Newbie seeking advice and knowledge

[golden*wings]

Greetings!

No doubt every few days someone asks the same dumb questions I'm about to pose, but in searching through the threads I haven't found quite what I'm looking for.

I'm a former professional pianist and I write keyboard music, usually w/ vocals. I'd like to purchase a keyboard or controller and use my laptop to record the songs/compositions: just voice and keys. Nothing fancy, but I'd like it to sound good.

So, um, duh, how do I do that?

Are there any books or websites that can give me the information I need?

I've been trying to figure out what equipment I need to get started. A keyboard w/ midi output?

Does a controller (no onboard sounds) work with a computer only with some kind of audio interface? If so, how much money do I have to spend to get a decent interface?

I have a good recording mic; what kind of thingamajig would allow me to record onto the computer?

What software?

Aaargh, you see, I am utterly baffled. Where do I start?

Thanks for bearing with me.

 

[LfO]

There is a great site that will introduce you to all the aspects of home recording:

http://tweakheadz.com/guide

You should be able to find all your answers there, but to get you pointed in the right direction:

Since you want to record vocals, you'll need an audio interface. You'll also need a MIDI interface (many units contain both) to use a keyboard as a controller for softsynths.

There are a number of widely used, loved, and hated pieces of software - the biggest contenders (in my mind):
Digidesign's Pro Tools - its the most common in major studios (though not universal), but their software only works with a few pieces of hardware.
Steinberg's Cubase and Cakewalk's Sonar - I personally use Sonar, but in all honesty, the difference isn't that great - they have large, established user bases and provide similar functionality. In general, people prefer one of these two over Pro Tools for MIDI applications.

Welcome to the boards!

 

[golden*wings]

Thank you

Thanks so much for taking the time to answer. I know that vague, sprawling questions from unknowledgeable luddites can be difficult (and annoying) to answer. Much obliged!

 

[HomeMadeHitShow]

Are there any books or websites that can give me the information I need? I agree with the tweakheadz recommendation. I have not yet found a really good book.

I've been trying to figure out what equipment I need to get started. A keyboard w/ midi output? You definitely need a MIDI out, some keyboard allow the MIDI to be recorded and stored locally and sent to the PC later which is cool.

Does a controller (no onboard sounds) work with a computer only with some kind of audio interface? If so, how much money do I have to spend to get a decent interface? MIDI controllers at home often go straight to the PC, but yes you can get MIDI interfaces but I know nothing about them.

I have a good recording mic; what kind of thingamajig would allow me to record onto the computer? You would need a preamp or something similar. A mixer with preamps built in is another option. Behringer has some solid cheaper one's

What software? There is tons of software, for starting out try AUDACITY which is free though it does not support MIDI. Ntrack is very cheap and very popular and does support MIDI

Aaargh, you see, I am utterly baffled. Where do I start?
We all start somewhere