Newbie trying to record guitar and vocals...

[bdw8]

Alright... I've got a Takamine G Series acoustic electric and I've been playing for a while now. I'm starting to get a little bit more serious about playing and I would like to record my stuff. I have a very powerful computer built for gaming that I would like to get some stuff running on so I can record my stuff.

First off, I will say I have a limited budget... seeing as I'm still a high school student. I'd like to get stuff that will get the job done nicely, but as cheap as possible. I don't have a whole lot of experience with this stuff... just some research that I have done. I would like to know what I would need to get going.

What kind of mic would you suggest for vocals? What kind of interface do I need for the computer? What software should I get? Software price is not really an issue because I live near a software distribution center and I get stuff really cheap.

I have done some research and I have been intrigued by the Line6 GuitarPort. Does anyone any experience with recording with this thing? I like the simplicity of it and most of all the different models and tones you can use. Has anyone ever used this as an interface for recording guitar? What about vocals?

I would like to get some set up (mic, mic stand, some sort of interface, software) thats easy to use, gives me lots of features such as changing tones like if I wanted to emulate an electric guitar with the acoustic,won't break the bank, and sounds decent enough to put on cd.

I'd really appreciate any help I recieve. Thanks in advance.

 

[bdw8]

Would anyone please be so kind of help out? I would really appreciate it.

Thanks.

 

[Stealthtech]

Without going into great detail....

A simple PCI card like an audiophile 2496 should work well in your case.
Software is a tough decision...try some free demos to see what suites you best.
A studio condensor mic will work best for guitar and vocals.
I suggest a Shure Mic
http://www.shure.com/microphones/default.asp#record

The Line6 is pretty much like the jstation which Ive used.
Two RCA outputs or spdif out in which the audiophile will accomodate nicely.

 

[bdw8]

The GuitarPort has USB and I can't find anywhere if you can just skip the whole pci card deal and record straight from it. It tells me that the GuitarPort works with a lot of software for recording, but that doesn't tell me if I still need to plug it into something like the audiophile card you suggested.

I found this on the GuitarPort website:

What recording software can I use with GuitarPort?
You can record with GuitarPort directly into any ASIO, Direct Sound / MME compatible recording software. This includes applications from Cakewalk, Emagic, Steinberg, Sonic Foundry, Magix, and Syntrillium, among others.

With that said, does that mean I don't need the audiophile card? Out of the software stated, which is the one that would be recommended?

Thanks a lot for the reply. Sorry for being a hassle.

 

[dwillis45]

According to Line 6, you can run the GuitarPort directly to a computer via USB. So it does not require an additional soundcard or USB interface. You can monitor through a headphone jack on the back of the unit or you can run a 1/8" line from your existing computer soundcard to the back of the GuitarPort and listen through computer speakers. I think the GuitarPort has a single 1/4" input so it's not ideally suited to accept a vocal mic. You could use a dynamic mic (such as an SM58) with a XLR to 1/4" chord but I would not suggest it for high quality vocal work. That's the advantage of using a stand-alone USB interface. Most good interfaces come with a preamp, phantom power, and XLR in--essentially what you would need to do vocals with a condesner mic.

 

[bdw8]

Thanks a lot dwillis...

I went out to Guitar Center today and the guy in the recording deptartment was clueless. So no help there.

I want nice quality vocals and guitar. I like how the GuitarPort gives you all the different cab models and effects. I'm still wondering if this is best for me. I also looked at a Fostex Multi-tracker (I'm guessing I could use something like this for what I want to do). But I kind of want a lot of effects and what not for the guitar. Fostex's website says that the MR-8 (the one I'm interested in) has some effects. Any suggestions about this stuff? Anyone have some experience with the Fostex stuff?

If I go with the GutairPort route, should I get a nice condenser or dynamic mic?

 

[MemoGtr]

(sol)

hey
if youre just recording acoustic gtr and vocals, id suggest a tascam us122 usb interface (has xlr inputs with phantom power) and a studio projects b1 condenser mic. this will give you decent results you can put in a cd

for software...hmmm i dunno there are so many options
i use adobe audition and is just great, but there are some cheaper options

memo

 

[dwillis45]

It sounds like you're having a hard time focusing on what type of recording system your after. The Fostex equipment is mostly for stand-alone usage, although a lot of people are editing and mixing down to a computer through the MR-8's USB port. It will make your equipment search a lot easier if you can decide on a DAW (computer-based system) or a SIAB (studio-in-a-box) like the Fostex MR-8. It would also help if we knew what kind of music you want to record, what your long and short-term budget looks like, and if you are planning to record just yourself or multiple musicians.

 

[bdw8]

Sorry for making this hard. I just don't want to buy something and be disappointed. This is going to be a long-term purchase, something to last a while. I don't want to go out and buy something and need something completely different later.

I'm going to be recording just my acoustic electric guitar and my vocals. I want something that has a lot of effects and features and I want to be able to maybe play two guitar tracks at most and mix them together and then record my vocals. I'm just trying to get the right stuff now.

My budget is kind of thin. I'm a high school student. I don't want to spend much more than 300-400 or so. Like I said, software is not an issue, because I can get just about anything for close to nothing. Just need the hardware to get going.

 

[dwillis45]

Here's what I would do. First, find a good interface. You will probably want a USB since the firewire stuff tends to be more expensive. Check out the Tascam mentioned above by MemoGtr or products by M-Audio. Here's a good place to start:

http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/cat--USB-Audio-Interfaces--2424

Select an interface that works with your computer and one that offers at least one XLR input with phantom power as well as line/instrument inputs. Then do some research on mics. Look especially at large diaphram condenser mics. There are a bunch out there in your budget range, including several by Studio Projects and Marshall. If you find that you have a slightly larger budget you might look at something like the Shure KSM 27 or the AT4040. It might be helpful to read the Mic FAQ on this BBS or just read some recent posts on the MIC section of the forum.

The USB interface combined with a large diaphram condenser will allow you to mic your acoustic guitar to get a natural sound. In addition, you can do vocals. Since you already have an acoustic-electric, you can also use the 1/4" inputs to plug your guitar directly into the computer. The software you choose should allow you to add whatever effects you want. Just look for software that has built-in effects or accepts plugins. You will be recording "dry" and adding effects as you mix tracks. Later, if money comes your way, you can add outboard effects like a compressor for vocals or effects pedals for your guitar.

 

[bdw8]

Wow... thanks a lot. I know that seems simple to you, but that helps out tremendously. I think I'm going to go for the M-Audio MobilePre:

http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/item--MDOMOBILEPRE

I've been noticing with this recording stuff that they never say AMD processors in the system requirements. I have a 3000+ and I just want to make sure its supported.

Any suggestions software wise that will give me a lot of effects?

 

[dwillis45]

Most of the full featured software packages will give you a standard set of effects. The most important ones are EQ, compression and reverb. In addition, you will often see chorus, tremolo, phase shift, distortion, etc. You can add effects with plugins that can be purchased or sometimes downloaded for free off the net. Plugins come in a wide variety of formats (vst, mas, etc.) so it's important to get the right type that matches your "host" software.

 

[bdw8]

Awesome... Thanks a lot.

I really appreciate it.

 

[Jotosuds]

mobile pre should be fine.

however, if you have the cash, i'd recommend going PCI, ala:

Audiophile 2496 $140
m-audio DMP3 $160

either way, should be fine.

 

[gvarko]

M-Audio

You can't go wrong with that. Get the M-Audio stuff and a Shure SM57 and get recording already....