMatch Jukebox Enhanced Version Factory install. As I look at the inputs on my soundcard I only see small single jacks for input. Will these work? I can upgrade the sound card if it makes the whole deal work better. When it comes to my guitar amplifier I have a Fender Blues Deville that has a preamp out socket...can I use that for a direct line in? It seems from my reading that the Shure SM-57 is an overwhelming favorite when it comes to mikes.
 
I also have a cd burner in my pc...when I produce something using this set up can I just burn a final? Thanks again.
 
Hi Gavindale,

A SB Live Value should work fine for you, to get started.

(Assuming you are a "one man band", like myself, because you can only record two tracks at a time....)

It only records at 16 bits, 48hz, however. You will have to convert you final mix to 41.1khz in order to burn to CD.

Your ears will be the judge.

The important thing is that you need to have some sort of mixer/ pre-amp, and run it into the LINE IN of your sound card, never the MIC IN (shitty card pre-amps).

I use an old Sansui analog mixer which accepts mic, guitar, or line level inputs, feeding into the line in of my computers sound card.
I recently added a J-Station, for guitar effects (to replace my zoom 505), it is very good, as Gidge will testify...

I have got what I feel are good results...


El Lamo
 
yep the J-Station rocks....but Id take a shot at mic'ing that amp...

for now, yes the preamp out can be used....just get a cord that goes from a 1/4" to 1/8"...run it from the amp to the LINE IN of the card......

once you get your project tracked and mixed down with your multitrack software, yes you can burn it on a CD.....

a better soundcard will make everything sound better, especially when you get into multitrack...but its best to get your feet wet with the SB Live.....

yep the sm57 is a workhorse...best 1st mic i can think of...many pro studios reach for it to mic guitar amps, and some even use it for vocals...i can guess that alot of us here starting doing vocals with a sm57....i started with a Walmart mic:rolleyes:
 
I have just spent time checking out all of your good suggestions on the web and they seem to be right on the money. It looks like I can pull this off and be on my way to immortality, fame, and fortune.....now if I can just find some place to buy some talent and imagination it will be a snap....

I better start typing a Christmas list for Santa....or the ol' lady..
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top